Queer alt-pop artist a kid named rufus shares new single/video “stuck in san antonio” | Debut LP out July 14th

Budding queer alt-pop artist a kid named rufus (they/them) shares their new single “stuck in san antonio,” accompanied by a visually captivating music video directed by Chase Denton (Boyish, Annie DiRusso) of Working Holiday. The track is lifted off a kid named rufus’ forthcoming debut album whatever works out July 14th via Nettwerk.

“stuck in san antonio” is a poignant and emotionally charged song that reflects on a tumultuous relationship. The track blends captivating melodies, dynamic guitar riffs, and unsettling lyrics, marking a departure into a new rock-inspired sound for the young artist. Based on a true story, a kid named rufus shares this on the track, “I flew from New York to San Antonio to visit my girlfriend (the same one from my previous single, ‘the cute girl from brewster hall’) and it went down horribly. She was driving crossed, swerving on the interstate, and doing all sorts of nonsense. I was so scared and flabbergasted, I broke up with her the next day. I wrote the song the day after as a response to everything that happened in San Antonio.”

After the emotional fallout, a kid named rufus found themselves in Austin, Texas, where they crossed paths with Benji Cormack from slenderbodies and Alex Alfonzo from Night Cap. The creative synergy was immediate, leading to the swift completion of “stuck in san antonio” within a day. Drawing influence from 00’s rock icons like Weezer and The Killers, as well as rising artists such as dodie and Cavetown, a kid named rufus envisioned a breakup song reminiscent of “Undone (The Sweater Song)” but with a fresh, rock-infused twist. This track marks a leap forward for Rufus as they solidify their artistic identity.

WATCH + SHARE “STUCK IN SAN ANTONIO” MUSIC VIDEO

Inspired by the whimsical style of acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, the music video features Rufus and the same lead character from their previous music video, embarking on a wild and surreal journey in a vintage Jeep. The mesmerizing visuals perfectly complement the energy and spirit of the song, thus creating an immersive viewing experience.

The obstacles in a kid named rufus’ journey are captured on their open-hearted, ultra-catchy debut album. whatever works is a vibrant and striking collection of songs touching on topics of queerness, identity, homesickness, adulting, love, lust, culture shock, and much more. But maybe most importantly, the album reflects the struggles and personal growth Rufus has endured leading to present day.

a kid named rufus share this of their upcoming LP,

“whatever works” is an album about my first year in the United States. I started writing the album the summer after freshman year, and I wanted to talk about how much life has changed and how much I still had left to navigate coming from straight out of high school, from a different country, during the peak of a global pandemic. I wrote songs about being broke, dealing with my anxiety, falling in and out of love, coming out as queer, fearing the world, and everything you’d think a teenager on their own for the first time would write about. Making this album was the scariest, yet most fulfilling process I’ve ever gone through, and I’m so proud of the work I’ve created. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Prior to “stuck in san antonio,” Rufus released “the cute girl from brewster hall” in April The song tells the story of a kid named rufus’ first love in college and explores the subjects of romance, love, and sexuality. Bouncy and bubbly, the coming-of-age endeavor is deeply rooted within the overarching themes behind their forthcoming album. The track garnered support from the likes of Billboard, Sweety High, Unclear Magazine, as well as Spotify’s Fresh Finds Indie playlist.

Earlier this year, a kid named rufus dropped “tryhard” and “eighteen ft. Cole Bauer.” The jangling, synth-packed “tryhard” (co-written with Benji Cormack of slenderbodies) is about letting go of the pressures in your life and freeing yourself of responsibilities. A soulful effort centered with youthful optimism, twinkling melodies, and heartfelt alt-pop cadences, “eighteen” reminisces on being younger, wishing things could be the way they used to be. The track garnered support from Under The Radar, NYLON Manila, them, GLAAD, Ones To Watch, Atwood Magazine, as well as, Spotify playlists Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Indie, and more.

“stuck in san antonio” is available at all digital retailers here:

https://akidnamedrufus.ffm.to/stuckinsanantonio

whatever works LP Tracklisting:

whatever works

the cute girl from brewster hall

how sweet does this sound

eighteen (ft. Cole Bauer)

tryhard

liability

i hate being cool

running away from whatever you call paradise

stuck in san antonio

everybody hates me