We had a chat with hotly-tipped R&B duo Rubber following the release of their delicious new single ‘Fries & Wings’
Writer/producer duo Andrew Loper and John Della Franco are better known as Rubber, an outfit that have taken the irresistible vibes of 90’s-2000’s R&B and given it a delicious modern sheen and feel, crafting something that feels both familiar but with a devastatingly cool cutting edge.
A perfect example of this is the endlessly memorable new single ‘Fries & Wings’, a track that you will have moderate to severe amounts of trouble getting out of your head. We’ve all been there, end of a messy night, on the way to get some greasy food before you head home, but the Rubber single somehow manages to make this feel just as sexy and the night out itself. The track is a moreish cocktail of feelgood vibes, soulful vocals, slick production, and really nice shirts, and continues to establish Rubber as an outfit with an effortless sound that feels as accessible and fun as anything out there. After hearing the track, we decided that we wanted to know a bit more about the duo and what they’re about.
Who TF are Rubber?
Rubber is an Alternative R&B duo based in Philadelphia, PA made up of singer/lyricist Andrew Loper and producer/multi-instrumentalist John Della Franco.
How long have you been making music?
We have been writing music together for a little over 4 years, and pursuing music professionally for about 3. We’ve both been musical for our entire lives.
Why do you make music?
We both make music because it comes naturally to us – we can’t imagine doing anything else. Telling stories through sound is an absolute privilege that we are both proud to pursue.
What are your biggest influences?
Collectively- Brandy, Mariah Carey, Frank Ocean, PC Music, Noname, Rosalia, the list goes on and on.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Doing a live session for Radio 104.5 was pretty rad. It’s the Philly Alternative Radio station that every kid growing up in the area listened to.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Bass driven grooves and vocal acrobatics. Alternative R&B with a hot pink pop twist.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Would love to one day sell out Union Transfer (our favorite venue in our home city).
We love your new single ‘Fries & Wings, what more can you tell us about it?
‘Fries & Wings’ is our Mariah Carey slow-groove club anthem – we were heavily inspired by ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ when we were putting this one together. It’s meant to feel like that moment during a wild night out where you access a sliver of peace and you feel at home in the chaos of a drunken crowd.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
We have a big headlining date at Johnny Brenda’s in Philly on 7/29 and playing really cool NYC festival on 8/12 so make sure you follow us on IG and TikTok to hear about them when they are officially announced!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Probably our manager Drew Taffe, he’s believed in us since the beginning and continues to support us unyieldingly.
