Bursting on to the scene with his calamitous, frenzy-charged debut back in 2018, things have only been on the up for artist and Fourth Generation New Yorker Des Rocs. Whether it be dazzling huge crowds on tour, coining a name for his fandom (the Filthy Animals™) or regularly engaging millions of listeners across the world with his frenetic tunes, it’s hard to imagine he’s only been on the scene for 3 small years.

For those uninitiated into the singer’s world of classic Rock and mesmerising guitars, his sound will transport you to the thumping back alley of your local dive bar, complete with plenty of The Black Keys-esque vocals and heavy drumbeats. Like any lover of poker (or The White Stripes), Rocs lives in a world of monochrome and red, these being the only colours dominating his seedy visual world as he communicates life’s many intense horrors.

Today marks the release of his latest five-song EP, hinging on the human condition and the singers’ own personal struggles. “This Is Our Life is a reflection of the now,” he explains. “It’s a piece of art dedicated to the proposition that our greatest tragedies can lead to our greatest strengths, and that’s sure as hell been true for me. [The EP] is the finale of one bittersweet journey and the opening page of another, and the truest representation of who I am as an artist and as a person.”

We decided to catch up with the singer below, talking all things musical heroes and where he plans to take his artistry in 2021. Take a look…

Hi Des – how have you been during this uncertain time?
I’m playing the hand I’m dealt like the rest of us. I think “the times make the man” and I’m determined for my art to be a reflection of what we’re all going through.

How has it impacted your music and creativity?
It’s changed my writing towards a more introspective place without a doubt.

How did growing up in New York influence you sonically?
NYC has a sort of constant frenetic chaos to it that defines every ounce of my personality and music.

Who were your musical heroes growing up?
I was obsessed with Queen, Talking Heads, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and so so so many more.

How would you describe your genre?
Man I guess you could call it Bedroom Arena Rock lol. It’s really a blended up version of my entire life & personality, drawing on everything I love at once.

Congratulations on your latest single “Pieces” – what was it inspired by?
Thank you! “Pieces” is rooted in introspection and torment. I wish it were a happier song, but it isn’t.

And its taken from your EP “This is Our Life” – why that name in particular?
“This is Our Life” is a mirror to the times we live in now. It’s an anthem for our collective struggles and the ways in which I believe our greatest bouts of pain can turn into our greatest strengths.

What ties all the tracks together as a body of work?
They are thematically rooted in struggle and overcoming our personal and collective demons.

What’s the most unusual place you pull inspiration from?
Coffee.

What do you want fans to take from your music?
That I would die for every single word and note.

What’s next for you? What are you looking forward to in 2021?
I’m looking forward to the very second I’m able to get back on a stage, and I’m looking forward to creative a live television special.