INTERVIEW: Electronic music from Rushkeys

Lithuanian electronic artist and producer Rushkeys takes us on a captivating musical journey with his recent single, “Kira.” Known for his ability to blend dreamy melodies with energising rhythmic grooves, Rushkeys defies genre boundaries, seamlessly merging elements of downtempo and house to create a truly unique sonic experience.

One of Rushkeys’ defining characteristics as an artist is his sincere and expressive approach to music. Through his compositions, he aims to establish genuine connections with his listeners and convey his emotions and experiences. By skilfully combining electronic, organic and world elements that are traditionally separate, Rushkeys’ sonic storytelling style immerses the audience in his artistic perspective, inviting them to explore his creative world.

Growing up in a small town near the Baltic Sea, Rushkeys draws inspiration from nature, which serves as a significant influence on his sound. He infuses each track with foley and organic textures, creating a sense of grounding while simultaneously transporting listeners to otherworldly sonic realms. His style also fuses elements from ambient and chillwave genres, adding depth and dimension to his compositions.

With a background as a professional sound engineer, producer, and composer, Rushkeys brings a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise to his sonic vision. From studying music at a young age and graduating from music school as a piano and saxophone player to pursuing sound engineering and electronic music composition at The Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, he’s honed his skills over the years. With over a decade of experience working in a recording studio and undertaking diverse projects in commercial and independent spheres, Rushkeys has composed music for advertising, films, fashion shows and live performances, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist.

In his recent single, “Kira,” Rushkeys treats us to a mesmerising blend of downtempo, tribal elements and organic electronica. The track exudes a sense of empowerment and carries shades of Bonobo’s vibe, showcasing Rushkeys’ ability to create stunning musical landscapes. As the colourful synth tones weave their way through the composition, engaging and smooth melodic shots captivate the listener’s attention. The laid-back grooving beat provides the perfect foundation for the ethereal soundscape, subtly infusing deep house energies and adding an extra layer of intrigue to the track.

“Kira” is a shining example of Rushkeys’ talent for crafting engaging downtempo electronic music. The track’s kaleidoscopic array of sounds and textures invites the listener to immerse themselves fully in the sonic experience. Whether you find yourself lost in the hypnotic melodies or swaying to the infectious rhythm, Rushkeys’ ability to create a enthralling and smooth sonic journey is undeniable.

With his unique blend of dreamy melodies, solid grooves, and organic textures, Rushkeys establishes himself as a noteworthy talent in the music scene. As he continues to evolve and explore new sonic territories, his dedication to authenticity and emotional connection shines through in every composition. “Kira” serves as an enticing glimpse into Rushkeys’ musical world, leaving listeners eager to embark on the full sonic journey that awaits on his brand new debut record, Outlook.

We caught up with Rushkeys to find out more about his musical journey so far, his recent single “Kira” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Rushkeys below.

Hey Rushkeys, how’s things?

Hey, thanks for having me. I’m enjoying the sunny weather that’s finally arrived here.

What is your biggest highlight in 2023 as an artist so far?

My biggest highlight so far is the release of my new mini-album ‘Outlook’ on the Stereofox label. I have been following them for a long time and I am very happy to find a home as an artist and meet a team that really understands and supports my vision.

How do you find the Vilnius music scene?

I think that the local music scene in my city is doing really well. As a quite small country, we have interesting artists and an active cultural life here.

How did you first get into making your own music?

I formally studied music graduating from music school as a piano and saxophone player, before studying sound engineering and electronic music composition. During this period of time I had the opportunity to work on various commercial and independent projects, composing music for advertising, films, fashion shows, and live performances. At the same time ever since my teenage years I was interested in instrumental hip-hop music and its production, as well as electronic and dance sounds. I was curious about combining these two elements: the flow of sample-based hip-hop and the energy of dance music and wanted to find a middle ground without straying too much into one or another genre. That’s how I started shaping my sound.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

There are many artists from different genres who made a lasting impression on me in different periods of time and whom I admire to this day. I am fascinated by J Dilla’s productivity, his creative approach and his use of the MPC as a musical instrument. I was also influenced by the early releases of such labels as Ninja Tune, Mo’ Wax, Project Mooncircle, Merck records and their roster of artists.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

I’ve been listening to a lot of different music lately and it’s hard to choose specific names, but the artist whose music I appreciate since the early days and which has an influence on my own work is Bonobo. I admire his ability to naturally combine electronic music with organic sound. I am also inspired by fellow artists from Stereofox label who share a similar vision and production aesthetic.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I am inspired by the life around me: travels, nature, memories, books, other artists’ music. However, after choosing music as a profession I learned to create even when there is no inspiration.

How has your sound evolved over the years?

Over time I naturally explored more upbeat approaches and started using more organic, world music elements in my music. My favourite artists mentioned above definitely had an influence on this.

Does your production technique change with different releases?

With each release I try to use something new, whatever seems right for the main vision of the release at the time. My latest EP ‘Outlook’ is like a summary of the changes that happened in both my musical and personal life, so it is inspired by my experiences. To convey this, I used textural field recordings from a diverse variety of places. I also played my new digital wind instrument, the Roland Aerophone, for the first time on this EP, giving my tracks a distinctive instrumental speech.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Although there are rhythmic elements in my music, I think it is suitable both for dancing and for listening alone with headphones. Nature it is a key element in my sound, so I think that being surrounded by it can really help to feel it.

How did you find making your recent single “Kira”?

Kira is the most rhythmic and upbeat tune on my new EP. The idea of the track came about when I was visiting my favourite city Barcelona and I heard a group of people drumming and others dancing to it in the park. The word Kira means beam of light. It symbolises this sunny city and the coming spring and is inspired by the rhythmic beauty of the world, so I used some rhythmic elements and sounds recorded here in the background.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming music?

I want to continue developing and expanding my voice as an artist, but at the same time bring some new and different colours with my new releases.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

It seems to me that my music is dreamy, it has a feeling of childhood nostalgia. For me, music is like a way of escaping from reality, but, of course, this is based on everyone’s different experiences. For some it can be just the background, others may not notice it at all, it can calm, or even lift it off the ground.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

First of all, I would advise you to find your true creative voice, a sound that is really close to you, and follow it rather than chasing what is popular at the moment. I think that the listener can certainly feel what is real and sincere. Never stop being interested and constantly look for something new, and when you find it, take it seriously. The most important thing is not to throw everything away and not to stop regardless of success or failure. People who don’t give up long enough achieve their goals and dreams.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

I’m already working on new material and some interesting collaborations, which I hope to share soon. I am also currently preparing to present my music live.

Listen to Kira below