Meet Rocky Rose | Multi-Instrumentalist Musician, Composer, Performer & Aerialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rocky Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rocky, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“Pick one thing and be really good at it,” they said…. but I couldn’t pick just one. I took a risk by pursuing a career in music to begin with, so why stop at just being a performing musician?! I graduated Berklee College of Music and went on to receive my Masters of Music in Composition for Screen from the Royal College of Music in London. Do I love conducting a piece I composed for orchestra? YES! Do I love writing hybrid scores for tv shows and films? Absolutely. Was I happy being stuck behind my computer screen every day? Hell no.

I grew up wishing I had more female role models that were successful in multiple industries with multiple talents, and my ADHD brain wouldn’t let me settle for just one thing. I think it’s something that all little girls SHOULD grow up with – in the words of Geena Davis “If she can see it, she can be it” – and in my own, “if she can dream it, she can achieve it”.

I’m proud to have a heavy hustle. One of my favorite films I’ve composed in the past couple years with my co-writer Leigh Roberts is a documentary that stars Geena Davis herself, speaking about gender parity in the film and tv industry, called “This Changes Everything”. It features interviews from some of the top women in the industry including Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Oh, Cate Blanchett, and many other powerful female talents.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a performing musician I sing, play sax, guitar, keys and synths (even a KEYTAR!) and I love running across a stage. I’ve begun a lifelong passion of mine of releasing music under my alter ego – Rocky Rose! I released my first single and music video for “Let’s Ride” in 2021. https://youtu.be/bfPfFtYMw1M

I’m currently the music director of an all-female, Vegas-style production: Femmology. We are an all-female empowerment band with a specific array of corporate clients, events, and venues. Our show includes a large cast of diversely talented singers, musicians, dancers, aerialists, and special effects.

And since I obviously can’t keep my feet on the ground, I’m also an aerialist who loves to fly! I’ll even be performing aerial arts in the upcoming Femmology shows, which will also showcase my single, “Let’s Ride”!

I even own my own Etsy shop – RockyRoseArt – where I sell custom, one-of-a-kind mixed media pieces, wine cork art and also sell my Rocky Rose music merch line I personally designed! I also do custom headdresses and Halloween-inspired pieces, and even dabble in special effects makeup.

I’m also a Professor of Orchestration, Film Composition and Songwriting for Thinkspace Education.

I’m a project manager for Rhythmic Rebellion, a robust new music platform that’s an all-in-one marketplace for artists and their musical teams. www.rhythmicrebellion.com

I even designed and host my own artist site on their fantastic platform! www.rockyrosemusic.com

Be sure to keep up with live show schedules from artists I perform with – from prog rock metal artist Rocky Kramer to pop sensation Chloé Caroline.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’ll tell you what… one of the most amazing ventures I’ve gotten into all began with Julo Oyanedel and Liz Collins for my debut single and award winning music video for “Let’s Ride”. They scheduled an intricate and epic day of filming all over Los Angeles – in a gorgeous 1959 Chevy Corvette. I spent 12 hours cruising all over some of the most iconic LA spots to film the scenes across the music video – ending with a sunset view on Mulholland Drive. Talk about a driving tour!

Favorite coffee on this planet: Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts in Toluca Lake. Their blueberry vanilla iced coffee and bookstore coffee shop vibes can’t be beat!

My favorite beach is undoubtedly Venice – where all things musical, colorful, and eclectic combine.

My absolute favorite humans that the world needs to know about: My uber talented multi-instrumentalist husband, Mike Clairmont, my tiny musical twin & aerialist partner, Ariel Bellvalaire, my rockstar photographer and best friend Kelli Hayden, and the woman who’s the source of my inspiration and continuously encourages me to pursue every aspect of my dreams, my amazing Mom.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Stacey O, the mastermind behind Femmology. I truly believe in her vision for this production and our entire movement – and cannot thank her enough for inviting and allowing me to showcase my talents as a singer, performer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist musician and aerialist.

Website: www.rockyrosemusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockyrosemusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonpiccioni

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/rockyrosemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockyrosemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCibQxiTEahWYyV5Tf-f32Wg

Other: ETSY SHOP: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RockyRoseArt

Image Credits
All photos: Photographer credit: Kelli Hayden. First photo uploaded includes musician Rocky Kramer. Photo of Etsy headdresses was taken by and actually INCLUDES photographer Kelli Hayden.