Welcome to the future of sound, as envisioned by Rusowsky
In the heart of Spain’s vibrant music scene, a sonic alchemist named Rusowsky is crafting a revolution. Imagine stepping into a world where electronic beats blend seamlessly with introspective lyrics, creating an auditory tapestry that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. That’s the world Rusowsky invites us into, with tracks like “electric bby” and “So So,” which have become anthems for a generation seeking authenticity amidst digital chaos.
Rusowsky’s music is a journey through lo-fi landscapes and dreamy soundscapes, where every note feels meticulously placed yet effortlessly cool. His tracks resonate like late-night conversations with an old friend, filled with nostalgia and discovery. Known for his genre-defying style, Rusowsky doesn’t just make music; he crafts experiences that linger long after the last beat fades.
In this exclusive Galore interview, we dive deep into Rusowsky’s creative process, explore the stories behind his most iconic tracks, and uncover what drives this enigmatic artist to push the boundaries of modern music. Welcome to the future of sound, as envisioned by Rusowsky—a future where authenticity reigns supreme and every track is a sonic voyage.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Can you tell us about your musical journey? What inspired you to become a musician?
Well, my musical journey is basically my whole life. My mother is a music teacher and since my father was working too, I had to go with her to her classes – staying and always listening to what she taught, my first conscious memories are in those classes. When I was three or four I began to attend too. I began to play the guitar, and my whole life was centered on this. As a kid, I learned so fast that being a musician is a hard life, especially in the classical realm. Being realistic and considering our socioeconomic situation, I never thought I could pursue music in life. Even still, I got into a public conservatory and I finished school. My relationship with orthodox classical music and my new musical tastes from outside the genre was what created the gap and pushed me to do something different from what I had done all my life, and it became my way out.
Your sound is a blend of various genres. How would you describe your musical style, and what influences shape your sound?
It’s a cocktail of music I love, I guess. I like to take the elements that stand out to me from each genre I listen to and make a fresh fusion of all textures and colors. I always found sections and things in particular songs that got me so excited and made me question, ‘how are those keys that make me feel this way created?’ I mean the sensation when a song hits you in the heart – I always wanted to recreate this sensation by myself.
Who are your musical heroes, past and present?
Stevie Wonder, Sting, Enya, The Beatles, Ravel, Bill Evans, and Skrillex when I was younger. Now, the same, but including Tyler the Creator, Yung Lean, pretty much all the Drain Gang people, Ralphie Choo, ML Buch, Rosalia, Ag cook, Cocteau Twins, Broadcast, RealYungPhil, Bon Iver, Sigur ros, Ichiko Aoba, Adrianne Lenker, Jockstrap and maaaany more.
Let’s talk about your latest single, “Neo Roneo”, what’s the story behind the song, and how did the collab come about with Latin Mafia?
I just grabbed my guitar one day and I recorded the guitar you hear in the song. They are all first take, and I recorded some vocals that are first take too – I felt that was so cute. I completely forgot about that demo, and a few months later we thought about sending it to Latin Mafia – three bros from Mexico that we met a while ago, they are super nice people and we became friends really quick. Their music has something that resembles mine, and we decided to propose to them and they loved it! We worked one day in the studio and then one day remotely, and it turned out gorgeous 🙂
In terms of making music, what is your creative process like? Do you have any specific rituals or habits?
My only ritual is to make music when I feel something is coming out, I rarely sit to have conversations with my DAW. In fact, I spend limited and measured time making music; my whole creative process is based on making anything but music. I like to immerse myself in tons of music, movies, trivial things, spend time with my people, feel, record ideas and chords, and then, when I feel full, I can vomit it all out.
Your fashion sense is quite unique and iconic. Who is your style god and what brands are you obsessed with at the moment?
I don’t really like to be super-conscious of what is poppin’. I’m into fashion lore but I’m rarely worried about it. I just have in my mind what goes well with me – colors, cuts, textures. I usually feel bored of being aware of it. Mowa, Yori, Dingyun Zhang, Boltad, Marni, Liberal Youth Ministry are brands I fuck with. @chichicharito and @beenslackin are the best dressed people I follow.
Talk to us about “electric bby”, what is the significance of this track to you?
The day I returned from making the “Lágrimas pa otro día” album of Dellafuente I felt so inspired on how he makes bars that I ran to the DAW and recorded some things. I knew the song would fit him. For me, it’s a big deal, the way the song reminded me of the old Dellafuente I used to listen to when I was younger and I think that’s the purpose of the song.
You are quite playful with your EP and single covers. Who creates your artwork and what is the inspiration behind it?
I always make them by myself or with my friends. We as a collective (rusia-idk) match on finding an aesthetic that defines us. We have a trashy underground internet, and knowing how that represents our style, along with a mix of artists we admire, the films we watch, the music we listen to – we love to contrast and play with these influences, but not in a really serious way, I think that’s the point, like a serious meme.
Collaboration seems to be a key aspect of your work. Can you tell us about any upcoming collaborations and how you select the perfect match for your sound?
ehhehe I can’t! But they’re gonna be so cool. I obviously create music based on how I feel at a particular moment, and I find it very easy to know which artists match the energy of the song. It’s stunning, the position of being able to make music with people I admire, and it’s fun for me to enter worlds I’m not associated with, it feels like a game.
You have played a lot of music festivals this year, what city has been your favorite so far?
The Ceremonia Festival in Mexico was crazy, one of my best audiences no cap.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next year?
My debut album will be released 😛
What is your music philosophy and what do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
I don’t know if I have a philosophy. In fact, although I’m a super deep person, my relationship with music is so genuine and natural that it surprises me, sometimes, the lack of approach I have with it and these types of questions. I think it is just part of my life since I started feeling and growing up as a person. I make easy music that feeds my hunger and I hope it nourishes my listeners the same way.
What advice would 2018 Rusowsky give 2024 Rusowsky?
“Go to the gym”.
What is your favorite restaurant in Madrid?
My trusted restaurant is called Gaztelupe, it’s near my house that’s why, but they offer great Mediterranean quality food.
Give us your end of summer playlist!
Água de Coco– Marcos Valle
Fool– Adrianne Lenker
Lento– Julieta Venegas
Quién Te Cantará?– Mocedades
Fluffy Tufts– Cocteau Twins
Teen– ML Buch
What is one of your favorite songs from any of your EP’s or singles that you feel a new Rusowsky listener should begin their palette with?
I think “mwah:3” is a good definition of my sound, good point to begin but my very favorite is “LOTO“. Even so, the project that feels the most personal to me is coming soon 🙂
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Interview By: Adrian Alvarez
Photographer: Pablo Mas (@pablo__mas)
Creative Direction: Fomotrauma (@fomotrauma)
Lighting: Claudio Oca (@claudio_oca)
Post-Production: Pablo Rivera Gento (@riveragento)
Hair Stylist: Gorka Larcan (@gorka.larcan)
Wardrobe Stylist: Adrián Lorca (@_adrianlorca)
