Toronto Artist Chris LaRocca Debuts Folk Sound on New Single “slow dance in the diner”
Canadian artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca today released his third single of the year, “slow dance in the diner” on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild.
Ahead of LaRocca’s forthcoming EP dog years, the track showcases yet another facet of his artistic depth. “slow dance in the diner” is somber, smitten, bold, and honest all at once. Listeners witness LaRocca reflect on spending time with his person and his gratitude for the smallest moments. Sonically, he’s as detail-oriented as ever; his vocals are raw, his words unfiltered, and his guitar is crisp and emotional. This marks a significant shift towards the musical storytelling he has long admired but never sought to create – until now. Drawing inspiration from Americana and folk greats, he grounds this single around the traditional stylings and simplicities of each genre.
On the inspiration behind the song, LaRocca shared:
“‘slow dance in the diner’ reminisces on a trip I took with my partner to Halifax in the East Coast of Canada. After visiting Peggy’s Cove, we ended up at the only restaurant open at that hour of night called ‘The Finer Diner.’ They were playing old country music, and it was completely empty aside from the two of us and the guy behind the counter. While we were waiting for what felt like forever for him to come cash us out, we started slow dancing to pass the time. When I think back to that moment, it feels like it was a scene out of a movie, and was one of the few times in this life I have felt the warmth of true love. It was a realization that I rarely have the time to just slow down and live in the present moment, and a reminder to enjoy those moments thoroughly when they present themselves.”
Review
Chris LaRocca’s “slow dance in the diner” sounds exactly like the title suggests — warm, intimate, and soaked in late-night nostalgia.
The lyrics don’t go for big drama — instead, they focus on those small, intimate moments that hit even harder. A line like “it never gets old, to feel your heart race, against mine” is simple, but it lands with real weight. There’s a quiet ache running through the track — a mix of comfort, longing, and something deeply familiar. It’s the kind of song that feels personal, like it already knows your story.
The pacing nails it, too. It’s slow enough to sink into, but there’s still a gentle groove that keeps it moving. Before you know it, you’ve had it on repeat for 30 minutes.
In the end, it’s a beautifully subtle track — honest, heartfelt, and perfect for those late-night drives or quiet moments when you just want to feel something.