Interview: Rock Artist Dez Rocket Discusses His New Single/Video "Shocktane"
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“Always stay young at heart, it helps keep the spark alive. Don’t put much credence into what people say, do what you love the most and always follow your bliss.”
What is your creative process when developing new music? Also, what are some things/people/places that inspire your artistic creativity?
For me it’s about getting out of the way.. almost like mindful meditation. The more my mind shuts off the more open I am to the flow of creativity, cosmic flow. I call it ridin’ the wave. When I write, typically, the music emerges simultaneously with the theme and often time some lyrics and at least a working title. The less blockages I have that particular day the more information is able to pass through.
I don’t like to start with any direction or plan, I just let go and start cruising. I also feel the need to write everyday because it’s been my therapy, my church, for so long. It’s also a direct communion with Source, which can be very addicting! You never know by whom, what or when you’ll be inspired, so it’s good to keep the eyes, ears and curiosity of a child at your side and always be ready for the next spark.
Salute to you on your awesome new single/video "Shocktane". First, tell us about the song; what inspired you to write it and what does "Shocktane" mean?
First off, thanks I really appreciate that! So, Shocktane is a word I created that means to be overwhelmed, consumed by insanity, absurdity, mind control, manipulation, so much so that you become numb, almost detached. Like the next step beyond desensitization.
Shocktane the “drink” used in the “Shocktane” music video was just a 3 dimensional depiction of an abstract thing like making someone crave... manipulating them into craving the very thing that is only meant to harm them. The whole concept blows me away. I think waking up every day and questioning our very existence for decades was my inspiration for “Shocktane” lol.
We're blown away by the "Shocktane" visual; how long did it take to shoot and edit it, and how did you and your team come up with the treatment?
Wow thank you so much! So it was a 3 day, 3 location shoot. We all had so much fun and we all worked very hard. I think the first day, the apartment scenes, we shot 87 takes. Long day.
Anyway, I wrote the treatment, storyline with backstory, then sent it to graphic artist Justin Curry who storyboarded it. The magic I think was all started by the incredible camera work by our very talented DP Adrian Proleiko. The editing was a bit more of a grind. Editing supervisor Caleb Wieland and I pinballed off each other for a couple weeks remotely, but it was when we got in the same room and hammered it out for 10 hours is when i think it really took shape. He did an incredible job. They all did!
Will the "Shocktane" song be appearing on an upcoming EP or album this year? If so, what can you tell us about it?
Yes, thanks for asking, it’s on my new album! It’s called “Dezert Rocket”... I didn’t put much thought into it! Lol! Ten tracks on it.
The story behind the recording was almost more incredible than the album itself but that’s a long story for another time. “Shocktane” was the first single, dropped on January 29th... had another one “Fooled You” drop in March... my plan is to continue to release singles throughout the year, 5 or 6 singles, then let the whole album go sometime in autumn, mid to late autumn. I’ll set a solid release date this summer.
From when you initially started creating music to where you are now in 2021, what are some things that you have learned about yourself as an artist?
I’ve learned not to take things for granted and that my ego was not my friend! Lol. It also took me awhile to learn that the hardships were the most important element of my growth.
I also used to think about things like where do the songs and ideas come from or worry that I would run out or lose the ability to write more songs, stuff like that. I don’t anymore. I learned I’m better when I don’t “try”, I just “do”. Whatever that may be. Do the pitfalls of negativity and self doubt still wait to jump on me? Ya they still do, I just recognize it now and redirect back to positivity.
Always stay young at heart, it helps keep the spark alive. Don’t put much credence into what people say, do what you love the most and always follow your bliss.
Stream and Share “Shocktane” on Spotify
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