Ruben Gausel Torkelsen (RGT) is a genuine fan of EDM. Growing up in Norway, the now twenty-four-year-old producer has always had an affinity for the electronic side of music, from Illenium and Walker to Zedd and Garrix.
RGT is always aware of every element in a song and values every aspect with great regard, from the baseline and piano melodies to the vocalist and mixing. The fusion of electronic sounds with poppy melodies and vocal performances is proving to be quite successful for RGT, and is sure to be finding its way into your playlists soon enough! RGT meets the music producer.
1 In Music: Hey RGT. Talk to us about you and what makes your music unique.
RGT: I would say the most unique thing about me is the variety I provide my listeners. I refuse to find one sound and stick to it. By doing so, I hope that it will keep me interesting and keep the listeners on edge for future releases.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
RGT: I think that Optic Studios was a big part in shaping my music. I did a ton of songs for them in different genres, which ultimately led me down the path I am on now. I found out which genres I didn’t want to be making, and went off of that. So I’m really happy for the time in Optic Studios. Now I’m blessed enough to have some really exciting offers on the table by some labels that I have looked up to for years!
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
RGT: Well I noticed early on in my life that music was a big interest I had, but I just recently started making music professionally. I think it was in 2020, when I released “I Would” and “My Own Skin” as a kind of test to see if the music is good enough. And the reactions from people all over the world was just amazing, so I figured I’d push it further. Now I have planned around 6 releases for 2021, and who knows how many for 2022.
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
RGT: Haha this is going to be a really weird answer! So I make EDM, I dig Hip Hop, and I absolutely love Classic Rock. So there is quite a span in my music taste. But EDM kind of speaks to me in a way that makes me want to chase it myself. But yeah, you bet I get up and sing if some Aerosmith or Skid Row comes on!
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
RGT: This list could go on and on and on, but lately I have been binging an artist called RIELL. She has such an amazing voice and pumps out one hit after the other. Lately she has been getting some traction, but she definitely should be up with the stars. I hope she finds her way there for sure.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
RGT: Easy, two shots of tequila and a couple of beers! I’m always nervous before shows, which I’ve heard is a good thing. The main thing to do before a show is to just try and get in the mood for it. If you ain’t mentally prepared to do it, then you might as well sit it out. You need to match the crowd’s energy, simple as that.
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music that you are passionate about?
RGT: I try to fill the days with things I love. So I freedive, walks with my dog, party/go out with friends. I’m lucky enough to say I spend time with my better half. So really just the things I feel for in the moment. I can be really spontaneous, which can put me in weird places sometimes.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
RGT: Honestly, success to me is irrelevant.
My goal with creating music is to stimulate my creative itch.
I love to make music, and would do it even if no one listened to my music. But I really feel I’m doing something right when I get messages from people that my music have inspired or helped someone through some rough patches of their lives.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
RGT: Prepare to waste a ton of money and to be tricked by everyone! There is no real answer on how you should launch an Indie career. And my blonde ass went in a lot of traps along the way. I’m sure I still do. But it’s just to
work hard, be tough as nails and when you feel that nothing is happening,
that’s when you should be working extra hard.
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
RGT: I have at least 3 more projects coming out this year. I just launched “Morning Light” together with the stunning Clarees, and already have two more songs in for mixing right now. This will be somewhat of a reveal but the titles will be “To You” and “Start Over“. I’m really excited to share these with the people!
1 In Music: Where do we find you music / music project?
RGT: You will find my work on more or less any streaming platform and web store. And to make sure not to miss anything I always update my audience on facebook whenever there is something new happening.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6o8riiHNR1UlrfhpALtvJf?si=ETJzVplRTza6Mqv5N8mPzQ&dl_branch=1