Kevin Bivona of The Interrupters Is Producing Rudy Nuño’s New Record
- Nick Davies
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Rudy Nuño has been a steady force in L.A.’s underground punk and alt scene for over a decade—known for his heartfelt songwriting, tireless DIY ethic, and a voice that’s as vulnerable as it is powerful.
In an exclusive with Orgcore Magazine, Nuño reveals that his upcoming album is being produced by Kevin Bivona of The Interrupters and engineered by renowned studio veteran David Irish (Social Distortion, The Interrupters) at the revered Pot of Gold Studio in Orange County.
This marks a significant moment for Nuño, who has spent years building a name for himself through independent releases, heartfelt performances, and an unshakable commitment to authenticity. After releasing Golden Roads in 2023, Nuño found himself at a creative crossroads—one that led him straight into the arms of Indie Label Fumie Records.
“I had just put out Golden Roads and was booking a summer tour when Fumie reached out,” says Nuño. “We instantly bonded over shared values—music, ethics, community. By the end of the year, they made a tentative offer. A show in March of 2024 sealed the deal. Their communication and transparency made the choice easy.”
Fumie Records, known for championing emotionally honest punk with a DIY heart, offered Nuño more than a contract—it gave him creative freedom. “They’re not just building a label; they’re building a community around an authentic sub-genre of punk” Nuño explains. “That was everything for me. I can be myself and play what I love, without chasing trends.”
That spirit of authenticity is alive and well in the new album, which Nuño describes as melodically rich but emotionally raw. “Some of the songs are in a major key but carry heavy lyrical content,” he says. “It creates a tension that really highlights the emotional depth.”
At the production helm is Kevin Bivona, whose work in The Interrupters and a host of other artists has made him a beloved and trusted figure in the scene. “Kevin’s someone I’ve followed for years,” Nuño says. “When his name came up, I jumped at the chance. He’s been gracious with his time, and working with him has given me a real boost of confidence. It's early in the process but his attention to detail, his ear, his vision—it’s been a gift already.”
Bivona himself has called Nuño’s voice “sweet and krooner-like,” a description the artist embraces with humility. “I’m just trying to be myself,” Nuño says. “Kevin is creating a space where I can do that, and his direction has helped me lean into those strengths.”
Nuño is also reuniting with engineer David Irish for the third time. The familiarity has brought out the best in everyone. “Dave knows our sound so well he can suggest which guitar or snare to use for a particular section,” Nuño explains. “He and Kevin work really well together. They’ve helped shape these songs beyond anything I originally imagined—through harmonies, tones, instrumentation. It’s been transformative.”
That level of polish might raise eyebrows in punk circles, but Nuño isn’t concerned. “I do the writing and composing. Kevin does the producing,” he laughs. “He makes me feel comfortable enough to trust my instincts. Sometimes, the rawness isn’t in the recording—it’s in the conviction behind the performance.”
Lyrically, the album blurs the line between autobiography and observation. “These songs are all personal to me, but not everything is written in first person,” he explains. “I don’t think people listen to music to learn about me. They listen to learn about themselves.”
One track in particular, “Chasing the Sun,” encapsulates this ethos. “It’s about two resilient kids chasing something bigger,” Nuño says. “It starts at a breaking point—‘You’ve got me in full transparency, I’ve lost all faith in myself’—but the chorus finds strength: "Underdogs, cradled under hope till our last beat… as we burn out of these crazy streets for great escapes…"
More than any previous release, this album represents a personal evolution for Nuño. “I’ve always struggled with opening up, but I’m working on it,” he admits. “This process has been healing. I’ve written from a vulnerable place. These are my stories.”
Nuño’s connection with his audience has deepened, too. “People from around the world have reached out to share what these songs mean to them. That’s what this is all about. Community is everything.”
Though 2025 will be focused on finishing the record, fans can expect live shows here and there, and 2026 will bring more extensive touring—including stops in new cities. Nuño is also hinting at a few guest features: “I’ve lent vocals to friends’ records. One of them owes me a favor,” he laughs.
Asked what he hopes fans take away from the record, Nuño keeps it simple: “I hope they feel refreshed. It’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to keep searching.”
And finally, when pressed to describe the album in just three words?
“Heart. Hope. Perspective.”
Keep your eyes and ears open—Rudy Nuño’s next chapter is already in motion. And if the early signs are any indication, it’s going to be something special.
PHOTOS BY:
Jerry Chang
Matt Medina
Unknown (email for credit)
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