Rudi Zygadlo is a British electronic musician associated with dubstep, glitch, experimental music and wonky. He works in a style that draws on hip-hop and dubstep while also taking influence from classical music, church liturgies, opera, folk, Frank Zappa and early 2000s hip-hop.

Background

Rudi Mikhail Zygadlo is from the United Kingdom. He is named after the dancers Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is linked with the Scottish beat scene and with artists such as Mike Slott, Hudson Mohawke and Rustie, who work in a similar area between hip-hop and dubstep.

Music

Zygadlo’s music is noted for its eclectic approach and emphasis on songcraft. His tracks include hooks, bridges and breakdowns, rather than relying only on rhythm or texture. His sound also uses brain-frying synths, strong grooves and symphonic elements, and has been compared with the work of Guido and Nosaj Thing.

Early work and release history

Before his solo work, Zygadlo plays in an indie rock group called The Velcro Quartet. His first full-length release is Great Western Laymen, issued on Planet Mu. The album is written, recorded and produced in his bedroom, and its lyrics and themes draw on the view from his work desk on Great Western Road, including references to churches visible from the window.

Style and themes

Great Western Laymen includes ecclesiastical themes, and Zygadlo describes the setting in which he works as part of the album’s atmosphere. His music combines detailed structure with the experimental qualities associated with dubstep and glitch, while keeping a strong focus on melody and arrangement.