New music from James M LaRocque

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James M LaRocque has earned a reputation as an artists whose work flows across different musical spheres. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, performer and writer, James operates with a creative curiosity informed by years of formal study, genre-hopping performance and a knack for musical contradiction that somehow always resolves into something thoroughly engaging.

His musical origins were formed across colleges in Michigan and Minnesota, where he studied music while simultaneously immersing himself in an unusually wide spectrum of live performance. From big band and jazz ensembles to country outfits, rock groups, experimental instrumental projects, punk bands and even lounge-inspired acts, James’ early career reads like a map of detours and that breadth of experience has become central to his output as a composer.

Influence, for James, is similarly expansive; his sonic world draws from everyone from The Beatles to Bach, Billie Eilish to Frank Zappa, forming a vision that stretches across eras, genres and philosophies of sound. His music tends to shift shape, often within the same piece, as if different musical ideas are being held in conversation rather than competition. Over the years, he’s recorded with esteemed producer James Sanger at Vibey Studios in France and in 2023, he released his album Rocque via the Mnspin imprint.

Alongside his recorded output, his music has also reached audiences through airplay on WOAFM99 radio shows hosted by Oliver Sean, helping extend his presence beyond studio releases into broader listening communities. Now he returns in 2026 with his first release of the year, bringing us his brand new single titled “Maybe Once.” The song presents itself as a tongue-in-cheek reflection on relationships, exploring the familiar emotional arc of romantic beginnings that bloom with desire and hope before often dissolving into disappointment or even resentment.

Brought in by the rattle of hi hat, the song jumps into a bright pop-tinged sound where expressive vocals float above warm organ textures, pulsing bass lines and airy piano chords, forming a playful soundscape wrapped in an upbeat tone. Developing with layers of power pop style vocals, the song progresses with the intricate blend of overlapping melodies, adding a constant sense of movement within the song’s structure.

Flowing with laid back rhythmic energy and colourful instrumentation capped by compelling vocal performance, “Maybe Once” sees James M LaRocque lay down a charming musical moment that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s a superb showcase of his creative songwriting and performance panache, delivering another stellar outing on his exciting musical adventure.

Listen to Maybe Once below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---