Summer may be over, but Indianapolis native and DePauw junior Ross Gardner is bringing the sunshine back with his new EP, “Summer Haze ~ The Prelude,” released Sept. 22. In an exclusive interview, Ross shared some exciting insights about this project.
After completing his freshman year, Ross returned home to find that nothing was the same anymore. This feeling was the driving inspiration behind “Summer Haze,” through which he aims to capture the essence of leaving behind the past and embracing change, claiming that this is the point where one is “stepping in to who you’re meant to be.”
When it comes to his creative process, Ross typically begins by writing lyrics, which then serve as the foundation for his production. However, he’s also open to exploring the opposite approach. For three of the four songs on his new EP, he crafted his lyrics around beats that he found. This flexible approach allows Ross to tap into different sources of inspiration and create a diverse range of songs. Taking inspiration from R&B artists like Brent Faiyaz, Ross utilizes smooth vocals, unique harmonies, and blues guitar riffs.
As for his next steps? “I don’t want to do it by myself anymore,” Ross says. As a solo writer and performer, he is eager to connect with other artists in both a production and lyrical sense. “I want music to be a creative, shared, collaborative process.”
When asked about what song off of his most recent EP was his favorite, Ross found himself conflicted: “It’s like when parents are asked which child is their favorite.” However, he concluded that “Changes, You Said” is his favorite track off of the project because of its vulnerability and honesty. Ross succeeds in creating a musical environment that matches his lyricism, and it is a meaningful volta for the EP.
If you’re looking to ease your way into Ross Gardner’s discography, he suggests starting with his debut album “Superstar Dreams” with the songs “Take Off” and “Shooting Star.” You can find him on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube under his name, Ross Gardner.