Artist Close- Up: Rudy De Anda Is A Soul Punk-Rocker

As you have read before, I am fascinated with artists that try to combine the virtually “un-combinable”. Soul and punk-rock is a blend that no one would think to mix. Yet, these genres are fueled by dissent and feelings of social discord, which is right where Rudy de Anda makes them meet.

The California native is heavily inspired by the Velvet Underground and you hear them appear sonically throughout his work like an inspirational chorus. It is his homage to this classic band that makes De Anda fresh unto the music scene. Still, De Anda cannot deny his laid-back California roots that interweave in his music to assure that there is always a “cool-headedness” to it. 

 The Fast Route, The Fast Decline

For combining two genres that are based in pure emotion, there is a peacefulness to De Anda’s sound. There is an underlying calm to both his voice and simplistic lyrics. Like the video above, De Anda uses music to tell short, descriptive stories. He treats songs like, three minute look-books into both fantasies and realities. Again, what surprises me most is that the combination of punk rock and soul could come off so quietly electric. The sound will certainly continue De Anda’s initiative to be differently good.

There is a surreal melodicism to De Anda’s work that make you think you are entering a “trippy” cartoon like, Rocco’s Modern Life.  It is a sonic display of enlightened colors that are bright enough to make you get up  but melancholic enough to make you still. Thus, the balance between soul and punk rock is found. You are stand up and still to reach into your imagination. 

Tu Esquina

Check Out His Facebook for more information.  Rudy De And a will release his album Delay, Cadaver for A Day on June 24.