Prelude Press
Prelude Press – An independent music outlet focused on discovering and sharing the best emerging artists and diving deeper with the ones you already love.
Toronto’s Chris LaRocca has released his new single “normal guy” on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. The artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has now released four singles this year – all leading up to his forthcoming EP dog years arriving this fall.
The new song exhibits LaRocca’s ability to effortlessly build a world around a single moment in time. The lyrics tell a story of his own insecurities, as he compares himself to a woman that’s out of his league. Self-reflection sits at the center of LaRocca’s artistry, and behind the lyrics to “normal guy” there is something even deeper – a metaphor about the music industry. In an oversaturated landscape of uniquely talented artists, it’s easy to fall victim to imposter syndrome. Sonically, “normal guy” brings funkier stylings into play with shimmering chimes, retro keys, and 70s-era guitar rhythms. It’s reminiscent of all-time greats like Fleetwood Mac and Steely Dan, and newer acts like Still Woozy and Vulfpeck.
On this single, LaRocca shares: “‘normal guy’ is a song about self-deprecation and putting others on a pedestal – two bad habits of mine that I have tried to unlearn over the last few years. this song has really become a note to self to look in the mirror and be proud of the person I see, especially in the last year, after experiencing a lot of change and challenges in my personal life. recorded around the world – from Mexico, to Los Angeles, to my bedroom studio in Toronto – this song has truly taken on a life of its own and has a special place in my heart both creatively and thematically, and serves as a constant reminder to always keep some room in my heart for myself.”
Since the start of the year, LaRocca has welcomed three eclectic singles – “ladybug”, “laundry day”, and “slow dance in the diner”. Each release has showcased a different style, from indie-pop to Americana, and poignant memories from a year that felt like a lifetime. LaRocca continues to dig deeper as he nears the EP, reaching inwards to share vulnerable truths with long-time fans and new listeners alike.