A Conversation with Rocco DeLuca – HuffPost 9.8.14

Mike Ragogna: Rocco, Daniel Lanois produces your project, a new self-titled album, though you’ve worked with him on your material before. How did you guys initially meet?

Rocco DeLuca: We met in Toronto once, then he came to my show with an eight ball and two hookers. I knew we would be friends for life.

MR: How does this album differ sonically and creatively from your previous releases?

RD: Sonics are high because Daniel is second to none when it comes to audio. He continues to push those boundaries with every project.

MR: What inspired or are a couple of stories behind these songs?

RD: These are inspired from letters that I would write to loved ones–some never were sent–I would come up with melodies while riding through the mountains and backroads of the country.

MR: You’ve worked with various artists including Slash. How have your collaborations influenced how you approach recording? How have you grown both in front of and in back of the board in the studio?

RD: I learn from everyone. Everyone has a particular line on something. I have little analog board in my little room and try to improve on things. Watching Lanois perform mixes in front if me has changed everything. I can’t do it, but I know what it could be.

MR: Have you ever had any significant guidance as to your song crafting, recording techniques or musical career overall?

RD: Not really. I just read, and observe the things that turn me on like Big Bill Broonzy record on full throttle showing us what’s what

MR: What is the story behind I Trust You Tov Kill Me, the album and the documentary?

RD: Never a dull moment with some good friends. They brought me along for the ride. I can’t wait to get back to Reykjavik!

MR: What was it like working with Kiefer Sutherland on your video for “Save Youself,” a track from Mercy?

RD: Kiefer and I just laugh at each other. He’s so good at what he does. I have a lot love for him, his heart is bigger than Texas and I look forward to another project together.

MR: What advice do you have for new artists?

RD: I would hope that a new artist wouldn’t try to please or be liked by anybody. I would hope that they did a thing for its own sake. An ambitious musician is one of the scariest things I have ever seen.

MR: What are you working on beyond the promoting the new album and what does the somewhat near future bring for you musically and personally?

RD: I want to live out my blues dream, wood shedding, sleeping under the stars, crystal clear pure tone and slide guitars moaning until I cry, and helping my friends, including Davey Cooperwasser and Jonathan Wright who are this tour with me.