Hello Scenestar readers! Today we bring you the first of another new series on our website called "The Scenestar Dozen" where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Our first subject is Secret City Records' Director of Creative Licensing and Synchronization, Paul Rocha!
What is the best and worst thing about your profession?
The best thing is seeing how a license fee directly positively impacts an artist. I’ve seen the licensing money go towards artists' worldwide tours, helping with studio time/recording fees, buying gear, and even paying rent. The other best thing is the overall community. So many fellow music nerds out there and we all are super lucky to be doing what we do for a living.
There really isn’t a “worst” thing about my job but I do think the amount of competition does create a lot of noise and makes it a challenge to get your music heard by clients. That’s not technically a bad thing but it is a challenge.
What is something you didn’t know about Los Angeles that you recently found out or realized?
L.A. ranks second in the number of women-owned businesses. One of the many reasons why I love my hometown.
Where is your favorite place to eat in LA and why?
La Fuente on Monte Vista in Highland Park. They make the best chilaquiles I’ve ever had. Great local, Mexican spot that also has beer. (Great, now I’m craving their chilaquiles.)
What was the last good book you read that you would recommend to anyone and why?
Please Kill Me by Legs McNeil. It’s just a fun, overall good read. Lots of great insight into some of the history of Punk and the characters who helped make it what it is. Great for any music lover.
Have you ever seen a work of art that stopped you in your tracks?
David by Michelangelo. It’s one of the most beautiful and thoughtful pieces of art I’ve ever seen. Every curve, muscle, etc are just so incredibly detailed with such beautifully clean lines.
What is the most remarkable movie you’ve ever seen and what was it about the film?
This is a tough one. I have two different choices, sorry.
First, as a child and young adult: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – that movie just gets me every time. Plus, it was the first time I had seen an alien in a movie and this alien had human characteristics, he cared for Elliot so much but also wanted to get back home to his family. Talk about some inner struggle.
Second, as an adult: Moonlight – wow, just wow! One of the most powerful films I’ve ever seen. Not only is the main character black, he’s also gay, lives in a rough Miami suburb, and has a mother who is addicted to drugs. Oy vey! So many things that would tear any person apart. There aren’t too many films out there that feature this type of character in a leading role. It was such a beautiful yet sad film, which makes it remarkable.
Name your pop-culture guilty pleasure.
Family Guy because of the constant barrage of pop-culture references.
What is the most underrated album you’ve heard and what about it is special?
Mulatu Astatke ‘Mulatu of Ethiopia’. Wow! I first heard Mulatu’s music in the film, Broken Flowers and a few years ago I heard one of his songs in a Brooklyn restaurant. My ears, body, and mind all were just so happy hearing his music. I asked the server what was playing, she grabbed the album and showed it to me and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Who do you think is the best rockstar who ever lived?
Ooooh good one. I’d have to say, Freddie Mercury. He can command a crowd like no other. Watch Queen's Live Aid performance from 1983, holy shit man! Plus the man can play piano and siiiiiiing.
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?
New York City – September 11, 2001. I just got out of the 23rd Street subway station and saw everyone outside pointing to the World Trade Center. Well, we all know the rest of the story. It was fucking terrifying to be there when that all happened.
Where is one place that someone can visit in LA for free that is a must-experience?
This is a tough one because there are so many amazing, beautiful places to visit out here for free but right now I would say I'm feeling the Sturtevant Falls trail/hike. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful and it's a great, easy hike that'll get you connected to nature, plus there's a waterfall! You won't believe that you're in LA. It's also not too far most parts of the city.
What is the weirdest thing about LA?
How it can take 30 minutes to drive less than 10 miles. Not sure if it’s super weird but it’s certainly unique and sucks – haha!
Paul Rocha has been working in the music industry for 20 years and is currently the Director of Creative Licensing and Synchronization at indie label, Secret City Records. My job is to try and get our artists’ music placed in Film, TV, Advertising, and Games. I also DJ and promote a monthly Soul/Mod night called The Getdown at the Melody Lounge in Chinatown every 4th Saturday of the month.
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