Photo Credit Brezaja Hutcheson @fridasflower 

With music bridging their love for film and dance, Ru aims to spark honest conversations and raw emotion through their lyrics. “My Parasite,” featuring legendary hip-hop purveyor Grandmaster Caz, examines the feelings of being in a toxic and draining relationship. The relatable lyrics talk about the feeling of wanting to escape one’s mind, body, and the world as a whole. Drawing influence from 80’s rock and MoTown with a touch of modern pop similar to Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus, this unique artist on the rise is always working to elevate their artistry. “My Parasite” will be the debut single off of daddi ru’s eventual EP, which will be released later this year.

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, daddi ru (formally known as Daryen Ru) began their love for music at a young age. After dancing with the School of Ballet with the Lincoln Center, they made a name in the film industry with works featured in DAZED Magazine, GLAAD and more. Their recent work DENIM about transgender rights, starring Jazz Jennings, was award-nominated and featured in film festivals worldwide.

“My Parasite is a true and honest depiction of a lot of relationships I’ve been in. I often give so much, too much, and sometimes I even end up being a sugar daddyand caregiver to people. They just drain the shit out of me, give nothing back and take advantage of my kindness and love languages. Sometimes they’re not even making me cum! What a fucking waste of my time. Not anymore, I’m my own daddi now! ”

What inspired this last release? 

I have been in toxic relationship after toxic relationship, partially due to my own toxic way of course, but I am clearly attracted to toxic people as well. That type of codependency that cripples you. I speak truthfully to that in this single.

This is your debut! How would you describe your own act as a new artist? 

Slutty, queer, elf. So, basically me on the daily.

What is something you can’t live without? 

Ugh, it’s gonna make me sound way fancier than I am, but I have a sick addiction to oysters. I can eat an absurd amount of the slimy aphrodisiac in one sitting. The cravings are insatiable. Does anyone want to give me an oyster bouquet? Or even better, an oyster farm? 

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this? 

Let’s just say, smoking a joint with Grandmaster Caz while recording your single is pretty fucking badass … and hilarious.

What’s your favorite thing to do besides music? 

I love creating in general, so I have made some films that excite me. Other than that, I’m pretty anti-social, so I like hanging at home, watching TV and cuddling with my dog, George! I love watching shitty reality shows, overeating, and drinking wine with my tits out.

What’s a record or artist that shaped your creativity? 

(same as below) I’m def feeling Miley Cyrus these days though!

Who is an artist or band you look up to today? 

I am not really the type to have idols or get inspiration from other artists so much, I am more so in my own lane doing my own thing that feels good in my chest.

What excites you the most about what you do? 

Creating music equates to freedom for me, and I can’t wait to continue down that path and see how it helps me find solace in myself as a person.

What is the ultimate message you would like to convey with your music and persona? 

I have mental health issues and doing all of the things that TV makes seem easy, like dating or going to work, and I want to remind people that they are not alone in that but we are in it together.