We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rocco Ramos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rocco below.

Rocco, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Growing up, my younger brother and I explored a range of different sports together before eventually diving into the realm of creativity, specifically drawing and painting. He stuck with it and is now a young and talented artist, but I ended up in music. I started playing drums at the age of 11, shortly after my family and I relocated from Venezuela to Chicago. No one in my family had ever played music before so it was something I was highly curious about.

To explore this newfound interest, I decided to enroll in a music program outside of school known as School of Rock. This experience became a pivotal point in my musical journey. At School of Rock, we didn’t just play classic rock; I delved into various styles such as pop, R&B, punk, metal, and even reggae. Looking back, this wide-ranging exposure really broadened my musical horizons and provided me with a versatile skill set.

Beyond the music, School of Rock became a melting pot of friendships that would shape my adolescent years. I got to collaborate with my friends by making music and playing shows. We formed our own high school music scene. But these friendships weren’t just about shared interests; they were about creating a supportive community that fueled our collective passion for music.

The camaraderie among my talented friends created an inspiring environment, pushing each of us to practice and strive for improvement. Our shared dedication fostered a sense of accountability and mutual encouragement.. I am profoundly grateful for the friendships I made during those formative years, as they played an instrumental role in shaping not only my musical abilities but also my character.

As I continued to play live and immerse myself in the creation of music, a profound love for the art form blossomed within me. It became increasingly clear that pursuing a career in music was not just a passing interest but a calling. The experiences I made at School of Rock along with the supportive community I found there remains a cherished part of my ongoing pursuit of artistic expression.

Rocco, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

What I love most about music is how it brings people together. It’s not just about the songs; it’s a way for me to connect with listeners and fellow musicians. Through rhythm alone I’m able to express my indescribable emotions. I really feel like I’m tapping into something greater than me.

While my primary focus has always centered on live drumming, I’ve been studying the intricacies of audio engineering. The ability to manipulate and mold sound not only expands my technical proficiency but also introduces a new level of expression to my artistic endeavors. I’ve played drums for various recording projects, and now I’m excited about learning how to mix bands. But in the end this journey is not just about learning; it’s about discovering more about myself, growing, and working together with others through the language of music.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I met many incredible musicians my first year of college. I spent a significant amount of time jamming with new people, trying to forge connections that would shape my journey. The first band that I joined was with some like-minded friends who shared a passion for the same music genres. Our sound was very much inspired by early psychedelic rock bands like Pink Floyd, but it was also very heavy and progressive.

Throughout the course of almost a year, we played many different shows across Los Angeles and had a blast playing to our friends. The culmination of our efforts led us to the creation of enough original songs for an EP. So we hit the studio at our school and got to work. Although we had successfully tracked all the drum parts, our journey as a band hit an unexpected roadblock when internal differences beyond the realm of music led to the group splitting up. Signs of friction were already noticeable in our final rehearsals. The disbandment was a devastating blow, considering the rapid growth and promising direction we were heading in. Reflecting on the experience, I can’t help but ponder the “what ifs” and the potential that lay ahead. However, as a musician, resilience is key, and acknowledging that life must go on becomes imperative.

Today, I find myself consistently involved with drumming in five separate bands, each representing diverse genres and occupying different points in their artistic progress. Each project brings its own set of challenges and triumphs, contributing to my ongoing growth as a musician. While the memory of that initial band lingers, the experiences I’ve accumulated since then have solidified my conviction that the realm of music is dynamic, offering limitless opportunities for personal and artistic evolution.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Last year marked a pivotal moment for me when I attended a screening of the re-release of the classic Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense.” While I had previously listened to a couple of their albums and enjoyed their music, it wasn’t until that cinematic experience that I truly appreciated the innovative brilliance of the band. The fusion of afro-beat and punk, coupled with David Byrne’s eccentric stage presence, revealed the avant-garde nature of Talking Heads in their day. Witnessing their musical prowess and Byrne’s captivating moves on stage left an impression, making me realize just how ahead of their time the band was.

David Byrne’s explanation on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert further deepened my connection to the band’s ethos. The revelation that the title “Stop Making Sense” is a reminder to trust one’s feelings and instincts struck a chord with me. It resonates with my own journey, particularly in the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Like any artist with a dream, I have been navigating this path by trusting my instincts and embracing the uncertainties that come with it. I highly encourage anyone who has not seen the film to go and watch it and I cannot wait for the tribute album coming out soon.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wholelottahair.wixsite.com/wholelottahairband
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocc0ram0s/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1YP8OHrVINHANVMav76cHA
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thewickeddivine/ https://www.instagram.com/rimaxmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/b1gch0mp3rs/