Kevin Rudolf is an American musician, songwriter, director, and record producer. He is best known for his certified triple platinum 2008 hit “Let It Rock” featuring Lil Wayne. 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: What influences led you to start making music at such an early age?
KR: I think I was initially just drawn to the electric guitar as an instrument and an entity in and of itself. I saw a black off brand guitar hanging in a music store and I knew I had to have it. But when I look back there was a lot of music and musicians in my house since my mother was a singer so that probably had something to do with it.
LEG: How did you manage to land your first record deal?
KR: I was just making music in my bedroom for a while and a friend introduced me to a manager. We sent out some music and there was interest pretty quickly. Took some meetings and we had a real offer. That was my intro into the game.
LEG: What were the biggest challenges being signed to Cash Money Records and being the first non hip-hop artist on the roster? How did you overcome those obstacles and ultimately achieve success with one of the biggest multi-platinum hits of the year featuring Lil Wayne, “Let it Rock”?
KR: The challenge was that I felt that no one outside my inner circle and the circle of Cash Money understood me as an artist. I mean, it’s kind of naive to think they would in the beginning but I felt my first album was high concept and still had rappers like Nas and Rick Ross and Lil Wayne on it. Let it Rock was a huge hit out of the box but it happened so fast that the record got ahead of me as an artist so it became my identity. I’m still very proud of that body of work and I love when people discover the other songs.
LEG: What advice would you give to a young musician or producer starting out today and wanting to get into the business?
KR: Make sure it’s what you really love and keep doing it. You’ll get better naturally and then people will want what you do. Believe in yourself or no one else will. But also make sure WHAT you’re doing is something you believe in. Be unique and embrace your flaws. Don’t try to smooth out the rough edges and just keep going.
LEG: As an artist that’s toured all over the world do you prefer performing on stage or producing and writing in the studio?
KR: I like the creative process the most but there are some amazing peak moments on stage that I’ll never forget.
LEG: You’re new single “I Will Not Break” featuring Lil Wayne is already another instant fan favorite. What were the similarities and differences of working with Lil Wayne this time around?
KR: Same thing. I give him the beat and he murders the verse.
LEG: For someone who has been making music as long as you have, and been in the business through the many changes, what would you say the secret is to the long-term success you’ve had?
KR: Keep going and stay in the game in a way that works for you and keep having fun. If you stop having fun you won’t want to keep going and you won’t be at your best.
LEG: Our Lakeside Brand slogan is “Find Your Lake” which really means to find your peace within. Is there a special place you like to go to relax or something that brings you ultimate happiness?
KR: Yes. Miami. I love being here. The air the ocean, the people. It’s a permanent vacation.
LEG: Is there more music coming and what are your plans for the rest of this year?
KR: Yes, I’m planing on a releasing a new single and video about every month. I’ve been working with a graphic artist and director called Fenwik. We have a synergy and we a making some out of this world visuals for the new music. I’m also finishing a hybrid novel/memoir that I have been writing.
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