Photo Credit: Ted Belton
August 4th, 2025 – Artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca just released his new single “normal guy” on Red Bull Records/Wonderchild. This marks his fourth release this year, all leading up to his upcoming EP ‘dog years’, set to drop later this year. Fans can stream the song here and watch the visualizer here.
The new song exhibits LaRocca’s ability to effortlessly build a world around a single moment in time. The lyrics tell a story of his own insecurities, as he compares himself to a woman that's out of his league. Self-reflection sits at the center of LaRocca’s artistry, and behind the lyrics to “normal guy” there is something even deeper – a metaphor about the music industry. In an oversaturated landscape of uniquely talented artists, it’s easy to fall victim to imposter syndrome. Sonically, “normal guy” brings funkier stylings into play with shimmering chimes, retro keys, and 70s-era guitar rhythms. It's reminiscent of all-time greats like Fleetwood Mac and Steely Dan, and newer acts like Still Woozy and Vulfpeck.
On this single, LaRocca shares — “”normal guy” is a song about self-deprecation and putting others on a pedestal - two bad habits of mine that I have tried to unlearn over the last few years. this song has really become a note to self to look in the mirror and be proud of the person I see, especially in the last year, after experiencing a lot of change and challenges in my personal life. recorded around the world - from Mexico, to Los Angeles, to my bedroom studio in Toronto - this song has truly taken on a life of its own and has a special place in my heart both creatively and thematically, and serves as a constant reminder to always keep some room in my heart for myself”.
Chris LaRocca - normal guy (visualizer video)
Since the start of the year, LaRocca has welcomed three eclectic singles – “ladybug”, “laundry day”, and “slow dance in the diner”. Each release has showcased a different style, from indie-pop to Americana, and poignant memories from a year that felt like a lifetime. LaRocca continues to dig deeper as he nears the EP, reaching inwards to share vulnerable truths with long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Stream "normal guy" here
Watch the visualizer here
About Chris LaRocca
In a previous life, Chris LaRocca was a fixture in Toronto’s DIY scene, playing sweaty basements around North America with his post-hardcore band. As that chapter of his sound slowly faded into the rearview, LaRocca transitioned from the stage to the studio, establishing himself as a dynamic producer and sought-after collaborator for top-shelf names like Kali Uchis, Bryson Tiller, Russ, and Stray Kids.
He soon caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated, JUNO Award-winning producer, WondaGurl, joining her Wonderchild roster in partnership with Red Bull Records. His first full-length, 'i cried my eyes out', featured the song “linger”, which he brought to the screen in a heart-wrenchingly beautiful short film that won a Cannes Lion, among other accolades.
While he’d come a long way from his DIY days, there was a part of LaRocca yearning for the music that reflected his authentic identity. Cue his new EP, 'dog years'. In the year it took to create, LaRocca felt like he had lived through seven years' worth of challenges and personal growth. Going into 2024, he relocated from Toronto to the Canadian wilderness to follow the Americana, rootsy sounds that were calling to him.
Working with Daniel Lanois (Neil Young, Bob Dylan), Matt DeLong and Ben Cook (No Warning), Jahson Paynter, and Dave Marcus (21 Savage, Rico Nasty), LaRocca felt confident to not only traverse new genres, but to dive deep into his personal life. 'dog years' is both a time-lapse that sees his relationships bloom and a love letter to himself.
Chris is steadily gaining fans across Southeast Asia, with 🇵🇭the Philippines at #4 among his top 10 streaming countries worldwide.
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