Rubber’s new single “Synth Pop Idol” is a sure-footed response to the expectations that come with being an artist – settling it once and for all. They are not here to appease an indifferent audience by altering their own identity. As you bob your head listening to the repetitive chorus and verses sprinkled with some rhythmic rap, you realize it was about making a statement as much as carving a niche for themselves in popular music. The song is packaged in an arrangement focused on percussion while the suave vocals take center stage. The verses are embellished with harmonies and some elements of electronica as well, all in all, being a minimalist testament to the fluidity of genres and sounds. The song encapsulates the nervous feeling of inadequacy and sort of turns it on its head, in a laidback affirmation of what matters and what doesn’t. Despite all the anxiety it may convey, it’s clear that the artist knows what they’re doing. The song sets a tone for the band’s discography to come and the image that they are cultivating.
The Philadelphia-based duo Rubber comprises of singer-lyricist, Andrew Loper (he/they) and producer/multi-instrumentalist, John Della Franco. FNE had a chance to interact with them in light of their new release to understand what goes on behind the scenes.
Here’s what happened.
FNE: The beat comes off as the star of the song, keeping it laidback and very catchy. Could you tell us more about the creative process behind the song-writing?
Rubber: John comes up with the beat and Andrew the lyrics and melody. This song was written so long ago it feels ancient – this may have been one of the first songs that was written to an instrumental that had already been produced, which is now how we write most of our songs.
FNE: I love what you’ve done with the harmonies that accentuate your verses, especially the part where it almost becomes a melodious rap. How would you describe your sound here?
Rubber: Stream of consciousness anxious babble with a silky smooth tone
FNE: Your sound seems quite refreshing, and unique from the kind of music that is “in” and topic the charts these days. Who would you cite as your influences?
Rubber: Patrice Rushen, Noname, Frank Ocean, Remi Wolf, 100 Gecs, Bladee, Clairo, Lorde, the list goes on and on
FNE: There is a lot of self-affirming repetition in the song which makes it quite intriguing. What inspired you to write this song? What is the story sought to be conveyed through the music?
Rubber: ‘Synth Pop Idol’ is a song about identity, “don’t wanna be a synth-pop idol, don’t wanna have the hips or smile” deals directly with the pressures I face as the front-person of the band to be skinny, bubbly, consumable. This song is a statement. I am an imperfect narrator, a jester, a musician, an artist, but in no way an idol. It is one of 2 singles being released in October that felt like they needed to come out before we dug in and started serious work on the debut album.
FNE: What would you describe as the best way to enjoy your music?
Rubber: On a roadtrip with friend (or someone you wanna kiss)
FNE: How do you think your sound finds relevance in the current pop culture landscape? What do you think is the most unique quality that your music has to offer?
Rubber: While we understand novelty and uniqueness is currency in the current pop culture landscape, we are not necessarily trying to offer anything new. We are trying to tell our stories and paint our emotions with sound as honestly and authentically as we can, and if that speaks to people, awesome! We just want to keep on making music for weirdos.