When you push play on “Little Treats,” you’re stepping into a world of musical nuances—a collection of sonic delights meticulously curated by Rugawd. The project is a reflection of his artistic journey, capturing a diverse array of sounds and styles. As Rugawd puts it, “’Little Treats’ is meant to be exactly what the title suggests; a bunch of little treats. It is a collection of sounds I’ve been holding on to since my last project.”
Overcoming Creative Challenges
The process of creating this eclectic mix came with its share of challenges. “The biggest challenge was tracklisting and mixing,” Rugawd confides. “The process of creating is almost always a lot of fun; creating without judgment is always fun because you aren’t really thinking about the end result, you’re just going with the flow. Mixing is always the hardest part for me because I am never completely satisfied with the outcome.” His struggle with mixing stems from his high standards and the challenge of translating his vision into the final product. “I almost lose my sanity every time I mix a project. I’ll have an idea of how the song should sound and I can only come so close before I have to step away from the laptop.”
Tracklisting was another significant hurdle, and Rugawd turned to his trusted collaborator Adia, formerly known as NDO. “My go-to person for this task is always Adia. She is an amazing DJ and has this amazing ability to make music flow,” he explains. Her expertise was crucial in crafting a cohesive listening experience.
Visualizing the Project
Rugawd had a clear vision for the project’s aesthetic, drawing inspiration from his love of cute, animated art. “I’ve always liked to associate myself with a cutesy sort of aesthetic. I’m a sucker for all things Sanrio and anything related to that world,” he says. This vision was brought to life through his collaboration with Dragonfleye, an artist whose work Rugawd admires greatly. “Dragonfleye is an artist I’ve wanted to work with since I became familiar with his work. I used to get lost for hours in picture books as a child and Dragonfleye’s work captivates me in the same way.”
The Power of Collaboration
Collaborations on “Little Treats” added rich layers to the project. Rugawd describes how these partnerships came about: “A couple of these happened after I won The Kount’s drum sample flip challenge. Particularly the work with ROHO and The Kount.” These connections have led to enduring friendships and creative alliances. “ROHO and I met through that Kount challenge and have remained friends for years now. The same is true for Kaelin Ellis. ROHO, The Kount, and Kaelin Ellis have an amazing knack for rhythm so I just had to shoot my shot and see if they’d be down to contribute.”
Rugawd also highlights the contributions of Anthony Aldissi and Rod Alnord. “Anthony Aldissi is an incredibly talented pianist and composer. I heard him play with his group ‘Ethos of Aldissi’ once and became obsessed with their music. He was gracious enough to contribute as well.” Additionally, Rod Alnord, a long-time collaborator, was a key part of the project. “Rod Alnord is another local musician that I’ve been playing with for almost 7 years now. This man has helped me grow so much as a musician, it would have been a crime to not involve him in the project in some way.”
Growth and Evolution
Reflecting on his growth since his last release, Rugawd notes the evolution in his technical abilities. “I feel like I grew a lot in my technical abilities. I learned and re-learned a lot of music theory and I spent a lot of time trying to refine my abilities as a bassist over the past 3 years.” This growth is evident in “Little Treats,” particularly in its harmonic language and bass work. “So much of the music on this project is the result of me taking new knowledge and abilities and answering the question: ‘what if?’” Rugawd believes that this project marks a significant step forward from his previous work, “Everybody Wants to Be A Cat.”
“Little Treats” stands as a testament to Rugawd’s evolving artistry—an appetizer for what’s to come, capturing his explorations and growth in a vibrant, multifaceted collection.
