Rocstrong aka André Bangala has released his new single, Moon, featuring Tolü Makay. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
The Congolese-Dubliner kickstarted his musical journey with the Coen Brothers' movie Hail, Caesar!, with his single Go Head featuring on the soundtrack.
Rocstrong's music has also featured on high-profile ad campaigns.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m very into cooking, I like seeing different dishes and recipes being made by top chefs or even on videos on YouTube, I find it fun recreating what I’ve just seen and at the same time putting my own twist to things, recently I’m really into these cooking competition shows you see on Netflix.
I’m really good at Uno (at least I like to think so), usually everyone knows how to play it, I think it's a game that’s so simple but at the same time brings out the most competitiveness in people in a playful way, feel out your opponents just to understand their way of playing, while letting them win here and there just so they are not on to you - hilarious.
Long distance drives, I find it really head clearing and mind opening in some ways, the whole experience is just great from preparing with packing, the car, destinations etc to simply the sound of piercing through the wind, during sunny weather and non-stop different sights - awesome.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as fun, sing along, catchy funky journeys, music that tells stories and that fill moments or even enhancing them, be it singing in the shower, be it when you’re stuck in traffic or jogging somewhere, I like music that interrupts your thoughts or music that joins you while you’re in them, it’s all good.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Most recently I would say Childish Gambino I really like his sense of advantage in the way he switches things up, and completely brings a different character to each. it’s really On This Episode of Donald Glover with him in the sense you know something different is about to happen
To add another that is also in ways the same, one that I’ve always followed that would be very relevant to my current stuff would be Andre 3000.
Their albums do for their fans what playlists do for us all now today.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it was one of the times Snoop Dogg was over, was such a big performance I remember he had has dad on the stage too, what a legend.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was Justified by Justin Timberlake. Yes, I was a big fan in that period he was working with the producers Pharrell Williams and Timberland, such great collaborations, such great songs
What’s your favourite song right now?
I’m going off the last song that made me repeatedly replay because it was so good, most recent would have to be Mount Rushmore by Ghetts ft. Kano & Wretch 32. Big, big tune, I love it. Every man did their bit.
Favourite lyric of all time?
All My Exes Live In Texas, That Why I Hang My Hat In Tennessee by George Strait. First time I heard it was on the game GTA, cruising in my car with the radio on the country channel, while on five stars holding on to life on every turn. Haha! What a rush.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This was a tough one. I needed a bit of time cause to never hear any other song again? Wow, but if I had to choose now this moment here I would pick Rock With You by Michael Jackson cause it’s in my head now.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Find my latest single Moon on all platforms Spotify, Apple, Soundcloud just search Rocstrong, also follow me for more music and upcoming announcements.
Alan Corr
