Get To Know: Royce DeZorzi
Royce DeZorzi is an American guitarist and producer living in Denver, Colorado. His album 'Denver' is a snapshot of the city he’s called home, weaving threads of his own experience into the tapestry of the plains, mountains, and sunsets that dance across the Front Range. DeZorzi, whose past releases have included electric jam band explorations and ambient tape music, now explores the vulnerabilities of solo acoustic guitar with this album of instrumental compositions.
- Describe your sound
Sweet like a strawberry. Free like a hummingbird. Easy like a sunflower.
- What's a typical day in the studio like for you?
Probably the only typical thing is that I'm in the studio. It's a mess and I love it! I spent most of June and July writing and recording this acoustic album, but I've taken some breaks to record with electronics, and to have some of my friends from Sun Girl over for drum n bass rituals.
- Do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
Absolutely. Friends have always teased me that I'm very particular, and they're right. You know that episode of Spongebob where he just won't sit down to write his essay? That can be me reorganizing cables in the studio when someone asks me to record a 30 second loop for an Instagram Reel.
- Who are your three biggest musical inspirations?
My six biggest musical inspirations? Definitely Barry White, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, James Brown, Grant Green and Bruce Hampton. I'd be lying if I didn't mention Fahey.
- Who is the best band you've ever seen play live?
I'm very critical at concerts. I stand at the front like a statue, stare sharply at the bassist and don't clap in between songs, unless you win my heart or if I'm embarrassed for you. I'm not sure who won my heart last, but I worked live sound in Los Angeles and got to hang out while George Lynch rehearsed with his band. That was heavy.
- What's the toughest part of the industry for you?
For a while, it was finding my place and staying focused long enough to build something. Now it's just finding enough hours in the day to get everything done.
- What's the most enjoyable part of the industry?
People. I've burned bridges and lost my patience when under pressure. I've torched great relationships by being shortsighted. And I've screwed up by saying yes to things that I knew deep down weren't for me. Music is all about relationships and listening. Learning, forgiving, and being forgiven by the people who have shaped me through our experiences together — that's my favorite part.
- What do you have in store for 2022?
As the year quickly winds to a close, I'm planning a tour for November/December. I'm always recording, whether at home or on the road. There's not a show that happens without getting recorded, archived, and picked apart later with the idea of putting the happiest accidents on an album. As things pick up next year with Sun Girl, I'll start doing fretless guitar with tabla and electronics.
FOLLOW
https://instagram.com/roycedezorzi
https://roycedezorzi.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/006A6df4itAlaeT6mV6oYy?si=nPEMHnQtT7KDIbM80YcTkg