Playlist Envy Caught up with Rock Hensley an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Rock is currently the frontman and vocalist for the American Hard Rock/Alternative band “Ascend to the Kingdom” This artist talks about life, shows, his new music video, and how he draws inspiration.
PE: What inspired you to start music?
RH: I first got into music at the age of 11. My grandpa was a big fan of Johnny Cash and would play and sing his songs on the guitar. I was hooked from the moment I heard him play and I knew I wanted to learn how to play guitar as well. He bought me my first guitar as a Christmas present and I remember I didn’t leave the room till I was able to play a chord, I took it seriously for a kid that age and it’s safe to say I’ve been hooked ever since.
PE: If you weren’t doing music what other career do you see yourself doing?
RH: If my music had never gone anywhere I could only myself in Law Enforcement. We’re a family. And It’s always been a fulfilling career to know that you’re serving your community.
PE: What do fans of yours have to look forward to in the near future, are there any surprises to come?
RH: Absolutely, we’re currently in the editing process for our first-ever music video. I’m excited to get it out to everybody, it sums up the whole album really well.
PE: When you’re working, what inspires you or what do you draw inspiration from?
RH: When I work on music I often find my inspiration comes from whatever I’m going through at that particular time. I could draw inspiration from walking around a store and seeing a lot of people looking depressed wearing masks and go and write a song called “Take off the Mask.” Usually, I feel the urge to write music and head to the studio when I feel a certain way and know that I can make a song that people will be able to relate to.
PE: Is there any advice you would like to give your younger self for coming into the music industry or something to help the songwriting/producing process?
RH: Honestly if I could talk to my younger self I would tell him good job. Growing up I can’t tell you how many teachers told me I’d never make it into the music industry. My whole life that only made me fight harder to achieve these dreams. I’ve always had heart. I never gave up. As far as songwriting, I don’t think that has ever changed, I always wrote about real-life stuff that people go through.
PE: What’s the meaning of your latest release “Vengeance”?
RH: Vengeance is an album about a previous relationship that I wrote over the course of a year and a half.”
Watch the Official Lyric Video to the final signal “Fake” off the album Vengeance below
PE: What are your plans for the rest of the year?
RH: Do shows, continue to grow our base, and keep our label happy with the songs that we’re making.
PE: I heard you are working on new material, what can fans expect from the new album? Do you guys have a name for the new album?”
RH: We’re still a few songs short of a full-length album but I would say expect a pretty heavy album with this one. Vengeance had a lot of ballads and there hasn’t been one ballad written yet for the new album. So far it’s definitely our heaviest album yet. We will be releasing the album’s name in the fall.
PE: What are your other goals for your music career moving forward?
RH: My next goal is to share the stage with some of my favorite bands, which hopefully the label will be able to make happen but we will see. All in all, I’m happy with the deal and have achieved the goals I’ve set out for myself and I’ll never forget where I came from to where I am today.
Check out more from Rock Hensley and Ascend to the Kingdom
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