New Music Monday: Actor & Musical Artist Aaron Dalla Villa Discusses New Music Video “D20: Alpha Rift Tribute” & Love of D & D

(Last Updated On: July 3, 2021)

Musical artist and actor Aaron Dalla Villa has been interested in performing since he was young. He studied modern dance and ballet at the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. He moved to NYC and began acting in films, including a leading role in the feature film, “Alpha Rift.” Since the pandemic hit, he’s gone back to his musical roots and dropped three singles-“Bring It,” Conspiracy,” and “Demon Killer.” He also just released a new music video “D20: Alpha Rift Tribute” which highlights the gaming world. We chatted with Aaron about his new music video, his love of D & D, and his new singles.

Hi Aaron. You’re quite talented in both acting and singing. When did you get interested in each kind of performing?

 Thank you so much for the kind words. I was born with the performing bug and destined to be an entertainer. I’ve always been a natural performer – spontaneous, charismatic, and a definite wild card. My grandmother used to call me Jim Carrey. I started singing and playing in a jazz band while in middle school, and I started acting after a slight injury from dancing when I was 20. 

What have been some of your favorite guest-starring roles so far?

 Besides playing Nolan Parthmore in “Alpha Rift,” I’d have to say my roles in the movies/shows “Pledge” (Maxwell Peterson III), “All Those Small Things” (Tiny Hammer), “Trick” (Smooth Johnny), “Duels” (Malcom Carver), “That Night” (Daniel Abbott) are my favorites. I really connected with these characters, and the sets felt magical. 

 You’ve appeared in the popular video game series, “Earth Defense Force,” Were you a fan of gaming before doing “Alpha Rift?”

 100%. I’ve always been a nerd. After voicing the character of Philip in “EDF: Iron Rain,” I played the entire game on PS4. I’m a huge “God of War “and “Legend of Zelda “fan, too. I grew up playing “Super Smash Bros.,” watching “Star Wars,” and playing “Yu-Gi-Oh “with my brother. It was only a matter of time before I got into the tabletop gaming world. 

 Tell us about the movie “Alpha Rift,” what about the gaming world and D&D inspired you to write a song about it?

I just wanted to do it. Something about the character Nolan Parthmore and his fantastical world inspired me. I can’t explain it, but the shooting experience had a touch of destiny about it. D&D is just pure fun. Role-playing is all about acting, and I do that already daily.

 Did you and the stunt coordinator from the movie, Adam Danoff, write “D20: Alpha Rift Tribute” together?

 Yes. I initially wrote the chorus and verses, and then Adam came in to nail all the gaming references. I was fortunate to have an epic DM like Adam assist in the writing process. All of his work took the song to the next level. Don’t tell him I said this, but my favorite verse is Gabby’s rap, and that’s basically all his doing. He’s a beast.

 My husband and his friends play D&D, so I recognized elements of the game in the music video. I found it a fun video that gamers would really enjoy. How did you create such a wonderful video during the pandemic? Who directed it?

 The music video was the brainchild of Dan Lantz, director of “Alpha Rift,” who also shot and directed it. After the song was completed and under COVID protocols, the team met up to shoot the music video in the same location we shot a lot of the movie in. Dan already had an idea for what he wanted the music video to look like but was open to team collaboration and input. All the dancing was my own freestyle. It was an awesome experience. 

 Has the pandemic aided in your musical creativity? Tell us about the other singles you’ve recently released, such as “Bring It,” Conspiracy,” and “Demon Killer.”

 The pandemic directly inspired my musical creativity. With the initial industry shutdown, I had to do something to keep moving forward. I had been sitting on these lyrics for so long, and it was time to put them out into the world. “Conspiracy “was the test – “Would people like this?” “Am I good enough?” “What will they say?” all came to my head. The imposter syndrome was quick to judge, but I took a leap of faith… and I’m glad I did. The song was well-received, so I continued putting more out there. “Demon Killer,” is so far, my favorite, and my best song, and in my opinion, is my baby. I spent months developing it. “Bring It “was collaboration with my former boy band manager, Paul Anthony. We were developing the song before the boy band broke up, and I didn’t want to let that hard work go to waste. I’ve learned that it’s always best to see your projects through; otherwise it’s just wasted time and effort? 

 Do you have any other musical or acting projects in the works?

 I have plenty of songs and film projects in the works (of which the film projects I can’t speak on yet). The songs are a mixed batch. I’m having fun playing and experimenting with my sound. 

Fun Facts:

What are some of your favorite hobbies so far?

Funny enough, my biggest hobby was music, and then it became a thing. Currently, my favorite hobbies are watching episodes of Critical Role on YouTube and playing D&D with the “Alpha Rift “cast every Monday night. It starts the week off right! Other than those, I love going outside and having Shabbas dinner every Friday night with my “Pledge “brothers. 

 What songs are currently on your playlist?

-“Shabba: by ASAP Ferg. “F*ck Up Some Commas” by Future, “Best Friend” by Yelawolf and Eminem, and the entire album “Atlas” by The Score. 

 Who are your idols, and how have they inspired you?

I don’t really have any idols per se. My biggest idol would be the best version of myself that I can be – kind of like the Matthew McConaughey Oscar speech. His hero is the 10-year-down-the-road version of himself. I’d say my idol is the same. How much better can I be?

 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

-Being my idol – the best version of myself. Creating A+ art at an A+ level. And, most importantly, enjoying it. 

Connect with Aaron Dalla Villa online: 

Official website: http://aarondallavilla.com/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3434373/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarondallavilla/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aarondallavilla/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aarondallavilla

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZPC8mi4UJerc12e765nyX

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA7lZjg-gPje2Nfu1dZGZQ

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