Song of the Day: Rudy Willingham - Why?

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unrealeased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is "Why?", a 2017 self-released single by Seattle producer Rudy Willingham.

Rudy Willingham - Why? (MP3)Though you'll usually find him DJ'ing at a retro hip roller rink or throwing down at a hedonistic yacht party the likes of which the 80's never knew, local producer Rudy Willingham goes deep, sociopolitically, on his latest single, "Why?" Heavily sampling an obscure 70's Polish soul cut, Rudy, who's also one half of Seattle party rap duo Slow Dance, lays down a thoughtful downtempo groove to add weight to the vocalist's plea: "Tell me people, I just gotta know / I can't take it, can't take it no more". Despite its retro vibe - is that a ripping flute solo in there? - the track is essential to how many of us might be feeling lately - "I try so hard to live my life / With these kinda people around me / It's so hard to strive / My friends just tell me to keep my head up high / Oh don't you worry, for you always gotta fight". Funny how today's emotions can be found in the bottom of a crate. But thank Rudy Willingham for digging it out.

Though his Facebook profile says "you can catch him throwing concerts at roller rinks, cruise boats, pools, rooftops and laser tag arenas around Seattle", you won't find any upcoming show dates there at the moment. Keep checking in, though, as there's bound to be more music and updates soon. You can also check out some Slow Dance jams on their Bandcamp page.