Rocky makes music not to chase attention, but to explore and share something real. His music carries a quiet sincerity, rooted in real moments, family life, and the search for meaning through everyday experiences. What began at the piano at age five has grown into a personal archive, songs that speak softly but linger long after. In conversation, he’s thoughtful, open, and grounded, much like his lyrics.

We caught up with Rocky to talk about the evolution of his songwriting, the unexpected success of Better Man, and how old home videos sparked the emotions behind his latest release, The Road That Leads Me Home. Along the way, he shared stories about writing as a form of connection, the vulnerability that comes with referencing loved ones in music, and the role endurance sports play in keeping his creativity alive.

Hey, Rocky! You started playing piano at five. Do you remember when music shifted from being a hobby to something more meaningful in your life?

Music has always been a powerful force in my life, specifically the way it would move me one way or another with different emotions. After college, I really began writing some songs as a way to try to find my voice, so to speak, and what messages I wanted to share with the world. As I grew older, got married, and had children, music took on an even deeper meaning—it became a way to express my thoughts and pass down whatever wisdom I had gained. In many ways, it evolved into a living diary, capturing moments and lessons I hoped to share with my family.

Has your approach to writing changed since your first album or do you still follow the same instincts?

I think my approach is the same, although I’d like to think I’m craftng my skills a little more professionally. I never know when inspiration will hit me, so I continue to try to remain an open book 24/7 with ideas and life experiences to draw from.

Better Man hit number one on the UK Talk Radio Hot 100. When you wrote that song, did you have a sense it would connect so strongly?

Not really, that was a song I wrote for my wife, so it was very personal. My hope has always been to have others connect with my music either through the lyrics or the sentiments, but I never really know what the response will be.

I will say that out of all of my 34 songs written and released, Better Man was the only song that I started and completed in one sitting. No other time did that happen. As much as I tried to go back and edit, I could not find any way to improve upon it. So perhaps in hindsight it was an indication that things really clicked in the songwriting process for that one.

Your lyrics often reflect personal experiences. Is there a song that felt especially vulnerable for you to release?

For me, writing from real-life experiences feels more natural and authentic, but it also requires embracing a certain level of vulnerability. I strive to keep my family life private, yet that’s where I find the deepest inspiration. So when I reference my wife or children in my songs, those moments tend to feel the most personal and exposed. Interestingly, those are also the songs that resonate most with listeners. I think, at the end of the day, we connect through shared experiences, finding comfort in the emotions and stories that feel familiar.

‘The Road That Leads Me Home’ is your latest release. What was the starting point for that song?

Last year, I took on the task of converting some old 8mm reel-to-reel home videos that my parents had saved for decades. As I watched the footage, countless cherished memories came flooding back. It made me reflect on my journey and the many people who have loved and supported me along the way. That sense of nostalgia and gratitude became the foundation for The Road That Leads Me Home. In fact, I even incorporated some of that old footage into the official music video, making it even more special.

There’s a quiet weight to the title ‘The Road That Leads Me Home’. Was the idea of “home” in this song more literal, emotional, or something in between?

Interesting question. Well, it’s not literal since we are no longer in the home we grew up in. So it’s more of an emotional concept. Home is a place where my roots took hold and grew deep. Wherever my journey takes me, I’ll always remain grounded in those roots.

You were nominated for Male Artist of the Year in the Folk and Americana category. How do you define your place in that genre?

I suppose I’m somewhat of a mixed genre musician. I’m an Indy-folk, singer/songwriter with a hint of country, a smidgen of rock, and every now and then a little pop. I try not to write specifically for any particular genre, but rather let the creativity flow and see what organically is born from my inspiration.

If someone’s discovering your music for the first time, which song would you want them to start with and why?

Oh boy, that’s like asking, which child is my favorite! Well, all my songs have special meaning in their own way. If I had to choose, I’d say Eagle might be one that stands out. It’s about the desire to rise above the chaos of life and see things from a higher perspective. At the same time, it’s also a tribute to one of my favorite bands growing up—The Eagles. The second half of the song even includes subtle nods to some of their iconic lyrics and titles—little Easter eggs for true Eagles fans to discover.

Do you remember the first time someone told you your music helped them through something? How did that moment hit you?

I wrote a lullaby called Wishes, inspired by a letter I had written to our children when they were entering their teenage years. It was my way of expressing my hopes and dreams for them. They’re older now, but about a year ago, my son had it in his playlist, and it happened to play at a moment when he really needed to hear those words of love and support. That moment summed it all up for me—that’s what music is about! It’s about striving for connection, about moving people, and reminding them they’re not alone. Those are the moments when we feel most alive.

When you’re not writing or recording, where do you go physically or mentally for creative recharge?

After family, I have two other very helpful balancing passions in life. In addition to the creativity of music, I’ve also been an Ironman triathlete enthusiast for many years. The physical challenge and endurance training provide a great mental reset, helping me clear my head and recharge creatively. The combination of movement and focus creates the perfect space for new ideas to flow. 

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