Catch up with Dublin-based funk/rock artist, Rocstrong, and listen to first single, "Go'Head", from his forthcoming EP, S.O.W.Y.G., to be released this May.
What first got you interested in music?
Rocstrong: Honestly, the best memory I have of what got me into music was seeing the attention my sister got when she was being coached/managed by my dad; she was a great singer and dancer. I just wanted the opportunity to steal her shine and when the day came that I got it, I grabbed it with both hands and sang my ass off.
Which musicians have you been influenced by?
When you listen to my sound closely you can kind of hear lots of influences, but the one who sticks out the most would be James Brown. He made the biggest contribution to music, I think, and inspired a lot of the greats that have passed and that we still know and admire today. Speaking about most recent influences, I really enjoy what Pharrell Williams does; he’s in a league of his own.
If you were to make a playlist to share with your fans, which three songs - from other artists - would you have to include?
Pharrell Williams - "Come Get It Bae"
Justin Timberlake - "Suit & Tie"
Macklemore - "Thrift Shop"
How would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard your music before?
I would describe my sound as today’s sound of motivation, funky, fun, catchy and addictive; a sound that leaves you with a feel-good feeling after every listen.
What were your inspirations for your single "Go'Head"?
"Go’Head" is a song with a message, that message is to just do what you want to do but do it good, it’s a song to motivate those that make excuses for not doing what they want. I was one of those people. It’s, in my view, a very unique sound and the lyrics inspired me to make sure it turned out as it did.
Could you tell us more about your upcoming EP and what we can expect to hear on Show Off What You Got?
My upcoming EP titled S.O.W.Y.G. (Show Off What You Got) is one big project that has one goal and that’s to inspire and motivate. The title itself isn’t so hard to crack and it simply says: if you’ve got something good? Show it. Just, like, if there’s something out there that you want to do? Then go’head and get it done! That being said, it’s going to be full of very strong catchy songs and those that have been waiting won’t be disappointed.
In one sentence, how would you sum up the EP?
The EP is an inspirational and motivational EP full of real head boppers, catchy lyrics and clever word-play.
What do you hope your listeners can take away from your music?
I hope it’s exactly what they’ve been waiting for and that they really see the best of me in every song. It’s been a long time coming and I’ve definitely got a lot to prove. However, I would like it to be known that I’m not at all scared of the journey ahead.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
The best is still to come and I haven’t even started to warm up yet. Thank you for the interview and if you want to keep up to date with what’s going on with me, check out www.officialrocstrong.com. It has the link to all my social medias, tour dates and anything that’s going on in Rocstrong’s world.