Conversations with Boogie Rocco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boogie Rocco

Hi Boogie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up with music and visual arts all around. Both my parents were very into the rock music scene since they were teens. They met because my mom followed a local band she loved and my dad was their roadie/stage tech.

I was raised on records, rock & roll trivia, rock opera films, etc. My parents’ taste has a lot of depth, so from early on I was exposed to a lot of underground and obscure things, which had a profound effect on the way I saw the world! Not to mention, living in close proximity to NYC, we always went to Broadway shows and museums. Art and performance art had their say in my world view, as well.

When I was 14 and discovered Punk is when I also discovered the importance of fashion in relation to the music. It was then I decided to study fashion as a career with music remaining my primary source of inspiration.

I went on to get a degree in Fashion Design from FIT. I also studied Arts Management and got my first job in a photography gallery dedicated to music called Morrison Hotel Gallery. It was here I got my first taste of actual rockstars, intimately. Not only was I surrounded by the images and stories of the musicians I admired, I even got to meet many famous musicians, muses and key people in the music world.

Soon after that, an amazing rock revival scene sprouted up in downtown NYC where I was working at a rock & roll boutique. I began booking local bands to play in-stores and we would often have rock icons stopping by for a jam session. It was unbelievably exciting and inspiring. It was at this time something clicked for me. I was feeling left out because I am not a musician, so I couldn’t jam. Meanwhile, I was dressing these musicians and I really wanted more participation. So, I decided to begin making guitar straps.

I taught myself to work with leather and began making custom designs. Soon, that graduated to other stage accessories and then fashion accessories. As I began doing it, I noticed there was a real lack of fashion in the guitar strap world. I decided to bring my knowledge of fashion design into that space and apply many fashion techniques to guitar straps to create some really unique things.

I worked with the local NYC rockers to create pieces for their performances, and I still make for those same people today. I’ve collected clients over the years, mostly through word of mouth. I decided my favorite method is just to make one-of-a-kind items by hand for each specific client. It makes the experience really special and personal for both of us.

It became time to leave New York and so Nashville seemed like the perfect place for Electric Warrior to go next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Externally, it’s been mostly smooth! The inspiration is truly everywhere. I’ve been so lucky to work with some very cool people whom I admire.

The challenges mainly are internal. As a creator, you always struggle with the process. You tend to second guess yourself, or often times things don’t go as planned. You can’t always predict it.

Since I create many one offs, I am making unique patterns for each design. Therefore, it’s not something I’ve executed before and often I cannot account for a potential issue. That’s just the way it goes! I learn something important each time that happens.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a fashion design background, but I specialize in leather accessories, which are actually two completely different areas of study.

I was technically trained to make womenswear garments. I did continuing studies and personal experimentation to learn leather working, accessories design, handbag making and shoe making.

That’s what I love about fashion design. There are endless avenues to go down. You can continue learning forever, which I intend to!

I’m known mostly for custom guitar straps, handbags, belts and other leather accessories. I can also make garments and shoes, and I have a program called Legacy Leathers, in which I restore or repurpose vintage leather garments to prolong their life and legacy.

I also have many skills in other crafts, which I combine into a lot of my work. I believe this is what sets me apart from other designers. I approach my projects with a fashion design eye, and I implement many different techniques and applications for the desired result. It’s really important to think about the details and the overall effect of the final piece.

A big pride is that I do it all. I created and maintain my own website, I take and edit all my own photos and videos, I design all my own marketing materials, I teach leather classes, I give lectures on fashion and music, and I design and hand-make all of my own items.

How do you define success?
I would define success by the level of happiness one has doing what they do.

Electric Warrior is a side gig for me. I still work a full time job. However, doing this brings me the most joy! And achieving joy is achieving success.

Growth is also success. Clearly seeing how you’ve evolved from the beginning to now and how you’ve refined your skills and taste level is a clear marker of personal success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.electricwarriornyc.com
• Instagram: @electricwarriornyc