Rushkeys: "The rhythm is there to carry the emotion forward"
- Editorial Staff
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
Hailing from Vilnius, the cultural capital of Lithuania, Rushkeys is the musical project of Domas Ruškys, a producer and composer known for crafting deep and immersive soundscapes. With a background in formal music studies, Domas combines technical skill and artistic sensitivity, shaping each track through dreamy melodies, engaging rhythms, and a natural sense of flow. His music moves effortlessly between downtempo and organic house, balancing intimate atmospheres with energetic grooves, making it equally suited for moments of reflection and the dancefloor. With a refined and personal style, Rushkeys presents a sonic journey that blends emotion and movement into a singular immersive experience.
What led you to remix "Messages From The Blue", and what did you want to express with your version?
Unsui’s original already had a strong atmosphere, and that’s what drew me in. Rather than changing its direction, I approached the remix as a continuation — expanding the atmosphere, adding flow, melodic depth, and letting it unfold slowly. I wanted the track to feel like a place for both movement and solitude, where subtle shifts and evolving textures reveal more light without losing the calm at its core.
Your style blends dreamy melodies with solid rhythmic grooves—how do you balance these elements to maintain that flow between introspection and movement?
I see rhythm and melody as parts of the same movement. I usually begin with a feeling or an atmosphere, something personal and quiet, and then let the groove grow from that. The rhythm is there to carry the emotion forward, not to overpower it. I try to keep the music evolving — small shifts, changes in texture, moments of light — so it stays alive while still leaving space for reflection. That’s where the balance comes from: music you can move with, but also be alone with.
How does your background in formal music studies still influence your creative process and production today?
My background gave me a sense of structure and listening, which still shapes how I work today — not as rules, but as intuition. Being aware of harmony, dynamics, and form gives me the freedom to focus on taste and individuality.
What are the main influences or ideas behind your tracks that work both for reflective moments and the dancefloor?
I’m drawn to music that exists between movement and stillness. Ideas surface from memories and lived moments — from people, books, and other artists’ music — as well as from travel and time spent alone, where those impressions have time to settle.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your early Rushkeys projects to now? Are there any new directions or experiments you’re excited to explore?
Early on, my approach was more about atmosphere and feeling. Over time, the sound has become more grounded, shaped by restraint, space, and a clearer sense of flow. I feel the music is starting to come into focus, with everything working together more naturally.
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