Words by Chandler Christopher
-July 22nd, 2023-
In June, I had the incredible opportunity to catch up with Ciara Rudas for an interview and delve into her world of music, life, and artistry. As the mastermind behind the solo project micelf, Ciara is set to release her highly anticipated debut EP, “Everything Nothing.” Drawing inspiration from musical greats like Rilo Kiley, Elliott Smith, and Beck, Rudas skillfully weaves a tapestry of raw and authentic sounds that reflect her personal journey. From recording early demos in her mother’s bathroom to collaborating with talented musicians, her music resonates with genuine emotion and connection.
Ciara Rudas, the creative force behind micelf, is preparing to release her highly anticipated debut EP, “Everything Nothing.” Inspired by musical legends such as Rilo Kiley, Elliott Smith, and Beck, Rudas adeptly crafts a rich tapestry of unfiltered and genuine melodies, mirroring her own profound journey. From recording early demos in her mother’s bathroom to collaborating with talented musicians, her music resonates with genuine emotion and connection.
Discovering the Path of micelf: Born in Hawaii and raised in Orange County, Los Angeles, Rudas grew up in a musically inclined family. Despite not studying music in college, her passion for the art never wavered. A transformative experience involving a recovering addict in her family compelled her to fully embrace music and embark on her solo project, using songwriting to share her personal stories.
The Influence of Unique Settings and Authenticity: micelf’s early demos were recorded in an unconventional setting – her mother’s bathroom. This unorthodox space became a catalyst for Rudas’ creativity, resulting in a raw and unfiltered musical experience. The authentic recording process, combined with Warner Hiatt’s analog production techniques, gives micelf’s music a genuine and human quality.
Themes and Emotional Exploration: micelf’s musical journey delves into themes from Rudas’ formative years, touching on parental disillusionment, romantic ideals, personal growth, and embracing complex emotions like rage and confusion. Her tracks, such as “Calice,” “Block Party,” and “Everything, Nothing,” invite listeners to explore relatable emotions and foster a sense of connection.
Collaborations and the Shaping of the Final Sound: Working with producer Warner Hiatt and collaborator Derek Ted allowed Rudas to expand her creative vision. The track “Folds” showcases the collaborative nature of micelf’s process. The EP was polished by Jon Anderson’s mastering touch, reflecting the growth and dedication evident throughout the project’s development.
Connecting Through Personal Lyrics and Honest Vocals: micelf’s lyrics have a diary-like quality, and Rudas’ honest vocals aim to forge a personal connection with listeners. Through her songs, she shares messages of parental disillusionment, love’s complexities, personal growth, and the full spectrum of human emotions.
The Sonic Journey of “Everything Nothing”: The EP promises a diverse range of sounds, from vibrant and bright to delicate and stripped-down. By embracing organic expression and capturing the raw essence of each emotion, micelf’s music takes listeners on a sonic odyssey that encompasses anger, confusion, joy, and despair, emphasizing the shared nature of human stories.
