Los Angeles indie rock sensation Rocket is experiencing a meteoric rise, marked by an upcoming tour supporting the iconic Smashing Pumpkins and the highly anticipated release of their debut album, 'R Is for Rocket'. The quartet, comprised of lifelong friends, has rapidly ascended since their formation, garnering significant buzz and a dedicated following. Their journey, rooted in a shared passion for music cultivated since high school, culminates in this pivotal moment, promising an electrifying new chapter for the band.
This remarkable trajectory highlights the band's unwavering dedication and artistic vision. Their debut full-length, meticulously crafted in renowned studios, is poised to unleash a dynamic, Nineties-infused rock sound that builds upon their earlier success. As they prepare to embark on their first headlining tour, Rocket stands ready to captivate a broader audience and solidify their position in the contemporary music landscape, driven by their authentic sound and a profound connection to their craft.
The Ascent of Rocket: From Friendships to Stardom
The Los Angeles indie rock band, Rocket, is poised for a significant breakthrough, marking their ascent with the news of an upcoming tour alongside their alt-rock idols, the Smashing Pumpkins. This impressive achievement comes even before the release of their debut album, 'R Is for Rocket,' slated for an October 3 release via Transgressive Records. The band members, including guitarist Desi Scaglione, lead singer and bassist Alithea Tuttle, drummer Cooper Ladomade, and guitarist Baron Rinzler, expressed overwhelming joy and disbelief at the opportunity to share stages with a band that has profoundly influenced their sound. Their manager's announcement triggered emotional responses, underscoring the magnitude of this milestone for a group that has quickly gained recognition since their 2023 debut EP, 'Versions of You.'
The band's upcoming album, 'R Is for Rocket,' promises an explosive introduction to their dynamic, Nineties-inspired rock sound. Recorded across notable venues like 64 Sound and Foo Fighters' Studio 606, the album is expected to justify the growing hype around Rocket. Following the album's release, the band plans to embark on their first official headlining tour, with stops in cities such as Nashville and New York. Despite their recent successes, including a buzzy SXSW appearance and an NME cover, the band members remain grounded, often checking ticket sales with a sense of wonder. Their journey began in high school, where the four members connected, although Tuttle and Ladomade's friendship dates back to preschool, showcasing a deep-rooted bond that forms the foundation of their musical collaboration.
Crafting Their Sound: Dedication and Authenticity
The formation of Rocket in 2021 was a natural progression of long-standing friendships and a shared passion for music. While the band members had known each other for years, with some friendships tracing back to early childhood, their collaborative musical journey truly began during the pandemic. Alithea Tuttle, initially set on a dance career before a spinal injury, found herself collaborating with her high school sweetheart, Desi Scaglione, on melodies and songs. This creative spark quickly led them to invite their long-time friends, Cooper Ladomade and Baron Rinzler, to complete the quartet. Their early days involved rigorous practice sessions in Ladomade's parents' backyard studio, driven by a collective commitment to excellence before their first live performance, opening for indie rock act Milly. This philosophy of meticulous preparation and artistic integrity has remained a cornerstone of their work.
The creation of 'R Is for Rocket' exemplifies their dedication to their craft. The band initially recorded most of the tracks in early 2024, but after experiencing the songs live, they decided to return to the studio for further refinement. This iterative process allowed them to fully realize their artistic vision, reimagining certain tracks, including the new single "Wide Awake," which they consider one of their strongest. The band emphasizes that their measure of success isn't solely external validation; rather, it's about creating music that evokes genuine emotion in listeners. The album's artwork, a skydiving photograph of Tuttle's late father, is a deeply personal tribute, highlighting the emotional depth embedded within their work. As Rocket stands on the precipice of their debut album release, they acknowledge the singular opportunity this moment presents, determined to make the most of this unique chance to introduce their music to the world.