John Pezzimenti – MUSICIAN

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is John Pezzimenti, and I write music as Roperite.

2. Why music?
I don’t specifically think of myself as a musician. I feel more comfortable simply referring to myself as a person with some form of artistic inclination. I’m always looking for ways to explore different concepts and angles, and music just seemed to be at the front of the queue. To me, it’s one of the more natural forms of expression.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be involved in music?
My older brother and sister are classically trained pianists, and I loved listening to them play. I tried to take lessons, but of course, I thought I knew better and decided to take it in my own direction. I sometimes still wish I would have followed through with it.

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and style(s)?
I love the subject of internal struggle. There are always things going on outside our heads, but if people are able to tap into their own thoughts and questions about existing on this planet, they’ll probably catch my attention.

5. How do you work and approach a new piece that you are working on?
As time has gone by, I’ve really tried to become as open as I can to whatever is happening at that time. If I feel like putting a synthesiser in an acoustic ballad, I will. Not because I’m trying to make it more interesting or unique, but because it feels right. I used to put so many boundaries on my music, and I still have many, but I can see them slowly peeling away.

6. What are your favorite musicians(s), singers(s)?
The Beatles have been really influential. I particularly enjoyed songs like “Long, Long, Long” (The White Album is brilliant). I love listening to Debussy, especially on Saturday mornings. The Smiths are a great band, and have a lot of memories tied to them.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
It’s not about the money at all (I wouldn’t be doing this if it were), but the feeling you get when you see how many albums have been purchased is incredible. You really start to appreciate the fact that there are a lot more people supporting you than you thought. It means a lot as someone just starting out, because at this point, that seems to be one of the few ways to receive feedback from people.

8. What do you like about your work?
It has helped me figure out a lot about myself and how I see the world. I feel peaceful when I’m able to contemplate in a free and creative way. I’m not entirely sure how people feel when they listen to my music (probably a bit sad), but for me, it’s the separation between what’s happening, and how to process it.

9. What advice would you give to other musicians?
Whether it’s lyrically or musically, don’t be afraid to explore. Even if it’s been done before and it only feels brand new to you, you’ve already accomplished something.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Tucked away in the Alps somewhere? I don’t know…

John Pizzimenti

 
CONTACT:
Email:  johnpezzimenti@aol.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roperite/166035993426874
Bandcamp: where you can buy a digital version of my album –  https://roperite.bandcamp.com/releases
An acoustic version of one of my songs at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt7z0xpIFik