Kendall Rucks – Skin the Sun

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

Q) Hmm…I think the music is sexy, powerful and organic. I’m old school and love 90’s rock or any music really that uses real instruments. I’m always evolving as an artist and trying new things which is a blast but makes it difficult to put a label on it. People often compare me to Fiona Apple and I’ll take that comparison any day – I love her balls when it comes to musical choices and lyrical passion.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) See above! [laughs] I love the innovators. I’m a huge Nirvana fan. I love Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Fiona (of course) and Lana Del Rey.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Skin the Sun.”

A) “Skin the Sun” is about the love warrior in us all. The people who will go to the ends of the universe for those that they love…even if they don’t deserve it.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think there’s a warrior in all of us burning to break free. There’s so much frustration these days with so many wrongs and injustices… “Skin the Sun” is about releasing the dragon inside and slaying anything that stands in your way.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) Honestly, I do it both ways. Usually, I have a lyric idea…then the melody hits me and we’re off to the races

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) For me, I’m all about being involved in every aspect of the music. What’s so great about having a band is that we have that time in rehearsal to make mistakes and create to get what feels just right. In the studio, I love adding all the layers and sounds that really bring the music to life and then mixing that up so that my sound is truly represented.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Kendall Rucks performance?

A) First and foremost, I hope fans can expect to be seduced. Seduced by the sounds, the vibe, the music and the fantasy. Because my foundation is the use of organic instruments, I also think that fans can expect a live show to sound virtually identical to the recorded versions. As our foundation grows (and we have more money), I hope to add more in terms of lighting and stage design. But for now, it’s me and the band…and we’re pretty H.O.T.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) When I first came to LA, I passed by The Viper Room on Sunset and thought it was such a cool and historic place. I never in a million years imagined that I would feel so “at home” there. Rock fans are effing amazing – they’re loyal, supportive and cool as hell. I often do the Monday night Sunset Jam there and have met a million great people.

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

A) I’m basically releasing my album single by single over the next year. I’m releasing a single almost every month until May and then in June I’ll release an EP called START A WAR…It’s already finished and it’s EPIC.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Lately, I’ve been collaborating with Luke Spiller of THE STRUTS. That has been awesome and we’ve written some really great stuff – he’s so talented and that makes the writing so fun. Aside from the obvious like Lana, I’d love to work with FKA Twigs, The Neighborhood, Arctic Monkeys and Jesse Jo Stark (who I think would be an awesome touring partner).

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I’m not as active on social as I’d like to be. The problem for me is that I really want to KNOW everyone who is on my feed, so I spend a lot of time looking at their profiles and getting a feel for them (Although, I often don’t say anything. Kinda stalkerish…I know…). Social media can be both the savior and the curse. Savior because it allows us to really get to know and connect with people and curse because it takes soooo much time to do those things that one could easily never get anything else done. Ultimately, I want the music to speak for me and if social gets the word out about the music, then I’m all for it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Um…YOU ROCK!! You wouldn’t be a fan of mine if you didn’t have some kinda “attitude” under the hood. So, I’d love to thank all those beautiful Gods and Goddesses for every minute of energetic vibes and support. Building a base and exposing your art is tough work and I’m so lucky to have so many badass warriors in my corner. #Grateful.