We’ve been on a little Los Angeles streak lately, enjoying the brilliant diversity of the California city’s seemingly endless pool of creative minds. Most of the time these artists are more recent imports into the area, so it’s a special treat to hear something from a genuine L.A. native. Hailing from South Central, Oscar Bautista is an independent artist who composes, writes and records everything himself under the moniker Ruto. His inspiration draws directly from the historically and culturally rich musical landscape that surrounds him, embracing both the old and the new through his melodic sound. You’ll hear this creative blend in the artist’s newest single ‘Double Speak‘.
As Bautista says of both his own project and the wider music community: “I think this single not only represents my evolution as an artist but as an evolution on the sounds coming out of LA. As an LA native I take pride in the history of music music and culture that this city has fostered.”
As for the meaning behind ‘Double Speak’, some of you might be familiar with this term as referring to a language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Ruto takes this concept further to explore the effect of gaslighting, especially when this toxic behaviour is turned inwards.
The loose and cosmic production of this single depicts this psychic journey into one’s own reasoning, as our protagonist tries to unpick those unhealthy habits from his thoughts. A subconscious dialogue comes through in Bautista‘s bruised baritone that’s evocative of 70s frontman Jim Morrison. Those vocals are a fitting compliment to the weaving and noodling indie landscape, one that utilises both retro and contemporary guitar styles, timeless drum signatures, and an overall hazy finish. We get the sense that the road ahead isn’t the clearest one, but Ruto‘s performance style is indicative of these sincere efforts to battle against those internal doubts. By the end, ‘Double Speak’ reaches an uptempo zenith with lightening fast finger work and a kinetic drum pattern. As the final notes drop off, you can’t help but feel a little lighter.
‘Double Speak’ was produced by Ruto‘s long-term collaborator Randy Mendoza and you can also check out the single in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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