Music Is Life Podcast - Episode 51: SPECIAL EDITION! Rob Castoria (AKA Big Rob) of Merauder

Rob Castoria (AKA Big Rob) and I became friends through Instagram. When I saw he was in one of my favorite NYHC bands Merauder, I reverted back to being a kid again, as I reminisced of having discovered them for the first time when I heard “Find My Way” on a Century Media Records compilation. The more I got to know him, we discussed having him on the podcast to talk about his story, which I’m honored to have done so.

Rob started playing in bands in the 1980s with Metalstorm, when metal ruled in venues on Long Island and in Brooklyn/Queens at venues such as Sundance and L’amour, and when hardcore ruled Sunday matinees at CBGB. Before that, he meticulously practiced his instrument, always reaching for self-improvement. It’s true what they say - you never stop learning, and Rob is proof of that.

In the last 10 years, Rob formed Maniac Rise, and released EPs on various streaming platforms. They were also invited to participate on a tribute album to The Godfather of Metal (and the God of Metal Riffs) Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath called “The Great Lefty,” in which they contributed “Time Is Mine” (released in 2000 on Iommi’s debut solo CD “Iommi” with Phil Anselmo of Pantera/Down/Superjoint on vocals).

To keep Rob’s name relevant in the NY music scene and build momentum for Maniac Rise, he performed various “shreds” throughout NYC and Long Island, where he was spotlighted as a soloist during setups and breakdowns for performing acts. Now, Rob is one of two guitarists in the band that kept crossover hardcore alive and well in the 90s - Merauder.

On top of that, Rob is also the tech for Joey Z., guitarist of one of the most important bands of the 90s that are still going today - Life Of Agony.

Rob is one of those guitar players that people NEED to hear. On top of being a great musician, he’s a great guy. And I’m happy to bring him to my platform to discuss his experience, his opinions, and his goals.

With the pandemic subsiding, it’s time for Rob to get back to doing what the good lord put him on this earth to do - shred guitars, and melt faces in the process.

SPECIAL EDITION NOTES: Rob and I talk about many things here - division in communities, the Tompkins Square Park concert, the whole pandemic, people's right to choose their own path, how social media can be used for good and bad, and more.

To learn more about Rob, please check out:

Rob’s Facebook - Facebook.com/rob.castoria

Rob’s Instagram - instagram.com/official_bigrobshreds

Maniac Rise - reverbnation.com/maniacrise

Rob’s SoundCloud - SoundCloud.coz/big-rob919

Rob’s YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCny3IYSS4_HT-zPv-she82w

Merauder’s Facebook - Facebook.com/MerauderNY

Merauder’s Instagram - Instagram.com/MerauderNYC

To view “Big Rob Shreds” videos, go to YouTube.com/rhyknowforever

To contact Rob for guitar lessons, email him directly at [email protected].

To view the videos Rob has been part of, check out:

“Time is Mine” from Maniac Rise - youtu.be/VdUIpgXah7U

“Mother’s Day” from Blood of My Brothers - youtu.be/EWMzZEVcFbo

To view live performances of Merauder with Rob, please view my playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPhyf58UwjsP1WaedI4cYzuZjBjYaCBU

Listen to the audio interview for the exclusive Big Rob Empire song “Speak and Be Heard.”

If you want me to review YOUR band or YOUR music, please contact me at [email protected].

If you’d like to donate to the podcast, please send via PayPal to [email protected]. Thanks in advance.

linktr.ee/MusicIsLifePodcast