Rocco Faso has always been passionate about music, but now, as he begins his university career in psychology, his band, Astromania might take a sideline seat.
Faso has been interested in music for most of his life, starting at age 12 with the trumpet.
He quickly broadened his horizons, adopting new instruments like the bass and even taking singing lessons. But it’s the guitar that really inspired him.
“I saw a YouTube video of a guy playing [the guitar], and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, so that’s kind of what started everything,” Faso said.
Developing his musical skills
Faso’s girlfriend, Erica Boucher, has always known him on a musical path.
Faso shares his love for music with everyone he encounters.
“My first interaction with him was after his performance. I’ve watched that talent grow with him,” Boucher said.
Faso continued to spend time perfecting his skills.
“I think after probably six months of playing guitar, I thought I could be in a band doing this,” Faso said.
Learning to play music with other people is nothing new for Faso, who has been in band classes since sixth grade.
“With my current band, we kind of just all learned the songs, and we were super tight when we first got to practice, so it kind of clicked immediately,” he said.
Building connections with music
Connecting with others comes easily for Faso, according to former band member Chad Park, who played with Rocco until 2024.
“Rocco is one of the very few very musically inclined people that I will talk with, and jamming with him is always a pleasure,” Park said.
The band Astromania practices once a week, aiming to involve everyone and blend their styles.
Building their confidence while keeping their talent low-profile – mainly performing for only a handful of friends and family.
“Watching the band practice was my favourite because as a musician myself, I loved to help Rocco by giving him feedback and advice from someone on the same musical level,” Boucher said.
Putting the band on hold
But as the summer came to an end, and school and work picked up, the band’s weekly practices went on hold.
Each band member had other priorities, so their project fell to the wayside.
Faso, being a university student, said that he has to prioritize his responsibilities.
“I really want to get the best grades possible, so sometimes I don’t have time to practice or learn other parts that people have written just because I have to study,” Faso said.
Studying psychology, Faso has dedicated most of his time to his studies.
“I’ve always been super fascinated by the way people act, and so I’ve kind of chosen [psychology] because I thought I could understand why [people] choose to act the way they do. Psychology just seemed the most interesting to me,” he said.
Although school is a huge aspect of Faso’s life right now, the band is still a dream of his.
“[Faso] has a bunch of friends who are also into music, and a lot of them are in bands themselves, so he is meeting a bunch of people who can keep him in the loop with the music community along his studies,” Boucher said.
Looking ahead
The feeling of the first performance lingers with Faso, marking the beginning of a future with music.
“I did my [guitar] solo for my high school at the talent show, and I played Van Halen’s Eruption, and everyone loved it, which made me super happy,” Faso said.
Having played music with Faso throughout high school, Park can definitely say he has watched Faso prepare so well for his performances.
“Definitely one of my highlights is playing with Rocco,” Park said.
Faso said he appreciates the time spent with his band members, building strong relationships in music.
“I could see a point in the future where we kind of go our separate ways, but I’m just trying to enjoy what we have right now.”