SONG PREMIERE: Rudy De Anda Lays Down Chill and Funkified R&B Sounds on “WYD”

Photo credit: Fernando Ruiz

In 2020, Rudy De Anda moved his homebase out of California for the first time. He was headed East. Somewhere in the back of the U-Haul, among the boxes and baggage, was a mostly finished record. Upon arriving in Chicago, Rudy quickly found the final pieces of his new LP, Closet Botanist. It’s due out April 28th on Colemine/Karma Chief Records.

The album was recorded in Austin, Texas at the Electric Deluxe recording studio. The space is owned and operated by Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas), who helped produce and engineer Rudy’s new LP. “In the past, I’ve done most of my recording in California,” Rudy explained. “The new location changed the vibe. The band and I were 100% focused on the process.”

Rudy’s previous releases have grown synonymous with California sunshine. He was born in Los Angeles and spent most of his formative years in Long Beach. “People often tell me my music reminds them of the beach and the sun,” Rudy said of his older songs. Closet Botanist isn’t a total departure from Rudy’s beachy, psych-rock roots, but it does sound more mature. “These songs are personal to me. More than ever before, I was able to get to the point and get some things off my chest. It’s about lost love and lost friendships – it’s more visceral than any music I’ve made before.”

Rudy dedicates the album to those who love so hard that they neglect to water their own garden. Even in a much colder climate, the closet botanist continues to grow.

Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “WYD,” a massively chill tune that is reminiscent of acts like Chicano Batman, Drugdealer and Thee Sacred Souls. We get funk, soul, R&B and plenty of grooving in this track, while there is also a distinctive influence of 90s West Coast G-funk. Backed by organ and spicy guitar playing plus shimmering harmonies, Rudy lays down slyly humorous lyrics that also capture a certain sensual mood. While there is undoubtedly a throwback vibe to this track, it also captures Rudy’s uniquely fresh musical approach.

Rudy describes the inspiration behind the track:

“The title of the song is jab at Gen Z and the acronym culture that leaves a sense of lack of lexicon. The intro synth lead is an ode to the West Coast G-funk sound of the ’90s that I grew up on. The lyrics in the verse are racy and my attempt at being sexy lol. The chorus tells the person to stop pretending they’re sad – You show me your sad face, but I know that you’re not that bummed out at all… ‘it’s just a phase.’”

LISTEN:

Rudy De Anda’s Closet Botanist album will be available on vinyl, CD and digital/streaming platforms April 28th via Colemine/Karma Chief Records

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