The Pursuit of Release

Words and Photos by Amiyah Golden

I was recently able to immerse myself into the mind of local artist Chris Rudasill with his EP, “Blood on Blood” which I had the privilege of reviewing a couple issues back. My thoughts before came simply as a blind consumer, without getting to fully connect with the one holding the pen to the paper and that changed as I was able to meet with him and pick his brain. 

In my review, I deemed his EP as a “conscious project” which was confirmed once I sat down with Rudasill to unpack his journey into artistry, which began in college for him at the University of North Florida. Now, almost a decade later, it has transpired into a revelation of comfort and sanctity. 

“I always wanted to be in a band,” claimed Rudasill said as he sipped a cup of coffee. “And I was lucky enough to go to school and do music. That was my main focus aside from going to school.”

Days spent in the library were also spent writing — the duality of a young hungry musician —  and while the aim was always to obtain a degree (which he did), the path to fame did not go untrodden. As time has passed, however, Rudasill has shifted his tune when it comes to the motivation behind the music. 

“I think the intention I have behind my writing has changed a bit. When I was in college I had delusions of grandeur. When you’re young it feels like you can take over the world,” he chuckled as he reminisced. “With the newer stuff, it’s a sense of wisdom there. I write music for myself and that’s enjoyable for me and it’s more personal. It’s not like I’m writing and then evaluating how successful it could be on the radio but now I’m writing it and evaluating how the song makes me feel — and that feeling lately has been comfort. If I’m sitting on the couch and just humming to myself very softly and curled up on my guitar that feels really safe to me, and I think that feeling is more so my motivator as with before it was more so an end goal.”

An adoration over a quest for notoriety will always be evident in the music one produces as it comes with an additional layer of cognizance that can be felt, and ever since Rudasill has embraced writing for passion over mere profit it has allowed him to confidently release his story with the position of sole liberation. 

His sound is raw and while many tend to balk at the thought of freeing their unfiltered feelings for the world to hear, Rudasill embraces it. As I wrote in my review, “[His music] forces listeners to analyze and become present as they divulge into Rudasill’s intentional lyricism, allowing them to reflect. I think this is what I appreciate most about the sonic approach: the facility to embrace lucidity.”

His inspiration during his songwriting process stems heavily from his own journey and sentiments but is also considerate of the influence of other artists such as S. Carey — and the band Bon Iver as a whole — as Rudasill admires his vocal approach — and singer songwriter Elliott Smith who he references as an inspiration as well.  

“Once I knew the feeling I wanted to convey then I was able to reference some of the guys I was listening to so I could see from more a technical standpoint what that process looks like in the highest degree possible without sacrificing quality,” Rudasill said.

Rudasill’s receptiveness has allowed musical exploration that has worked to support the impact of his latest EP “Blood on Blood.”

“There are elements of the composition that are surprising that became a little more orchestral,” he said. “Songs like ‘Lead Feather’ were just this real slow blossom that orgasms into this big, huge sound.” 

The extensive support he has received has also bolstered his project with help from other local musicians, his community, family and friends.

And while his dreams don’t demand the radical notability that many seem to covet, it ensues as the fantasy to simply release the chronicles of his being. 

His reunion with nature years prior was also a huge impetus in his writing for “Blood on Blood.: 

“I had some time to introspect and at the time I was doing a lot of hiking and was trying to find my way,” he recalled. 

His trek through Joshua Tree was met with forcible isolation that came with silence. 

“We’re never quiet anymore, and it’s kind of uncomfortable, that level of quiet and introspection that you have to go through in nature. I found metaphors in that and the only way to get out is to go further in one step at a time,” said Rudasill. “And the themes lyrically in the songs on ‘Blood on Blood’ were primarily informed by those hiking trips and metaphors of the river and nature were definitely big! It was so inspiring to me.” 

Rudasill’s gratification in the pursuit of release is inspiring to see as he uses his skills to heal and cherish moments of tranquility; these factors being more paramount than the acquisition of any accolades.

“It can be a very magical thing when you find that ‘thing,’” he sadi. “It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever felt.”

His humility is refreshing and his approach to music is undiluted — a true artist who embodies what it means to be assiduous. 

My last inquiry for Rudasill was about his dream collab and while he included some legendary names such as George Harrison, his quintessential collaboration would be with the locally acclaimed restaurant – Catullo’s Italian – as he may need to be crowned as the establishment’s biggest fan! 

I could definitely see “Rudasill Rigatoni” being on the menu one day! 

I thoroughly enjoyed conversing with Rudasill and diving deeper into his personal expedition with music and life. I’m rooting for him as he continues to unapologetically fabricate music for himself and others to candidly enjoy. 

To keep up with Chris and his ventures you can follow him on Instagram at @chrisrudasillmusic.