Within just a month or two of the independent release, I was approached by an established independent label who thought it would make a nice addition to their music catalog. Email Article Print Article Bookmark RSS Related Content:   Artist Finances   Websites for Artists   Copywright Laws for Artists   Create Your Blog

Devon: First of all, let me just start by saying it’s a pleasure and an honor to meet you RSK. I have found your musical work to be an amazing mix of rich sounds, styles and textures.
RSK: Thanks for the kind words. Your interest is much appreciated.

Devon: You probably hear this a lot, but you seem to incorporate many different genres into RSK Music. How would you best describe your sound and what are some of your influences?
RSK: Well, I certainly would agree that most people find it difficult to categorize RSK Music. Personally, I take that as a compliment. In a way, this genre ambiguity is intentional.

As you point out, there are many facets to the music and it probably could best be described as a fusion of sound and structure. I think if you listen carefully to the Introspection CD, you will hear hints of Reggae, Latin, African, Middle Eastern, Jazz and Western Pop to name a few.

Devon: Interesting. Did you specifically seek out World Music while you were growing up?
RSK: Looking back, I always had an interest in different cultures. Music helped to provide some escape and a superficial bridge to far away places, I suppose. I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I was always the strange kid listening to music on headphones that featured artists singing in different languages that nobody from America seemed to be able to understand.

Toure Kunda, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Youssou N' Dour, Burning Spear and Tito Puente were among just some of the artists that inspired me. Peter Gabriel's Real World Records and the Putumayo label also exposed me to a number of artists that may have otherwise gone overlooked. Seeking out this type of music was probably just an extension of my own curiosity.

Devon: Speaking of far away places, it has come to my attention that you have spent a lot of time in some very interesting parts of the world. Can you tell us something about that and perhaps how those experiences may have influenced your music?
RSK: Sure. (Pause)

I was born and raised in Southern California. I guess you could say I was exposed to a variety of cultural microcosms growing up. It inspired me from an artistic point of view as well as from a sociological perspective. Interest in the cultures and the art eventually became integrated over time.

Devon: Can you tell us a bit about your travels?
RSK: Certainly. I think my curiosity was largely responsible for what motivated me to travel and live abroad as soon as it became feasible. I was fortunate enough to have lived in Asia for a couple years, resided for a time in the jungles of Central America, made my way throughout the Caribbean and even called the Pacific Islands home for a time. The sum total of these experiences certainly has impacted my music.

Devon: As a music artist, you seem to have emerged out of nowhere to a certain degree. Where have you been all these years?
RSK: I’ve been involved with various music projects over the years. I played and recorded with a variety of artists and worked as a composer with a number of musicians. The CD Introspection was the first solo music effort that’s been released to the public. I had been pressured for years to put something out for public consumption as a solo project. I guess I finally caved in and laid all my ideas out for people to hear for themselves. It was probably just a mater of time.

Devon: Your music certainly appears to be well received and interest in it seems to be growing. I understand your independent music project was recently picked up by an independent distributor, correct?
RSK: Yeah. It all seems a bit strange to me. Within just a month or two of the independent release, I was approached by an established independent label who thought it would make a nice addition to their music catalog. I feel incredibly lucky in that respect. Many artists go their entire lives without getting the recognition they deserve. There are so many talented people out there who never get the chance. I’m just thankful there is an interest in RSK Music.

Devon: Where can listeners pick up Introspection by RSK?
RSK: Introspection is available directly through http://www.rskmusic.com and is also available via digital download through Apple iTunes. (There is a big marketing push for the CD scheduled for later this summer). I’m excited about the prospects, but I think I am even more excited about the broad international exposure of RSK Music.

Devon: The Internet seems to be shaping the way music is distributed more and more these days. Do you have any opinions on how it is influencing the music industry? Do you feel it helps or hinders you as an independent music artist?
RSK: The internet has been both a curse and a blessing for independent artists and the music industry as a whole. It’s definitely evolving and now artists as well as music companies are finding ways to make it work. I primarily see it as an affordable distribution tool that is just now coming of age. We (artists and record labels) have been in a transitional period for the last few years and the powers that be are just now coming together to find ways for business and the artist to benefit.

Devon: Can you tell us something about your creative process? Do you work with other musicians to create your compositions?
RSK: I have worked with others in the past. I’ve learned a lot through sharing ideas with others. The CD Introspection was entirely a solo endeavor though. In a way, it had to be. I’ve been contributing to other artist’s music for years and finally thought it was time to release something 100% RSK. I spent a lot of time sketching the concept in my head before it was eventually translated to CD. I laid down all the tracks, recorded, mixed and mastered the entire CD on my own.

Devon: That's certainly a huge accomplishment.
RSK: Thank you. Some people out there told me it couldn’t be done. I was determined though. The composition part of it is something that always came naturally and it was probably the easiest part. All in all, it took about 5 months from start to finish. A lot of people still can’t believe I did it entirely on my own. I guess I’m proud it turned out as well as it did.

Devon: What are you working on now? Can we expect more works in the pipeline for release?
RSK: I consciously took a bit of a breather after Introspection was finished. I needed some time to re-balance and refocus. Putting something like this together would take a lot out of an entire band, not to mention one person.

Future works? Well, I think it is worth mentioning that I have recently embarked on a follow-up CD which I believe the listening audience will find pretty interesting. I intend to integrate talent including players and vocalists from a variety of different genres. I plan to have even more diversity on this second CD. I think it will stand out but I won’t release it until I am completely satisfied. I’m definitely excited about where it is headed.

I’ve also recently been approached to contribute to the soundtrack for an independent film slated for release in 2006. I’m looking forward to that as well. At the moment, I am just focused on getting all the music ideas out that always seem to be dancing around in my head.

Devon: (Laughs) Well, we certainly wish you continued success in all of your endeavors. I’m sure we will be hearing and seeing a lot more from RSK going forward.
RSK: Thanks. I’m working on it.

Devon: It’s been a pleasure speaking with you and I certainly enjoyed learning more about RSK Music. I’m sure our readers will find all of this quite fascinating as well. Thanks again for taking time out to speak with us.
RSK: You are very welcome. It’s been great talking with you.

RSK Music can be found at http://www.rskmusic.com and can also be purchased through select retailers.

*Introspection is now available for download via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

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