Interview: Getting to Know Rocklust

Hailing from Italy, Rocklust are a hard rock band who recently released their debut album, ‘Smoking Wheels’. In this interview, we get to know them a little better.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Hey! What a pleasure! We’re ROCKLUST, a hard rock band We’re from Macerata, a small city in Marche region in the centre of Italy. It all started from an idea of our drummer Alessandro Damiani, who wanted to bring together musicians with a shared love for raw, powerful rock. After years playing in tribute bands, he wanted to start something original. From there, the lineup came together naturally, and we started writing music that reflects who we are and what we believe in. The first time we met in a pub talking about our musical taste and the second time we met directly in the rehearsal room playing and writing new music.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

We usually say: classic hard rock with a modern edge. Our sound is rooted in bands like Whitesnake, Scorpions, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Airbourne, but we try to give it our own identity—something energetic, emotional, and honest.

3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?

Right now, we’re fully focused on promoting our debut album “Smoking Wheels”, released on April 24, 2026. Alongside that, we’re playing live as much as possible and working on new material. There’s always something cooking ideas that never really stop.

4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?

This is our first real step into the music world as an original band. Releasing our debut album and bringing it on stage is something we’ve dreamed about since day one. Seeing people react to our music live is probably the most exciting part. Also bringing our music at people home is a big satisfaction: when we see someone spinning our vinyl is something really special.

5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.

A lot of time, sweat, and passion went into Smoking Wheels. We recorded it at Dyne Engine Studio in Castelfidardo, and every track reflects something personal—struggles, dreams, real-life situations. It’s more than just an album for us, it’s a statement: this is who we are.

6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?

Music is our escape and our therapy. It helps us in processing emotions, releasing everyday stress, and turn negative experiences into something meaningful. When you’re playing or writing, everything else fades away—that’s powerful.

7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?

Balancing music with everyday life is probably the biggest challenge. Jobs, responsibilities—it’s not always easy. But we push through because we believe in what we’re doing. Also, staying true to ourselves in a fast-changing music scene is important—we don’t chase trends, we stick to our identity.

8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?

It’s definitely a different game today. The social media are necessary, but it can be overwhelming. We try not to let numbers define us—we focus more on real connections with people who genuinely enjoy our music.

9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?

We keep it real. No forced content—just moments from our lives as a band: rehearsals, live shows, behind-the-scenes. When you’re authentic, it becomes more enjoyable and less like a chore.

10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?

If you like Smoking Wheels album do not just listen to it on digital platforms but grab physical copies on vinyl and CD: merchandise is a very important thing for an emerging band. Then, of course, come to our shows and share our music: word of mouth is still one of the most powerful things. And most importantly—keep rock alive

11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?

We enjoy normal life: hanging out, watching movies, listen to a lot of music, riding motorcycles, having a beer together, some sports, spending time with our families. We are what Lynyrd Skynyrd would call “Simple Men”.

12. Where can people find you?

Our music is available on all major streaming platforms (just search for ROCKLUST) and you can grab physical copies and merch through Bandcamp or by contacting us directly on our social media. Here it is a list of direct links to websites where you can learn all about or contact us.

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