Ric “Rocc” Roccapriore
Ric’s friends and family nicknamed him “Rocc” not because he was a musician but because he actually had a problem throwing them through windows. At age seven he began his drumming career slamming and grooving on only the top name brands of pots and pans. By age eight, his mother was tired of pulling wood chips from her 12-quart saucepans and decided to invest in a set of Gretch drums for young Ric.
Since then his talent has landed him appearances on ESPN, ESPN2, Jenny Jones, The Other Half, and a countless number of local TV shows. Ric has toured with several bands such as Edgar Winter, Sophie B. Hawkins, Doni Flanigan and the L.A. Cowboys and the group Even*Rude who were voted Best Rock Band in LA by the LA Music Awards. The band has just signed a record deal with Centerline Entertainment and will be releasing a new album. The bands single, “Vilified” is featured on the first Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game, which sold well over two million copies. Even*Rude was invited to perform at festivals and sporting events such as the X-Games, Gravity Games, Slam City Jam Fest (Canada), Shaun Palmer’s Pro Snowboarder release party, and a spot on Slim Jims Rebell-iache tour. ESPN2’s show X-TRACK, dedicated a full half hour show to Even*Rude with interviews, videos, and a live performance from the Hard Rock Café. They are featured on the Gravity Games Summer Two Thrills and Spills video, Board Wild on the Surf Channel, Blue Torch on Fox Sports and the Extreme Freestyle Moto-X Challenge. MTV, FOX SPORTS and ESPN have Even*Rude’s music in steady rotation. Their song “When Animals Attack” was featured in the movie Butterfly Effect starting Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart. After receiving his first BMI check in January 2004, Ric decided to take a stab at writing his own music. His first song, “PIMP”, was co-written by Alison Sudol (Virgin Recording Artist) and was produced by Randy Cash (A&R/PRODUCER for Elektra). "Pimp" was featured in the opening scene of The Job, featuring Daryl Hannah, Brad Renfro, and Dominique Swain.
Rocc is currently touring with Sophie B. Hawkins and Scientific Lifestyle. He is curently doing preproduction with Bushwalla (featuring Jason Mraz) for his new release. Ric recorded with up and coming artist Andrew Ripp and was fortunate to work with songwriters Jimmy Harry (Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Lisa Loeb), Ahmet Zappa (musician/actor), Chuck Reid (Interscope Records) and Ryan Cabrera (E.V.L.A./Atlantic recording artist). “I play a cardboard box with brushes with Andrew live and won over so many fans because of it. It brings me back to those Connecticut days of pots and pans”. Rocc gained the skills and tools to build a successful career from the Berklee College of Music (Boston) and the Drummers Collective (NYC). Although Rocc doesn’t get in trouble anymore for breaking windows, he still loves throwing down sick grooves and funky beats.
Credits Producers:
Richard Perry (Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross)
Dave Carlock (Blink 182, Richard Marx, STYX, Duncan Sheik, Dolly Parton, Rancid)
Guy Erez (Billy Miles, Holly Palmer, Brooke, Various Artists)
Michael James (The New Radicals, Hole)
Chuck Reid (Interscope Records)
Randy Cash (A&R/Producer for Elektra)
Endorsements:
Vater Drum Sticks {www.vater.com}
Evans Drum Heads {www.evansdrumheads.com}
Artists:
Jason Mraz
Sophie B. Hawkins (In 1992 Sophie's debut album, Tongues and Tails was released to critical acclaim and worldwide commercial success, with an impassioned hit single, "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover, " which went to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles' chart. {http://www.sophiebhawkins.com}
Malo (One of the most successful and enduring Latin rock bands in the world. In 2003, they're celebrating their 31st anniversary. Their biggest hit, "Suavecito" reached number 18 on the Billboard charts in April of 1972).
Edgar Winter (In late 1972 The Edgar Winter Group created such hits as the number one Frankenstein and the ever popular Free Ride. Released in 1973, They Only Come Out at Night peaked at the number 3 position on the Billboard Hot 200 and stayed on the charts for an impressive 80 weeks). {http://edgarwinter.com}
Bushwalla (co-writer Jason Mraz) independent, {www.bushwalla.net} San Diego/Los Angeles
Even*Rude (featured song “When Animals Attack” was featured in the movie Butterfly Effect starting Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart. Featured song “Vilified” on The Tony Hawk Pro Skater Video Game/ sold over two million copies/ endorses Galaxy Drums, Adidas, Hawk Clothing, Porn Star Clothing, JNCO, Vision) Los Angeles {www.evenrude.com}
Malo - Latin Rock Legends (hit song Suavecito)
Doni Flanigan and the L.A. Cowboys {http://www.nicknolan.com/doni/doni.html}
Monro (song “PIMP” featured on the movie The Job) independent, Los Angeles
Andrew Ripp (new artist emerging in L.A.) independent, Chicago/Los Angeles {www.andrewripp.com}
Canine (voted best live band, Boston Music Awards/ featured on ESPN Sports/ endorses Audix Microphones, D’Addario Strings, Seymour Duncan pick ups, Galaxy Drums, Bugz Goggels) independent, Boston
Iration (New England touring Reggae band/ Red Stripe sponsored) independent, Boston
