Mike Ruby is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto with a story that’s far from ordinary. Mike moved to New York at 19 to pursue a career in jazz as a sax player, receiving a full scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music. That education and exposure gave him a unique sense of musicianship that shines through his melodic writing to this day. After signing a record deal to a subsidiary of Universal Music, he began playing with Brooklyn based synth pop band St. Lucia, which opened his ears to a realm of synth and dance-like possibilities. He picked up a guitar soon thereafter and started writing hundreds of songs as a singer songwriter.
Mike’s second release, “unconditional,” is from his second EP a million you’s which will be released in the fall. It’s a blunt no holds barred love song that is as literal as ever. The chorus creates a snapshot for the song, “No matter what I done it’s unconditional,” referencing anyone with a busy schedule and a partner that stands by them, unconditionally.
The lyrics dive deeper and deeper as the music continues to intensify with the drums, layers of the synths, and Mike’s soaring vocal harmonies. All the layers symbolize the tough situations that arise in relationships, but in the end it all comes back down to where it started, a simplistic piano line, mirrored by a simplistic idea. Enjoy the dive with your ride or die.
We chatted with Mike for an exclusive interview below.
is the most simplistic track on the record, and the most purposeful to me. It’s about unconditional love, which is extremely difficult to find in this world, and when you have it, sometimes you don’t recognize how lucky you are. I was in that position, and I’ve learned how precious it is.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I wanted to create a sing along love song that gives people the feeling of being loved forever.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
The love of melody combined with the power of lyrics is what inspires me. I’ve been a musician for as long as I can remember, and there has always been something ethereal about it that is therapeutic, and makes me feel connected to the universe. The inspiration for my songs come from many sources, more recently past relationships being the large driver. I would say what motivates me to keep going is what inspired me – the love of creating. The constant evolution of relationships in my life, as well as my evolution as a person who continues to learn about causes that are important to me, help inspire me to write new lyrics.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
It would be a great lyricist, and very difficult for me to choose one. Personally, I’d choose either Ed Sheeran, Jon Bellion, or Taylor Swift. These are artists who just know how to write a perfectly crafted song, albeit in different genres, and have perfect the art of the eraser! I think I’d learn a tremendous amount from each of them, and have an awesome time doing so.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Last song I listened to was actually Joshua Redman, Chicago Blues. Just pulled up the “spotify account check”. I started my career as a jazz musician in New York City, and Josh is my favourite saxophone player alive, so naturally I just heard his latest release. I think the soulfulness of jazz drives a lot of music today, definitely in the new pop landscape. Favourite all time bands/artists … well, in the singer songwriter pop realm, that would be John Mayer, Jon Bellion, Taylor Swift, LANY, Eminem, JP Saxe, Lauv, Kendrick Lamar, Maggie Rogers. In the jazz and classical sphere there is a very long list of favourites, too.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Instagram – please send a message if you’d like to chat, connect, collaborate, or just see what I am up to. @mikerubymusic.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
And I appreciate you having me as a small part of this incredible platform that you run. It’s so important to give indie artists a chance to be heard, and you guys have been doing that so well over the years. To the readers, thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope to connect with you on social media, and share my music with you. Until next time!
