He gained prominence as the frontman and principal songwriter for the indie band Pint Shot Riot in the years 2007 – 2013 and was nominated in 2014 for best actor at the Maverick Movie Awards for his acting debut in the independent feature film The Trailer.

He taught himself guitar at the age of 21 and a few years later he formed the band Pint Shot Riot.

[1][2][3] Pint Shot Riot began performing in January 2007, with Richard 'Rocket' Emerson as the frontman (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and as the main songwriter.

[6][7][8][9] Emerson studied acting at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City, in 2010.

He debuted in the 2014 independent feature film The Trailer (nominated for best actor at Maverick Movie Awards).