Pop/Rock artist, writer & producer KEVIN RUDOLF is best known for his certified triple platinum top 5 hit “Let It Rock” featuring Lil Wayne which sold over 5 million copies. Born and raised in NYC, Rudolf picked up his first guitar at age 11. Soon after he started recording, writing, producing, and playing all of the instruments by himself. Rudolf was signed by Madonna to her Maverick Records imprint and released his first album in 2001. He later signed to Cash Money Records and released his following 2 albums. Rudolf was the first non hip-hop artist on the Cash Money label. Rudolf is also an accomplished songwriter having crafted multiple hit records for DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Cobra Starship, Flo Rida, Selena Gomez, Gavin Degraw, Leona Lewis and many others.
LEG: At what point in your life did you first realize that music would end up being your career?
KR: I was about 12 or 13 years old. I had been playing guitar for about a year and was getting really serious, practicing every day after school for hours. I told my parents and grandparents, “You can forget about me going to collage. It’s not happening. I’m going to be a professional musician."
LEG: As a young artist/producer, what was your main goal before getting signed to a major label?
KR: I was always obsessed with music and what went into making records. Sound choices, textures, the way drums could sit in a mix. I went through lots of phases stylistically. Going from hip hop to drum and bass to movie scores. I always wanted to learn how to make anything and everything. So mastery of the craft has always been my first goal and it’s always been more important than commercial success for me.
LEG: Your resume is very long both as a producer and an artist. Do you prefer performing for a crowd or working behind the scenes more and why?
KR: I go back and forth and I think that ultimately they compliment each other . I’m more of a creative than a natural born performer. I love exploring my imagination and making things. However, getting the feedback from a live audience is a peak life experience that cannot be compared with anything.
LEG: “Let It Rock” with Lil Wayne is now 4x platinum. How did that track change your career? How did that collab some together?
KR: That song was definitely a life changer for me. It opened every door as a producer and songwriter but most importantly it was the feeling of putting something into the world that really resonated with people even to this day. I was getting signed to Cash Money and Slim and I were talking about getting Wayne on whatever the first single would be. It was going to be In The City but the day we switched it to Let it Rock Wayne did his verses right away and the rest is history.
LEG: You’ve been successful on a major label (Cash Money) and also as an independent artist. What’s one piece of advice you’d give an up-and-coming artist trying to determine whether they want to stay independent or sign to a major?
KR: That’s a tough question because it’s based on an individual situation. There are a lot of benefits to being on a major if they are really working for you but you give up some freedoms. If you have the opportunity I think it could be worth doing with a shorter term commitment.
LEG: Is there something in music business that you’ve yet to check off that’s still a high priority goal?
KR: I just want to be the best I can be. Everything that comes from that are just the amazing side effects of that.
LEG: You were very active doing shows to support road crews and music professionals coming out of Covid. For the regular concert goer, what do these individuals mean to you and to the industry?
KR: They are the unsung heroes and without them the show does not go on.
LEG: As someone that’s has success in the business over a long period of time what are a few ways you think the business has changed since you started? What have been some of your greatest accomplishments and your greatest challenges along the way?
KR: I think in the beginning for me it was about making great records and having some gatekeeper say “Ok you’re it. Let’s do this.” Now it’s social media and building a fanbase online. It’s tricky and right now it's the Wild West. No one has the answers but you have to keep doing what you’re doing. I’m just proud to have put art into the world that has resonated and continues to, even through I feel like I’m just getting started. I think the key is too maintain your self. When things are going well, enjoy it, don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t give in to what other people want you to be.
LEG: What advice would you give to young musicians or producers getting into the business today? What’s something you’ve learned that you feel you could pass on?
KR: There’s so much but I say haven fun. It’s only rock n roll and you started doing this because you didn’t want a real job anyway. Make great shit, love yourself and the world will love you back.
photos courtesy of Kevin Rudolf Instagram @kevinrudolf
LEG: What can fan expect to see from you in 2023 and beyond?
More music and more surprises!!