Exclusive Interview: Rudy Touzet Talks His New Single “For Real” and Live Performance

Singer-songwriter Rudy Touzet is a budding artist whose music has struck a chord with listeners around the globe. With pristine vocals and sharp productions, Rudy is bringing his unique spin to the industry, providing a much-needed escape for all.

His latest single, “For Real,” is a euphoric summer anthem that will undoubtedly have you up on your feet.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Rudy about the track and his newly-released live performance.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Rudy: When I was in elementary school, every year we had Christmas recitals and Spring Flings. I remember I was always so excited to perform in front of people and to “show off my range.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Rudy: My parents have definitely had the biggest influence on my career. They have supported me through all the risks I’ve taken and have helped me get through all the good and bad days.

PC: You’ve got a new single out now. Tell us about “For Real” and the inspiration behind the song.
Rudy: “For Real” is a really special song to me. Most of my songs have this ongoing theme of me being indecisive about certain situations or not knowing where things are going in my love life. But with “For Real,” the inspiration behind the song was a time where I was so happy and content in my life. This was that one time when I knew that I didn’t want the feeling to be temporary.

PC: You’re releasing a live performance for the song. Walk us through the creative process of bringing that to life and your collaboration with your band and Bri Gonzalez.
Rudy: It’s crazy to watch this performance because this was shot all the way back in October and it was the first time I was on stage performing one of my original songs! I remember being stressed and terrified, but I was still able to have so much fun. I was able to work with the people who I consider family, and it was so amazing to have my good friend Bri dancing with me. Since the day I met her, she has always brought out this confidence in me that for the longest time I didn’t even know I had.

PC: You have an EP coming out later this year. What can fans expect from that body of work? What do you hope to say as an artist?
Rudy: Every time I’m asked about my EP, it still shocks me that I am finally releasing a full body of work! Fans can expect a lot more bops but also a chance to listen to my story and what actually goes on in my mind that I don’t necessarily share with people outside of my inner circle. I hope my EP expresses the internal challenges I had to face with love. I want people to understand where I was coming from but also remember that they’re not alone and that this journey of falling in and out of love is a lot and sometimes you just need to let your emotions out and dance.

PC: If you had to select one song off the EP that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Rudy: I see what you did there! Fine, I guess I will tell you the title of the song on the EP. I think the song “Where Do I Go Now?” really encompasses who I am as an artist lyrically, vocally, and production-wise. Right now this song is my favorite off of the EP. I just love how vulnerable I got with myself and the situation I was in. I think during the process of writing this song was when I realized how terrible I actually felt being in that relationship. But for now, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Rudy: Barry White.

PC: First album you bought?
Rudy: I want to say either Confessions by Usher or one of those Disneymania albums where the stars would perform their own version of the Disney songs. The difference between these two albums. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
Rudy: Jonas Brothers.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Rudy: Sweetener by Ariana Grande really gave me such an inspiration to get into music and to focus on my own style of music!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Rudy: I’m not sure that my answer will answer your question, but I really want to perform at an awards show. It just looks like so much fun and everything is over the top!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Rudy: Takis and a lot of water.

To keep up with Rudy, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.