Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rudy Malinao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rudy, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I’ve always pursued my passions even when I had a regular “day job,” but the day I decided to leave that job and work for myself full time is something I’ll never regret and always remember. I’m much happier doing what I love for a living. That cliche’ is true, even though it can be tough at times but I figure you’re going to suffer either way. I’d rather grind everyday and “suffer” at something I love doing, something that is my calling, than for someone else’s benefit or profit in most cases. I’ve never doubted my abilities, but it wasn’t until I quit that job that I realized I can really do this. That being said, it’s not for everyone. But for me, I knew what I was meant to do.
Rudy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Music was an integral part of my life since I was very young. My mother and my older sisters always played music. From oldies, to soul/funk and disco, and in my teens I was exposed to the early days of hip-hop and house music and I was hooked. So I started DJing early on, playing mobile gigs that eventually led up to club gigs and rave events in the 90’s. I always kept a regular job while DJing on the weekends, but it wasn’t until I quit my last job that I really entered the industry and went at it full on.
Since then, I’ve DJ’ed around the country, produced and remixed tracks, and now with Techniche, I run our independent label, host a syndicated radio/mix show and oversee our live events. With Techniche, I think we stand out by being consistent, investing and focusing on our brand without compromising anything.
I’m proud that I am able to put out music independently while supporting local DJs and producers who deserve to be seen & heard. San Diego is my home and I want us to represent it well to the rest of the world while earning and maintaining the attention and praise from our local crowd. I think we’ve achieved that to an extent, but we always believe we have more to accomplish. So while I’m humbly proud of the success we’ve had, we’re still striving for more.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
There’s a few things that can be done to support creatives and they’re all relatively simple. Follow and engage with them on social media. Let them know you’re a fan with more than just a like, leave a nice comment. Share their profiles with friends who may also be interested. Buy their merchandise or and attend their events/shows, be present and participate in the fun. Also, if an artist or creative person decides to change their style or sound etc that’s not to your liking, don’t be hateful with negative public comments. Just because they no longer artistically resonate with you, that doesn’t mean their any less worth why you supported them in the first place. Artists and creative people need change and evolution. Let them grow, it’s their art, not yours.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being able to wake up each day and do it all over again and win or lose, I know I’ve tried at least. I followed through with what I set out to do. Even if I make a mistake, I’ll learn from it and move forward. And even though it’s daunting, I know I’d rather be in the ring with the bull, then be out in the parking lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.myxzlplix.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myxzlplix/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Myxzlplix
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/myxzlplix
- Other: https://linktr.ee/myxzlplix
Image Credits
Diva Hammad Photography Xpozd Photography