Toronto, ON’s Rock3t (pronounced “Rocket”) has unveiled his debut full-length album, Body. The album captures the essence of Rock3t’s physical, emotional and spiritual journey while pulling on his Afrobeat roots in 15 powerful songs penned by the rising star. The album is now available on iTunes and Apple Music.
“Music is like therapy for me,” explains Rock3t (pronounced Rocket), the voice behind songs like “Diamonds Everything” and “Neva Gon Stop” that have already established him as the one to watch. “I write about my experiences, leaving hints of life lessons for those who are able to discern. Like a double-edged sword, the meaning can be different depending on the listener. What I love the most is that feeling of writing like a poet and puzzling words to fit. I never force it. The portal opens up and the music flows. Body pulls it all together. It’s the sense of what you want, the materials, the lower state, the flesh. It’s my evolution, the transcending of the physical and spiritual worlds.”
Check out the video for “Fuel” below and find out more about Rock3t via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My love of music goes way back. I grew up in a musical home, singing in choirs as a child and drawing energy from the Afropop and gospel played and performed by my parents and older siblings. Some of my earliest influences were greats like Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and Fela Kuti, whose music moved me with their anthems of hope and self-expression. As my musical tastes expanded, I took my show on the road by covering my favourite rap and hip hop artists. One day, a musician friend approached me to pen some verses and I’ve never looked back. I’m an extraterrestrial, spiritual individual! I’m in my own world on a journey full of adventures to conquer my quest in life! I’ve had a long and winding road to the get where I am today and I am truly grateful to God for giving me the strength and power to overcome many obstacles.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My music is energetic, inspiring, motivational. I’m more like a poet – I tell stories. There is always a story to tell. I never force my writing process or write incoherent words. It comes to me and I piece it together, leaving room for discussion or discernment for the listener. For instance, on my new album Body, there’s a song called “Shine” that’s got a melodic Afrobeat groove, taking listeners on an emotional ride infused with a splash of spirituality. “Shine” was a blessing. The connection I felt in the process of making it was real. It speaks about the magic I feel as I happen upon the spots that I’m really connected to – like my background as an African, and Los Angeles that raised me in music and style.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
My shows are always high energy with a real party atmosphere. Everyone’s on their feet, dancing and singing and having a blast. I have two upcoming shows:
My album release party is on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Gatsby’s Speakeasy (82 Bathurst Street, Toronto, 8 pm-2 am). It’s a chill lounge in Toronto’s trendy King & Bathurst neighbourhood. There’s a fantastic lineup of artists and I’ll be headlining. Come out and get ready for some high energy! It’ll be a moment to remember.
On Saturday, January 4, 2020, I’ll also be performing at The Rivoli (334 Queen St. W., Toronto). As always, prepare to party!
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
It’s hard to choose just one! “Fuel” from my new album Body is a reflection of some of the struggles I’ve been through that have transformed me into the intensely spiritual person I am today, while “Neva Gon Stop” that I released a few years back is an expression of my love for music and hip hop as a gift to be able to make music and kick knowledge at the same time – because I strongly believe in giving back.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/artists?
At the moment if I want good music from Canada, I make it! Unless you give me a Celine Dion classic. What a voice! She is such an amazing singer and her music is so passionate and affectionate. And I continue to draw inspiration from international rappers like Xzibit, KRS-One, Tech N9ne, Twista, 2pac, Nate Dogg and Eminem as well as the Godfather of Soul, the late great James Brown.