Vulkan Alchemy Issue: Rob Raco on Transforming Art and Life
Welcome to Vulkan’s Alchemy issue, where transformation and creativity take center stage. In a world constantly evolving, this issue celebrates the art of turning challenges into opportunities and raw moments into something extraordinary. Rob Raco, our cover star, embodies this spirit through his latest project, A Hundred Lies, where he explores themes of truth, deceit, and identity, blending his talents as an actor, musician, and producer.
Rob Raco @robraco
Photography by Gabriele Di Martino @GabrieleDiMartino
Styling by Simona Sacchitella @SimonaSacchitella
Your new project, A Hundred Lies, feels like a gripping narrative. What initially attracted you to the story and your character?
This story was something I needed to tell. After co-star/writer Dana Abraham and I spoke on the phone, we created a game plan to execute truthful moments in both our lives that created the individuals we are today. I was a professional musician prior to my acting career and to tie those both together was something really special and cathartic.
Without giving too much away, can you tell us how your character fits into the twists and turns of A Hundred Lies?
My character is the twists and turns of A Hundred Lies. Ricky goes through real life issues of loss, love and addiction while trying to smile through the face of success.
The title alone, A Hundred Lies, promises intrigue. How do themes of truth, deceit, and personal identity play out in the show?
Great question. We carry many lies as individuals, so I think relating to the underlying struggles of what we choose to mask to succeed in any career is the impetus of this film. As an artist, I’ve dealt with deceit and imposter syndrome…still to this day, so by pushing through the elements of shaky foundations and relationships, we capitalize on thosemoments to expose the balance and discipline of what it means to find success.
What was the most challenging part of filming this movie?
Any moments on set where things didn’t quite go as planned but created magic? This whole movie was a challenge. We began the principal photography at the tail end of Canada’s covid restrictions and amongst that, had very dark matter to tackle emotionally. Our director Rouzbeh Heydari created such a safe space for changes on the fly and really gentle moments between Humberly Gonzalez and I.
5. You’ve worked on a variety of projects—how did this
movie push you as an actor in new ways? I’m grateful to have been working as an actor, full stop but this movie kicked me into a new light of emotional and professional responsibility. It’s an honor to carry a film on my shoulders with such incredible talent and crew but I got to wear so many hats on this project as it was my first time producing and also writing the original soundtrack with musical legend Gavin Brown. I look forward to finding more projects with such big swings and collaborations.
6. Beyond acting, you’re also known for your musical and visual artistry. How do these other creative outlets influence your performances on screen?
In this specific project, I had a plethora of songs that I wrote about an ex-relationship that beautifully tied into the subjectmatter of this film. As for visual art, I love to paint or draw an abstract portrait of what I think the character is. All this does is get me out of my head and onto a new medium.
7. Does your approach to acting change when you’re working on a series versus film or short projects? What felt different about A Hundred Lies?
Every project is a clean slate. I forget about “the process” and just find what works specifically for that character. Some are fun and right on the nose and some require a ton of research. A Hundred Lies was different only because it felt like I couldn’t fully let go of a chapter of my life without doing this movie. It was my therapy.
8. Are there any personal rituals or artistic practices that help you stay inspired between projects?
I’m always creating and collaborating with other people. It took years to understand the difference between Making a Living and Making a Life. I’m grateful to have this job but it’s a luxury. I keep my life small, never forget where I came from and try to have as many human experiences as I can. My family and my chosen family is everything to me. Living in New York definitely keeps you humble and focused on the human experience.
9. Music has always been a passion of yours. Do you find moments during filming where music helps you get into character?
I’m not sure how other actors get into their process or whatever but music and creating playlists is my main thing. Being a musician first, I’ve always used it to get through good and bad moments of life so it’s been an integral part of my journey as an actor.
10. How do you deal with creative blocks? Is there a go-to activity or person you rely on to regain your artistic flow?
I allow them to happen instead of fighting them. I like to walk through the city and people watch or call my little Niece and Nephew to hear about their little adventures. Finding inspiration outside of my inside walls is very important for me.
11. We know you have a distinct sense of style—how does fashion express who you are off-screen? Are there any designers you love right now?
Distinct? I’m not sure about that, haha. I tend to dress simple and am influenced by timeless fashion. I don’t want to overthink it. As for designers, I love a bespoke suit. Classic gentleman is something I was raised with and if I’m going out, I love to show simplicity in that.
12. What do you do to unwind when the cameras aren’t rolling? Any routines or secret hideaways where you recharge?
Meaningful times with family and friends. New York has an amazing Jazz culture in the West Village so I love to pop inand watch people create in real time. I also love going to the movies. I try to see everything.
13. Who or what has been your biggest creative inspiration lately—whether it’s a book, a piece of art, or even a conversation?
Seeing the people I love Win at the thing they’ve been dreaming of doing. That pushes me to keep going.
14. With A Hundred Lies, you also had another film, Art of a Hit recently released. Can you tell us about that?
Art of a Hit was such a fun project to jump into. We shot it in Dordogne, France at this massive castle owned by music legend Miles Copeland. It’s about a musical group “Excelcis” set in both 1996 and 2003. I play Myles, the original frontman of the group, set in the 1996 chapter. It was so fun to base this character on 90’s hero’s of mine and really drop into the idea of what sacrifice means when your opportunity is thrown your way. This character chooses to climb that ladder no matter what is left behind.
15. Looking forward, is there a dream project or role you’re dying to take on next—whether on screen, in music, or any other creative field?
On screen, I would love to work with more of my hero’s and learn the secrets of making movies through their many years of experience. As for a role, I’d LOVE to jump into a high- stakes franchise. I love the Oceans movies and the Missionmovies, so something in that vein would be so fun with an ensemble. I’d also love to do a romantic comedy!
