Interview: Aaron Dalla Villa (aka Peter Da Rock)
Music artist and actor Aaron Dalla Villa talks to Louder Than The Music about his Christian rockstar persona Peter Da Rock and the release of his new single "Christ Christ Save Me".
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I'm Aaron Dalla Villa, and I'm an entertainer. I'm meant to bring laughter and joy to the world. I've always been an artsy fartsy guy, so falling into music was inevitable. With the industry shut down in 2020 due to "the virus that must not be named," I put my efforts into something else to stay creative, and that was music. After releasing several songs with my rapper alter ego, DALLA VILLA, I realized that I wanted to create a character that was more unique, so I dug back into my past to find that next creative stroke. I was brought up in a very serious church and, as a child, hated how all the songs we sang were about suffering and pain. What Christ willingly did for us should be celebrated because, since his birth, he literally brought joy to the world! That was the spark that lit the flame, and PETER DA ROCK, a character that focuses on the joy and fun of Christianity, was born. I hope my parodies and original songs can bring a touch of lightness, positivity, and fun to my religious community!
Tell us about your new single 'Christ Christ Save Me' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I needed a strong follow-up to Godstar (Christian Parody of "All Star" by Smash Mouth) and I couldn't think of anything better than a parody of the legendary "Ice Ice Baby." I've always loved the song, so writing it was easy. When you know, you just know.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Definitely, I am currently working on the rest of the album for Peter Da Rock. I have some really fun parodies and original songs in the works that I think people will enjoy.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I'd like people to walk away feeling great because of the positive biblical messages I'm sharing through my music. Getting them to laugh at my out-there antics would be an added bonus.
How would you describe your style of music, and what are your influences?
I don't have a style. I like to throw a bunch of things at the wall, like spaghetti, and see what sticks. I have a wide variety of influences that range from Christian rock to gangsta rap to dubstep and EDM. I find appreciation in all forms of music and am always open to learning.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I'd work with "Weird Al" Yankovic. He's brilliant. Peter Da Rock is heavily influenced by him, so I think that would be an epic mashup.
How would you define success in your career as a music artist?
I love performing live. The sound. The crowd. The energy. This is the ultimate goal for Peter Da Rock - to set the stadium on fire for God and rejoice in the everlasting message of the Bible. Winning some awards for my music would be nice, but performing live takes the cake.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Pink Floyd's "The Wall"
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, and you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
"Another Brick In The Wall" from that album.
What does the next year hold for you?
I'm currently working on a secret project that will be announced soon, and I am finishing the album for Peter Da Rock. I just launched my production company and will be developing several feature films for it, as well as curating a monthly screening series in downtown Manhattan. Lastly, I'm developing a one-man theatre show and finishing my documentary, "Bird Boy." God is so good, and I'm grateful for all of the wonderful things He's blessed me with in life.
Find out more at aarondallavilla.com
