Michigan singer/songwriter Rocky Wallace has been singing since before she could talk. Her mom convinced a local music school near Detroit to provide voice lessons to Rocky, and from there her education was non-stop, from classical to gospel to nearly every genre and era of music. Although Rocky was always getting into trouble at school, she assured her mom not to worry, that she would become a singer when she grew up! Her musical influences include the likes of Stevie Nicks, Ella Fitzgerald, Carrie Underwood, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana and Aretha Franklin, but Rocky aspires to sound like no one else except her own unique self. Her original songs include “Center of Gravity,” featured in the 2019 animated movie Artic Dogs. The best way to get to know Rocky Wallace is to see her on stage, where she exudes incredible presence, energy and emotion. Catch her live with a full band, singing favorite covers as well as original songs in the intimate setting of The Willis Show bar in an event hosted by The D Brief on Thursday, February 27th.
We asked her a few questions…
1. You wanted to be a singer from a very young age. Tell us how your musical journey got started.
My musical journey really got started after I watched the movie Grease. I was obsessed with that movie and I sang all the songs! The keys to my musical career have really been my parents. Their support and encouragement have allowed me to continue on my journey.
2. What do you love most about being a singer/songwriter? What about the “business of music” do you enjoy least?
I enjoy just singing and being able to emote through music and connect with people through music. I least enjoy having to self promote. I’m a fairly introverted person so having attention on myself off stage is sometimes difficult.
3. Tell us about some of your most memorable times on stage.
I’ve been really blessed to have a lot of amazing experiences performing. We recently had the opportunity to open for Rick Springfield so that was a really great experience.
4. Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences are definitely Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse. I find inspiration in anything. From conversations, to books, and movies – it really varies. I have really vivid dreams, so I get a lot of inspiration there. Lately, I’ve been getting inspirations durning meditations.
5. How did “Center of Gravity” come to be included in the Artic Dogs soundtrack, what was that whole process like?
Yesss! It was our publishing company that was looking for a song for the end title and so they reached out to my label. My songwriter, Frankie Jason Turner, producer, Matt Geroux, keyboard player, Ryan Romanik, and I got on it and submitted the track.
Extra Credit: If you could spend a studio day with any of the Motown artists, living or passed, who would you choose and why?
I would probably choose Berry Gordy because I would love to be pushed and coached like he would do.
Find out more about Rocky and her music at http://www.everythingrocky.com/
The D Brief Presents: Rocky Wallace and Friends – Rocky will be performing live with her band and special guests at Willis Show Bar this Thursday, February 27th. Two live sets at 8pm and 10pm. DJ's will be spinning tunes before, in between and after the live sets, and pop up food from Exchange Detroit will be available for purchase. Reserve $5 tickets online, or pay $8 day-of:
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