In this interview spotlight, I chat with Stanley Rose about his music, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from Long Island, NY–that’s where I began playing guitar in the 1980s, and got exposed to so many great bands and musicians since there was such a huge music scene in and around NYC. It’s also where I took lessons from a young John Petrucci, who later became known as one of the world’s best rock guitarists through his work with the band Dream Theater. Later, I lived in Virginia, Seattle, and northern California before settling in Colorado. Im moving to Flagstaff AZ next with my fiancee–so, a lot of moving.
My music is ecelctic. It runs the gamut from acoustic ballads to heavy metal. Some of it is heavy guitar, some of it is synth EDM. The common theme is psychedelic, dreamy stuff that challenges the listener.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve always found great emotional release and learning with music. I’ve been playing music for as long as I remmeber. I started as a violinist in elementary school. Music is *the* universal language–it connects us all as humans. I keep playing and composing because it brings me great joy. If it brings anyone else even a slight bit of enjoyment, then I feel ahead of the game.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This release, my eight album and third lyrical one (first 5 were mostly guitar instrumental) is heavier, more guitar and drum driven. It’s a throwback to my rock and roll and heavy metal roots. Led Zepellin was my first huge favorite band–then later Metalic. So I was going back to that in-your-face, energenic feel.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Obviously without big labels promoting you, and a huge sea of basically free music, the challenge is being heard. You have to stick out from the crowd somehow. I’ve partly tried to do that by producing all my own music videos, since my primary day ‘job’ is professional photographer. Lots of time lapses and animations of landscapes that I have photographed. There are zillions of photographers and zillions of musicians, but not many people do both tings together as a single creation. Technology obviously helps here because with programs like After Effects and Photoshop, along with music software, you can basically produce professional looking stuff by ourself on a limited budget. Ther other way technology has helped me is by giving me access to some of the world’s best session musicians. For example, I had Jason Bittner, considered to be one of the world’s best rock drummers, play on one of my metal tunes on this album (desperate times). Chris Clancy, a world class vocalist, did the vocals. I did it all remotely; Jason tracked the drums in New York, and Chris recorded vocals in England. None of this would have been possible 20 or even 10 years ago. It’s an amazing time to be a producer of music.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
My vimeo site: vimeo.com/stanrose. All my new music ends up there as music videos.
Anything else before we sign off?
Yeah, never deny your passions. You don’t have to be the next big ‘name’ to make an impact on the music scene; just be patient and dedicated. Then you will have no regrets. I’m always looking forward to making new music, and if anyone comes along for the ride, it’s just icing on the cake. Rock on!
