Rusty Santos

Rusty Santos’ solo music belongs to a different timeline, one where music moved at its own speed, and artists stand out in contrast to their scenes. His music is as art-world-saturated as The Velvet Underground. Like Arthur Russell, he’s in revolt, an outsider amongst the indie pop music of his own time; like a scourer of the avant-garde. Yet, he is an artistic cousin, but walking the alternative path, as these references are only signposts, and his music aims to sound like nobody else. There are layers of acoustic guitar, backed by a minimoog synthesizer, drum kits recorded through effect pedals, fuzzy electric bass, and guitar. Still, his presentation of these elements marks a departure point. He performs in alternate tunings, utilizing frequencies that sound unfamiliar; yet, the DNA is that of indie rock's golden age. That it might seem familiar is because Santos has worked on seminal music by Animal Collective, Panda Bear, Weyes Blood, Black Dice, Dawn of Midi, Owen Pallett, Beach House, Dirty Projectors, DJ Rashad, and more.