Interview: Five Minutes with Rudosa
DJ and music producer Rudosa has been a standout talent for a commendable period in underground circles. Since first announcing his arrival on the scene well over a decade ago, he has carved out a definitive sonic palette that has understandably brought its fair share of kudos from both industry specialists and club-goers alike. This wholehearted peer support has led to international tours not only around the UK and Europe but further afield to India, a domain well-known for its love of robust underground techno music.
Continuing this rich vein of form into 2020, the label head dropped a boisterous remixes of Joyhauser’s‘Entropy’ (Phobiq Recordings) and Frank Biazzi’s ‘Transition’ (Tronic), firmly cementing his acid-led sensibilities within the techno landscape. In addition, Rudosa welcomed the second release on his own Moments In Time label; a VA compilation featuring his own cut ‘Dominance’, which is currently climbing the charts. The label boss and Make Me A DJ music school founder has also announced the launch of a new monthly radio show Moments In Time Radio as he sets his sights on another career-defining year in the studio.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
I’m quite a creative person and have always loved seeing how music makes people act differently. Even from a school age, I enjoyed just playing music to friends, and in the common rooms I’d watch how dropping a certain track makes people behave and react differently. I think being involved with music has always been really important to me.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
This changes all the time, sometimes I sit down with an idea in mind already and build from that. Normal stems from a vocal or phrase in my head sometimes lead the production and other times I’m excited by a new record I’ve heard or label that I’ve found a cool sound on. I don’t shy away from any inspiration, it comes from everything and everywhere and I think you’ve got to be open to this to fully exert your creativity.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
I try to limit how many collaborations I do, for me they need to be meaningful and I always make sure I have a friendship with the person first so that we know each other’s sounds and can fuse them together perfectly. Recently I’ve released music with Hush & Sleep because I feel that our sounds blend really well, especially with my raw elements and their amazing melodies. I’m also working with Blicz who is a producer that features a lot in my sets and our sounds match really well together. In the coming few months I have plans to create another Moments Vol on my label Moments In Time. This will feature only collaboration tracks with friends.
What’s on your current playlist?
It’s quite Techno Heavy but i’ve also been getting back into 90’s hip hop after watching Hip Hop Evolution on Netflix.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I think this changes from venue to venue. When I play I tend to feed off the energy on the dance floor, listening to reactions and checking if they are feeling the bpm and aggression or whether they’d like something more hypnotic or melodic. I also try to smile at people who make eye contact, you can still be a nice person and play dark and mysterious sets.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
EVERYTHING!!! Kicks is first on the menu. I mess with them to create different low ends, then normally I play around with my standard drums, adding layers and changing things up. The main one is the hook line which I usually work on for ages. I try to keep it simple with not too many layers of music, about 3 max, and I always make sure that it’s catchy and stays in my head when I sing it back to someone.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
This changes every day. With running the DJ School, some days I can be teaching, others I can be engineering for someone. I have to be clever with how I manage my diary, booking out days and setting tasks to focus on. I have recently taken someone on in work who is also doing my PA stuff, which has really helped with planning and leaves much more time for me to be creative.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Cream’s 14th Birthday, watching Tiësto in Liverpool’s Nation club. Midway through that set I knew this was what I wanted to do and haven’t stopped working at it since!
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Apple watch, RMX1000, my full set up, Vodka and if possible someone to take videos and also my ears in case of loud sound levels.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Blicz, Hypnum, Marcal, Klangkuenstler, Alignment
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Clubbing and going to new places!
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
The first bit of important gear for me is my Jan Morel Designed studio, the sound in the room is perfect so it really helps when selecting sounds and making sure the low end is great. I’m mainly using Ableton but also use Logic. For Bass, my go-to is Trillian and for kicks, I sample with a combination of d16 punchbox. Lead wisely I have a Virus Ti Desktop2, use Arturia V-collection, Rob Papen Predator and synth master 2. To Be honest I have a ton of software as I love learning new ones. For effects, I use breeze2 for my reverb and soundtoys for all over effects. I have every distortion plug going and for mixing and mastering, I use Waves and UAD.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Aside from Rudosa, the DJ/production school, engineering, my Moments in Time Label, sample packs and merchandise (T-shirts), I don’t think I could cope with anything else!
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I’m always learning and trying to improve things, I have a sound now which has taken years to achieve. This means my speed of production is fast and it just allows more time for the creative side to shine through.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
Everything in the world is very uncertain at the moment with COVID-19 so I plan on coming out the other side stronger than when it started. I have tons of new music, a solid stream of releases and a business that can rebuild with many new adaptations.
Famous last words?
Knowledge is key! Don’t be afraid to share with others and never stop learning.
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