I don’t know what it is that makes me choose to listen to a song. We get hundreds, thousands of tracks submitted to musicto, but something about this submission caught my eye – it was efficient, direct, and signed “thanks so much in advance – her proud father.” That got me – alright proud father, I’ll have a listen ;-p
The track grabbed me, though not in the usual way. It starts with 13 seconds of no instrument, just silence and birdsong, and just when you’re double checking to see if there’s something wrong with your speakers – the track comes in – a classic acoustic strumming groove with a sweet vocal sitting on top, add harmonies and a riveting opening lyric “If I was your captor” and I’m hooked.
It’s a risky strategy – I know “professional” playlist curators who would be skipping after 3 seconds – and even though I love the track, it’s going to be hard to place on playlists. But it did capture my attention – and that’s the hardest thing for a new artist to do.
Ruby’s at the start of her career and who knows what lies ahead. She’s got a distinct voice and that’s all you need at this stage. She’s on my radar – I suggest she should be on yours ;-p
We reached out and asked her to answer some “Spotlight” questions:
Tell us about Captor, what inspired it, and what is the meaning behind the song?
I create music when I’m sad, in love, or simply feeling alive which I suppose comes as a precursor to love and sadness. Captor was inspired by the feeling of loving someone, whilst knowing it might not be right for you. It’s the desperation of wanting someone and wanting to know them but not being able to. Despite knowing this fact, it’s wanting to be with them anyway. Even if they take it all out on you.
What are your upcoming plans and how can people support you?
I’m currently working and studying hard, so the potential to experience a song-inducing moment is slim. I hope to get an album out soon, I have so many songs that have been created and never officially recorded. I create music so anyone who needs it can listen, sharing online/social media is a massive platform in terms of exposure. Posting videos to my music or stories is always appreciated!
Name one song, or album, other than your own, that you would recommend to listeners – why?
I absolutely adore the album Vulture Prince by Arooj Aftab. That woman’s voice is incredible. I grew up listening to an array of different music from all parts of the world, and music like Arooj’s was always my favourite. There is something magical about it. If you want to expand your listening, try something outside your own country, it will change the way you feel.
What are you curious about at the moment? Why?
Living and finding your own path. With the world being such a beautifully messy place, it’s hard to know where you fit in. You grow up expected to know exactly why kind of person you will become. As I’m getting older, I realise sometimes you don’t ever figure it out and there is something lovely about that. I think it’s beautiful to want to be many things at once.
If you had $2,500 to spend on music marketing, where would you spend it and why?
I don’t usually spend money marketing my music, if anything it would go to more equipment to produce quality sound. I’m most interested in attracting listeners who truly enjoy my music.
If you could summon one musician back from the dead to collaborate with, who would it be? Why? What do you think you would create?
Out of all the people I can think of, I’d say early days Elvis Presley. I love music that showcases male and female vocals working together. I enjoy lots of his music and love singing along with the tone of his voice. I think it would be a fun collaboration, and it would be pretty cool to say I’ve met The King.
What is a piece of music that has changed you?
Joni Mitchell’s River. It’s a song I’ve listened to since childhood and there is no other song that is so incredibly raw and vulnerable. You can hear her loss, her desire to escape and it’s so moving. The piano accompaniment gets me every time. Most of Joni’s music has been an inspiration and has influenced the way I sing and write.
What do you think of Nick Cave’s response to an AI-generated track “in the style of Nick Cave”? Link
I think it’s interesting what AI has come to create. Whilst it is artificial, the content itself has come from the minds of many humans. Reading it would be very different to hearing someone sing it. I think with the right person, and the right feeling, it could work.
How do you feel about the future? Optimistic? Pessimistic? Why?
I try my best to be optimistic, although I know the world isn’t always the nicest place, it doesn’t hurt to remain kind. There are moments I’m angry at the way so many futures will turn out, but I know if I have the opportunity I should seize it. I’ll continue trying my best and that’s all I can do.
If you were granted a short audience with the omnipotent being and could play them one track of yours so that they would know who you are (in that moment), what track would that be?
Wild Wind will always be a song that captures me as a person. It’s freeing and people can take from the lyrics whatever they choose depending on their interpretation of it. It’s not about any one person, or any one experience. It’s just me, feeling how I do. And I think that’s why I love it.
You can listen to Ruby on Spotify & YouTube
I couldn’t resist creating a short little 5 track list – the first 4 all share the vibe – and I don’t know why but the Leif Vollebekk track decided that it needed to sit in the 5 spot – I’m not going to argue:
