Exposed Vocals Interviews Rhythm Rug

Upstate New York is known for lots of things – Buffalo wings, Woodstock, its numerous SUNY colleges. But in the past decade Upstate New York has become a region flourishing with emerging indie artists, rich with creativity and vigor, and hungry to prove that artistry in the Empire State extends beyond the boroughs of NYC.
David Barkie knows this all too well. Before his project Rhythm Rug got off the ground in 2013, he had already put in a decade’s worth of time in the studio, learning the nuances of engineering and making beats from renowned producers like Symbolyc One (Jay-Z, Kanye West).
“I left home at the age of 18 and opened a studio storefront with a couple of friends. When the studio closed at night I would sleep on the floor. During this time I spent sleepless nights recording, writing, and making beats for other artists.”
His time in the studio prepared him for Rhythm Rug, his current project that draws on an array of childhood influences — gospel music, Earth Wind & Fire, Pink Floyd, Jackson 5, Mos Def, and Erykah Badu. Rhythm Rug’s debut single “The Giver” gently blends his alternative touch with a hip hop sway, vividly showcasing his vocal abilities and fine-tuned ear for crafting beats.
“‘The Giver’ is a reminder to do good and happiness will follow,” he explains. “It also makes me look at life and see that relationships are a two way street.”
Rhythm Rug is currently at work on a full-length record. Two new singles are expected to be released prior to the album’s street date.
On the web:
cdbaby.com/rhythmrug
youtube.com/rhythmrugbeats

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Rhythm Rug:  I grew up by Albany, NY. When I was a child my father would play his guitar and sing to me. My mother would always play music to get me to eat. Music was a real big thing in my house. We listened to a wide array, ranging from Motown – Pink Floyd – Gospel – Hip Hop .

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Rhythm Rug: I was listening to Tribe Called Quest’s song Can I kick it. The lyric was “wipe your feet real good on the rhythm rug” It hit me and I stoped right in my tracks. I said out loud “That’s it, Rhythm Rug”. When I looked up the dictionary meaning of each word it meant more since.
RHYTHM: [rith-uh m] noun 1. The pattern of regular or irregular pulses caused in music by the occurrence of
RUG: [ruhg] noun 1. A Blend of various styles, colors and or textures. The blend is to create an elaborate work of art. strong and week melodic and harmonic beats.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Rhythm Rug: I think It’s a great tool to get your music out. People are constantly sharing data back and forth. I feel as though youtube is a form of “giving it away”. People need to become believers in you. They need to feel your energy and they won’t by it from a stranger but if you hand it to them, they’ll give it a try.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Rhythm Rug: Make up in your mind this is what you want and desire. Completely invest your time and energy/currency everyday. Everyday something has to be done even if it’s small. The idea of your music is like a child in the womb, if you don’t feed it everyday it wil;l become stillborn. One great website is RadioAirplay.com. They do a great job getting your music hear worldwide via online radio.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Rhythm Rug: Just keep going, don’t stop the vibe. It shows your human,many people will feel even more connected.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Rhythm Rug: I have not toured yet. That is the plan in the near future.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Rhythm Rug: Inspiration comes from all the beauty of life around me. Even all the hard lessons I’ve learned over the years. Everything can be a song, I just look within and without.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Rhythm Rug: Yes, My website is www.RhythmRug.com. Currently there’s only instrumentals for sale on the site. I started as a producer before I put two feet in being a full artist.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Rhythm Rug: I have a video on youtube called “Chillout Relax Nature Beats”. I made it when I had my “epiphany” to become the greatest version of myself. I used to be shy about it, but now I’ve embraced it.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Rhythm Rug: I would help my family. Complete my album, and start promoting. I would also create a non profit to help provide clean health food.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Rhythm Rug: I use Propellerhead’s Reason for music production, and record with pro-tools 7. I also incorporate analog sound from random places.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Rhythm Rug: I use Fiverr.com and find greart services like “Exposed Vocals”!!! I also promote on the street and everywhere I go. Face to Face is always great.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Rhythm Rug: Sade, Her music has always been a medicine to me. It would be great to create with her!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Rhythm Rug: I’m finishing up my first album “Open Doors”. This album is a mirror of myself.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Rhythm Rug: I’d guess I would be bottling my healthy beverages and traveling with them.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Rhythm Rug: One of my first albums was The Root’s “Illadelph Halflife”. I remember the smooth jazzy groves to hip hop beats. The lyrics were very insightful. I catch a great vibe whenever I listen to this. I’m actually going to listen to it now.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Rhythm Rug: The tortoise and the hare. I breath deep and ground myself back to the present moment. I tell myself there is no rush and no finish line.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

Rhythm Rug: I have a new single called “Near or Far”. The video is being created at the present moment. After these next two single’s I will release the album “Open Doors”.
Thank you to everyone who enjoys the music! All is peace, All is Love!