A new release from Ruto touches of a wide array of vivacious and lively indie-po that incorporates some outstanding instrumentation, contemporary garage rock, and some experimental sounds that create a killer atmosphere.
The Pan Dulce album is absolutely massive and boasts a ton of character in the form of swagger riddled vocals and waves of digital and natural instrumentation crashing down into one beautifully rolled up package.
The songs bring in surfy undertones at times and utilize some quirky and fun synths and keys to give it that extra good time aspect.
And it totally works as layers of textures and melodies hit with a smoothness that's sort of hard to explain.
There is this really huge soundscape to this record that takes a number of different styles and even genres and melds them together for something that really packs a pop punch.
The combination of guitars and keys become bright, and the songs have this awesome breathing and alive feeling behind them.
You can also hear the artists love for his craft with every single track on this release.
There's no question that this one has less boundaries than the norm and I think this is what's becoming the norm now. It's a wonderful thing really and a delight to listen to.
With the release of such a great record, we wanted to have a chat with Ruto to find out where this all came from.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay so let's start with the Pan Dulce album. This record had a contemporary pop feel to it! Where did this single come from?
It came from isolation if I’m being honest. I wasn’t paying attention to anything new or even aiming for pop I just started free flow composing and this is what started to come from it. It’s me trying to create musical styles from memory, while also trying to simplify my original style of song writing. Throw in a dash of Spanish and psychedelic and you get Pan Dulce
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I grew up off classic rock and grunge, but over the years found a love in most styles of music. As far as direct influence I’d say St. Vincent is a big influence she helped establish a need for melody in my music, David Bowie for sure influenced the change in themes and pop fee and I can’t forget Kendrick Lamar who really got thinking about beats and feeling of rhythm.
RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
Early, started playing guitar when I was around 12 or 13. My sister owed me 100 bucks so I asked to trade for her guitar instead and it just took off from there. I grew up in south central LA so being outside wasn’t always an option for me. Over the years I decided to focus on playing guitar, which evolved into song writing and exploring other instruments. The process and joy I felt was intoxicating so I haven’t stopped since.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Taking some time to enjoy this release and practice performing it live. After that it’s on to the next string of singles and hopefully a 2nd album.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
A need to connect is the real reason. I find it difficult to talk to people, usually because of anxiety or my inability to communicate. Through music I feel like I have a true voice where I get speak and express what’s on my mind and I interact with the world. It’s the buffer that allows me to experience this life.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
carpentry or building something with my hands. I love creating so don’t be surprised to find me learning some new skill just to keep myself busy. I work in art departments to pay the bills so I’m grateful to be working in a creative field that influences my music.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
I follow a few DJ’s on YouTube who curate amazing vinyl set list from around the word. Some of it is psychedelic Cumbia, but there a beautiful mix middle eastern funk and Japanese pop
RAG: Are you doing live performances?
-Not at the moment, I’ve been focused on releasing Pan Dulce. The only thought I’ve had about live performance is building a set up for live steaming shows or hopefully some fun back yard gigs for friends.
RAG: This album seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
I managed a lot of this by myself which was the main challenge. So I would recommend find people you trust to help you build out an album or your career. We have the ability to do this independently more then ever in the history of music. You can take complete charge if your art, you don’t have to do it alone.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you! It’s been an amazing experience doing this and working on music that I’m truly proud of. I owe my fans so much love for the support! Hope y’all are excited for the new music in the works!
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