Rocket, the Los Angeles indie rock band, is set to release their debut album R is for Rocket on October 3rd. I sat down with the band to talk about the record, their upcoming tour, and how they’re processing the growing excitement around their music. What unfolded wasn’t a formal interview, but more of a conversation. Desi Scaglione, Alithea Tuttle, Baron Rinzler, and Cooper Ladomade had such a relaxed energy that the first half of our time together felt like chatting with old friends. We talked Coachella lineups, favorite local venues, and bands we’ve all seen around the city.

Eventually, we got to the music. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for like, four fucking years,” Desi said. R is for Rocket marks a full-circle milestone after the success of their earlier EPs. To make the record, they stepped into not one but two of rock’s most iconic spaces: 64 Sound and the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606. With Scaglione helming production, the band leaned into 606’s thunderous drum sound and 64 Sound’s arsenal of vintage gear. The result is a debut album that’s louder than life.

One of the most impressive things about Rocket is how in control they are of the entire creative process. “We’re lucky to not feel the pressure of having anybody else approve it,” Alithea explained. “If the four of us like it, then that’s what’s happening.” Desi added, “It’s 100% for us. If we don’t love it, it doesn’t make it out of the room.” That clarity and confidence is evident across the album’s 10 tracks and something they’re taking on the road, too.

Their upcoming North American tour kicks off October 27 in Phoenix before stretching across the U.S. and into the UK and Europe. And while the scale may be getting bigger, their gratitude remains just as grounded. “Even if it’s 10 people, it’s crazy that anybody cares,” Baron said. “That people are buying tickets to see us—and doing it months in advance—is surreal.” Alithea described the surreal feeling of being recognized at shows: “In my head, we haven’t started yet. Like we’re still trying to hit the ground running. But then someone comes up and says, ‘That song meant something to me,’ and you’re just like—wow.”

Despite the upward momentum, the band is resisting the urge to constantly chase the next big thing. “It’s nice to feel like what you’re doing right now is just cool,” Tuttle said. “We try to be present in the moment and not compare. You could compare yourself to everybody, and then you’d just be so upset. I think it’s good to just focus on what you have in the moment and not worry too much about the next thing.”

And while the band is clearly proud of where they are, they’re also looking ahead. “Hopefully in three years we’re doing way bigger shit,” Desi said. “But for now, this is already something we’re proud of.”

I’m glad I got the chance to sit down with Rocket and hear more about the album and the tour. They’re genuinely fun to chat with and have such great chemistry as a band. By the time I had signed off the interview, they had even made me feel like one of the band.

As Alithea said with a grin before we said goodbye, “We’re going on tour. We’re very excited. And to anyone who reads this, please come to our shows.”

Rocket’s debut album R is for Rocket, drops on October 3rd via Transgressive Records/Canvasback. The band will tour Fall with The Smashing Pumpkins, in Europe, UK, and North America.

pre-order R is For Rocket by Rocket HERE