Start Listening To: RUBY
Red light energy alert on: once again, RUBY’s ready to let us into her vulnerable world.
Rising from the ashes of a rebrand after nine years of finding her feet, alt-pop singer RUBY has no issue with letting us into her vulnerable and emotional world. At just twenty years old, RUBY is a self-assured independent artist with entrancing storytelling abilities and powerhouse vocals to boot. In between studying, writing new material and looking ahead to 2022, RUBY invites us to explore her artistry at a glance.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
I’m RUBY, and I’m a singer-songwriter based in Leeds. I make sad, edgy songs about sad, edgy girls.
How did it all start?
When I was 11, I took part in a talent show at my school just because I liked singing. I came second place and instead of being disheartened, I was encouraged by my mum to go to a Saturday school where I could play with a band and record a song. From a young age, I was working with other musicians and I started finding music that I was passionate about which made me want to start writing my own songs - so I did! I even taught myself how to play the guitar and from here my love for music and particularly songwriting took off.
If you were to describe your sound to someone who’d never heard you before, what would you say?
Jazzy pop with an edge. Big ‘red LED light’ energy.
How are you feeling about the release of your new single “Sometimes”?
I’m over the moon with the response to the track so far! It was a long time in the making - I originally started recording it back in 2019 but when the pandemic hit I was left to recreate my songs alone with just my laptop. I recorded all of the parts myself in my bedroom so it’s been a real labour of love and I’m so glad it’s finally out in the world.
Can you tell us more about some of the themes on this track?
“Sometimes” is about wanting someone to be over their ex and instead of waiting it out, you go all in and catch feelings even though you know it won’t end well. But falling for someone isn’t a regular occurrence so you stick it out anyway.
What inspires your music?
It depends who I’m listening to at the time, but overall I’m mostly inspired by melody and lyrics that really stand out and make me think ‘wow, I want to do something like that’. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Marika Hackman, Phoebe Bridgers and FLETCHER.
Can you tell us something interesting about yourself that has nothing to do with music?
I’m really impulsive and if I like something I need it immediately - I literally just cut myself a DIY fringe 30 minutes ago.
What advice would you give for anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to you?
Listen to other artists that have a similar vibe and see what they do well. Always make sure to adapt it to suit you, your style and your own experiences.
How does your queerness impact your music?
My songs are about girls, so it naturally impacts the lyrical content. Feeling valid in my identity helps me to be more raw and authentic. I like writing music that other queer women are going to listen and relate to.
If your music were a film or TV show which would it be?
A coming-of-age high school drama.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?
Ed Sheeran’s + and The 1975’s A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. Ed Sheeran’s older work will always have a special place in my heart because that was what I listened to when I started getting into songwriting. The 1975’s album is one I’ll always be in awe of - I just think it’s a work of art!
What do you hate right now?
Looming uni deadlines
COVID
The cold weather
What do you love right now?
Pizza
Animal Crossing
Co-writing with other artists
What comes next in the RUBY story?
I’ve been doing loads of collabs with other songwriters and we have some great songs in the works. In the new year, I’ll be releasing a new single so make sure to stay tuned for that. I’m currently getting a band together to bring my music to life when I’m performing.
Is there any new music you’re enjoying from 2021?
Yes! I’m loving Little Simz's new album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, “Scarlett” by Holly Humberstone, “good wife” by Kacey Musgraves and “Foreign Things” by Amber Mark. I also can’t stop listening to An Evening with Silk Sonic.