One of two siblings of a multi-talented musical family raised by a Baptist minister in Indianapolis, Indiana, Derrick ‘D. Roq’ Muncie found his musical voice singing in church and studying classic gospel, soul, and R&B records. It was his immersion into these records and gospel hymns that years later would provide the musical roadmap and artistic aesthetic for D. Roq & Bulletproof Soul.
D. Roq was an athlete growing up; however, he found his true calling when he picked up the trumpet at age 12; later learning keyboards and other instruments. D. Roq was a natural, blessed with impeccable timing and phrasing influenced by his love of jazz, specifically Miles Davis. D. Roq played in R&B bands, soul ensembles, and jazz outfits while always returning to the church to play on Sundays. D. Roq’s “10,000 hours” would occur at a regular jam session he hosted at the Mousetrap in Indianapolis, a musical safehouse for musicians from the Indy’s otherwise disparate jazz, R&B, jam band, and rock scenes. There, D. Roq became the de facto emcee, musical director, and curator. The ‘Trap shows close with a furious funk/soul/jazz improv that goes into the wee hours in the morning mesmerizing audiences. D. Roq incorporated his own original music into the weekly set, which over time became the most popular numbers. Soon after, D. Roq & Bulletproof Soul was gigging five nights a week headlining club dates and appearing at jazz festivals supporting D. Roq’s musical heroes.
D. Roq decided it was time to properly record his songs, so he enlisted the GRAMMY®-nominated production team of Marc Johnson and Eric Klee Johnson, both of whom he knew since growing up together at North Central High School. The result is a stunning 12-song LP titled “Cover You in Chocolate” slated for late-2021 release on Indie 500 Records. The team entered Indianapolis’ The Pop Machine recording studio, known for their work with artists like Chrisette Michele, Rita Ora, and John Waite. Many of the songs were co-written by producer Marc Johnson who provided the musical foundation that showcases D.’s artistry.
D. Roq’s voice calls to mind vintage Donald Fagan meets Lenny Kravitz, while the tracks honor the legacy of Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Sly and the Family Stone and informed by the sounds of new “alt R&B” like The Internet, TV on the Radio, and Toro Y Moi creating a sound uniquely its own. Some songs confront social justice like “Don’t Shoot Me” (written months before the George Floyd tragedy), “Claim to Fame”, and “Father’s Eyes”; others are just straight up bangers like sensual “Stop the Ride (Put Your Boots On)”, “Ryders”, the dub jam “Smoke Fiend Sally”, and “We Come to Have Fun”. D. Roq is at his best when he sings from the heart and represents with jams like “Cover You in Chocolate”, “Miracles”, and “Be Cool (Chateau Marmont)”. D. Roq and Bulletproof’s songs put a smile on your face, make your heart sing, and your booty move.
D. Roq’s backing band “Bulletproof Soul” is a who’s who of Indy jazz musicians featuring Rob Dixon on saxophone (Ray Charles, Charlie Hunter), Byron Johnson on alto sax, B3, and Mini-Moog (son of saxophonist Pookie Johnson), Goldie Ingram on background vocals, and Cathy Morris on violin. D. Roq & Bulletproof Soul stands to be counted as part of Indianapolis’ rich musical history that dates back to the jazz of Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, and the smooth R&B of Babyface embracing soul, jazz, and R&B to create an original soulful sound that is ready to hit airwaves and change the world.
IG: @bulletproofsoul.droq
FB: BulletproofSoulBand
FB: Derrick S Muncie
