WillRock is a British guitarist who has just emerged on synthwave scene. He had some great tracks on the web, so we reached out to him. Here’s what he had to say.
11/21/2017 – You’re newest album is only three tracks long, and only one of them is a ‘synthwave’ track. But, there’s a special story behind it. You’re raising money for your friend who has cancer.
Yes, you’ve pretty much covered the basics on this already, there isn’t too much for me to add – the album was put together for my friend who has cancer – all proceeds go towards her treatment. That synthwave track is actually going to be on an upcoming Synthwave EP I’m working on!
As for the album, You can buy it here: https://willrock.bandcamp.com/album/restless-heart
Lets go back to your previous album, Journey To The Centre Of The World. You included a cover of the infamous ‘Moon Theme’ from the Ducktales NES game. What is it about this particular song that attracts so many musicians to cover the song? (BTW: Very nice original arrangement of the tune).
I guess it is “infamous” to a point, being so popular but to me, its just an amazing song. The melodies are a work of genius, in my opinion. As for why I picked it, I was used to doing less known stuff for OverClocked Remix albums/competitions and I just wanted to cover something more popular! Its inclusion on Journey to the Centre of the World was a suggestion of my sisters, who told me the sound fit with the albums style.
Obviously, your guitar playing is top notch and at the forefront of your tracks. Do you consider yourself a guitarist first and foremost who also likes synthwave music or is it the other way around?
It’s a little hard for me to answer this question. You might have noticed that my synthwave music has a strong rock influence. I’m pretty much an 80s rock guy. Bon Jovi, Journey, Van Halen, Toto, W.A.S.P., Whitesnake… Musically I take my cues from them, but Vince Dicola is also a massive influence on my work which comes through very strongly in my Synthwave.
I don’t listen to Synthwave as much as general 80s rock so I think the most “correct” answer I can give you is i’m more of a guitarist who also likes synthwave. That said, i’m probably more into my synths overall.
How is the overall music scene in the UK now? Are bands still playing live and people supporting shows?
For Synthwave, I can’t say – I’m too new in that field – but there is a chiptune scene of sorts down in london thats doing well, and there’s plenty of opportunities for gigs at gaming conventions too, which I perform at sometimes.
What about the electronic music scene? Is it thriving?
In general? Electronic is a very broad term – I’d need more specifics – but I’d assume so! hahahaha
Are you currently working on any new chiptune music?
I am actually! I have a collaborative project planned with my friend Emery “DaMonz” Monzerol for 2018, but as of right now, I’m focusing my attention on my Synthwave EP.
Which video games are you playing these days?
In general, people have been playing Sonic Mania and Cuphead mostly. As for me, I am a terrible person who doesn’t follow trends, so I’ve been playing Quake III Arena and Final Fantasy VI.
Anything else you would like to promote or share? Any friends in the genre you’d like to give a shout out too?
Check out OverClocked Remix and GameChops for game remixes, Tiny Waves and Ubiktune for game inspired music, and Chiptunes=Win for Chiptune. You’re bound to find some amazing music there from many of my good friends. The only person I work with who is out of these circles is Valentino Francavilla who has provided amazing Iron Maiden style vocals on my music over the years. He’s an incredible musician and is part of a band called Shockfront, who are band inspired by 80s giants such as Scorpions or Dokken. They released an album on bandcamp you can find here: https://shockfront.bandcamp.com/releases