Toronto-born artist Chris LaRocca unveils his most vulnerable work yet with “slow dance in the diner,” the third single from his forthcoming EP ‘dog years’ (via Red Bull Records/Wonderchild). Stripped bare of production pretenses, the track finds the former post-hardcore musician fully embracing his evolution into a poetic storyteller, channeling Americana simplicity and folk sincerity into a three-minute snapshot of transcendent love.
The song crystallizes a fleeting moment from LaRocca’s relationship – a spontaneous slow dance in an empty East Coast diner after visiting Peggy’s Cove. “They were playing old country music, and it was just us and the guy behind the counter,” he recalls. “It felt like a movie scene – one of the few times I’ve truly experienced that warmth of love.” This intimacy translates sonically through raw vocals, unhurried guitar lines, and lyrics that prize emotional honesty over polish. It’s a deliberate departure from his work as a producer for artists like Kali Uchis and Bryson Tiller, instead echoing the unvarnished storytelling of Jason Isbell or early Bright Eyes.
“slow dance in the diner” follows earlier 2025 singles “ladybug” and “laundry day,” collectively mapping LaRocca’s year of personal growth. Written during his relocation from Toronto to rural Canada, the ‘dog years’ EP (named for its “seven years’ worth of living condensed into one”) sees him collaborating with Daniel Lanois (Neil Young, Bob Dylan) and Ben Cook (No Warning) to fuse DIY energy with rootsy refinement. The result is a project that balances romantic awe with existential questioning – the push-pull of “finding someone you want forever while wrestling with disbelief.”
LaRocca’s Southeast Asian fanbase continues to grow, with Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand ranking among his top streaming markets. This organic reach reflects his ability to transform hyper-specific memories into universal anthems – whether chronicling basement shows in his DIY past or the quiet magic of diner vinyl booths.
For those who’ve followed LaRocca’s journey from hardcore stages to GRAMMY-nominated production suites, “slow dance in the diner” feels like a homecoming. It’s proof that sometimes the boldest creative risk is simplicity itself.
Experience the Single:
Stream “slow dance in the diner”
Follow Chris LaRocca: Instagram | TikTok
About Chris LaRocca:
A former fixture of Toronto’s DIY scene, LaRocca transitioned into production for major artists before rediscovering his singer-songwriter roots. His 2023 short film for “linger” won a Cannes Lion, while his work with WondaGurl’s Wonderchild collective cemented his genre-fluid versatility. ‘dog years’ (out 2025) marks his most personal project to date.
EP Tracklist Tease:
- “ladybug” (folky devotion)
- “laundry day” (domestic bliss)
- “slow dance in the diner” (Americana reverie)
- + more TBA
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.