11:11
She was a theater actress and classically trained vocalist. He was an actor, composer, and independent film director. But as all trails inevitably do, theirs crossed in November of 2002. The setting: a local university theater production in which they ironically played roles as husband and wife at the head of a Mafia family. A relationship ensued and three years later they decided to extend these original roles beyond the stage (except the part about the Mafia. Its hard to keep up your reputation as the Don when you and your wife are both driving Fords). During that three year period, Kristina and Michael Rocco's artistic collaborations included directing, acting in, and scoring three independent films through Michael's own company New Frame Productions. However, 11:11 was their first full-length musical collaboration.
"Kristina's beautiful harmonies, classical style and vocal versatility combined with Michael's musical creativity and contemporary instrumentation makes for a freshly original, genre-bending sound," says Jeremy Roach of WUSN Radio. "Classical, pop, new age and jazz; its all there. Each song showcases a different facet of a uniquely cohesive sound." Now they spend their time as do most married couples; working, arguing over in-laws, struggling with bills, and recording a full-length album in the bedroom of their 400 sqft. apartment. Besides sending their demos to labels, theyre also known for giving out free copies to local hospices and cancer clinics. Collaborators in life and in art, Kristina and Michael Rocco look forward to sharing each day with one another and sharing their music with anyone who is willing to listen. As Kristina says, "Whats better than working towards your dreams with your best friend?" "Oh nothing," Michael replies, "Then again, quitting my job cleaning goober-grape out of trombone slides came close." Kristina and Michael currently live in Long Island, NY with their two cats. At the moment, Kristina is a high school teacher. Michael left his job as a musical instrument repair technician to focus on promoting their new album. |
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