Rocco

Born Tyler Stipe in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1986, Rocco acquired his name through his Dad's fascination of Edward G. Robinson's character in the film Key Largo. His early exposure to Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly set the template for Rocco's love of rockabilly music. Shown the handful of chords his Dad knew at the age of 8, Rocco could soon cover most of the songs heard around his house. Buying his first Stratocaster at 13, Rocco realized he had knack for replicating any song he heard.

He was soon composing his own instrumentals and performed an original song at his middle school talent show. He moved to Clinton, Michigan for high school, playing football, running track, and blasting his amp in his second floor bedroom.

Rocco joined a couple of school friends in a band called Poverty Nook but creative differences soon set him adrift, looking for the right band playing the right music. Older brother, George, induced punk music into Rocco's listening habbits, forcing a "punk phase", in turn becoming one of the various influences. Rocco found his main musical influences in Chris Cheney, of The Living End and Brian Setzer. Poolshark was formed with bassist Ethan Gibson and drummer Nick Thibodeau. They performed original songs and some covers at the Clinton Fall Festival and at Clutch Cargos, in Detroit, MI.

Rocco enlisted in the US Army in 2004 serving in the 101st Airborne until his return home. Ambitious and matured, he sought more creative control over the music he performed and while looking for the right chemistry in a band, performed with singer Lori Withrow in Ann Arbor. He studied Music Production and Sound Engineering in college and, upon receiving his certificate, set his sights on California to find his musical niche there.

Armed with a new Gretsch 6120 and reunited with drummer Thibodeau, Rocco moved to Van Nuys, California and emerged as Rocco and the Mobsters. Work, school and the Army had infused Rocco with a renewed discipline and determination to succeed. Rocco focused on the music while Nick was distracted by the dizzying Southern California social scene.

The Death Valley Drifters launched in 2008, devoting equal time to composing, recording and seeking out the venues to share their musical vision with their soon to be devoted fans.