Lone Roman is an emerging independent singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist producer from Los Angeles, California. He is a formally trained musician with a resume that dates back to his pre-teens. After years of working with other projects, he recently made his solo professional recording debut.
Originally a drummer, Lone Roman is an alumnus of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. Eventually moving from the rhythm section to center stage, the young musician traveled the United States as lead vocalist for a string of touring heavy metal bands. Now the multi-instrumentalist producer has launched his own genre-bending solo project.
“Know Better” is the debut single from Lone Roman, available worldwide via all major streaming services. Dark ambient synths and a down-tuned guitar open the track on a melancholy vibe. The beat drops on the downtempo groove of an 808 as the singer steps to the mic. In a smooth tenor, he delivers the soulful and melancholy pop soliloquy of a man whose determined self-reliance has left him alone.
Check out “Know Better” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Lone Roman. Read his answers to our 8 questions. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Lone Roman.
8 Questions with Lone Roman
Where are you from?
I hail from Los Angeles, California, and studied drumming at Berklee College of Music. After playing drums, I transitioned to singing and screaming, performing in various metal bands across the U.S. My artist name, “Lone Roman,” ties into my Roman heritage and reflects my dual citizenship with Italy.
How long have you been making music?
I started making music at the age of twelve and joined my first band in my early teens. Since I couldn’t drive yet, our family members would kindly chauffeur us, guitars in tow, to gigs. We would practice for eight to ten hours a day minimum. Sometimes, even my mom would drive us to local shows. Initially, I solely played the drums, but my desire for more involvement in the writing process led me to expand my musical roles. Music has consistently served as my means of communication throughout the years.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I am the only musician involved in my project. I play all the instruments, write all the lyrics, melodies, and sing on my own tracks as well. But at some point in the near future, I would absolutely love to feature and collaborate with more artists. My artist name Lone Roman, was to make a statement as a completely solo artist.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have a multitude of influences, especially in terms of vocalists. Growing up, Tool was a significant part of my musical journey, with Maynard James Keenan standing out as my all-time favorite singer. Early on, I believed that ensuring a record’s live performance matched its recorded brilliance was crucial. Drumming-wise, Avenged Sevenfold and Killswitch Engage captivated me.
Additionally, I developed a profound appreciation for the guitar tones of System of a Down and Deftones—these bands were my companions through challenging times in my youth. Metal and rap dominated my preferences, starting from my first Cypress Hill record in grade school, which opened the door to exploring artists like Tupac, Onyx, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Dre, and many others who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of music.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Beyond music, my passion extends to horror literature. Some notable authors I admire include Clive Barker, known for “The Hellbound Heart,” adapted into “Hellraiser,” as well as Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe. The lyrics in my music tend to reflect my love for horror and fantasy as well.
What inspired you to create this project?
In the midst of quarantine, I encountered significant challenges – caring for my ailing father, unemployment, and health issues that plunged me into a state of general depression. Amidst this darkness, this project emerged as a beacon of hope. I aimed to craft something uniquely appealing, a creation that I, myself, genuinely wanted to listen to.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I’m in the process of crafting additional songs for an upcoming release. Rediscovering the joy of playing in drop C has sparked a new passion, and I’m eager to infuse freshness into my music. In the vast ocean of song releases, I aim to create something distinct and original, recognizing the challenge of standing out. My sole objective is to produce the most authentic and sincere music possible.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I feel a deep sense of humility in the face of the abundant talent out there. Being fortunate enough to create music, my goal is fulfilled if just one person genuinely connects with it.
Connect with Lone Roman
Spotify
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