23-year-old Filipino-American singer-songwriter Rocco has officially launched a bold new chapter in his career with the release of his indie-pop EP, ‘A Comedy Romantic (Act.1)’. The project is now available on all streaming platforms.
Born from a deep affection for the romantic comedy films of the 1990s and 2000s, this EP is more than a collection of songs—it is the centerpiece of an immersive, cross-platform universe. Rocco has complemented the release with an episodic short-form narrative series across his social media, showcasing his acting talents and weaving the music directly into the storyline.
“What’s a good cheeky love story without a good soundtrack. I decided to build a world from the ground up. Writing music which doesn’t just support the narrative but is embedded in the story,” Rocco explains.
Unapologetically himself, Rocco is a 23-year-old Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his atmospheric bedroom pop sound, playful melodies, and colorful personality. Raised in the suburbs of New Jersey, he dedicated himself to music early on before moving to Los Angeles. His academic path was short-lived when his breakout singles “Spin You Round” and “Baby Blue” exploded online, prompting him to pursue music full-time and embark on his first headline tour.
Seamlessly blending moody textures with soaring alternative melodies, his music explores the intricate dynamics of intimacy, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability. Rocco is steadily positioning himself as a compelling voice in the global indie landscape, having established a strong regional footprint across Asia, tracking heavily in markets including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand, alongside major city centers like Hong Kong.
The Heart of the EP: “Palm”
The focus track, “Palm,” stands out as a poignant exploration of growing apart from someone who once knew you best. Driven by intimate, conversational storytelling rather than traditional love tropes, the song captures the quiet ache of watching a loved one take a path you cannot follow. It serves as a cinematic slow-dance anthem, beautifully encapsulating the complex nostalgia of moving on.
Following his emotionally charged previous single “Break,” this new EP finds a sweet spot between somber slow jams and upbeat heart-stoppers. Tracks like “Nobody,” “Isn’t You,” and the aforementioned “Break” and “Palm” are tied directly to his social skits, delivering a completely cohesive visual and sonic experience.
With ‘A Comedy Romantic (Act.1)’, Rocco invites listeners into a fully realized world where heartbreak and humor coexist beautifully. By blending raw, bedroom-pop vulnerability with the grand scale of cinematic episodic storytelling, this EP serves as a definitive statement of his evolution as a multidisciplinary creative and leaves audiences eager for the next act.
Tracklisting:
- Nobody
- Break
- Isn’t You
- Palm
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.