In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ruby T about her latest project, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style pop do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am from Sri Lanka originally but moved to London at a young age when fleeing the bloody civil war. My family are refugees. My background growing up in a gritty area in South London, my Sri Lankan culture and also living in LA for a year or so have all been massive influences in my musical sound- I would say a ragga/reggae and hip-hop feel with sprinklings of my Sri Lankan background. A real fusion and quite unique.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I grew up in London where underground music was huge. I loved going to clubs that ran open mic nights and rap battles. I got a buzz from spitting my rhymes on the mic: rapping about what was on my mind. It was rare for an Asian girl to do this so I was noticed and supported early on which was great. I have currently wrapped up recording my album which has such different sounds. Having written all the tracks on my album -it’s kind of bearing your soul to people and it’s things you’ve gone through and things around you that affect you.
How is “Late Nights” different than previous releases? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Late Nights is my first release and it introduces who I am. It showcases my Sri Lankan heritage and a party vibe with friends and neighbours who I grew up with in my block of flats-BBQ parties with friends in the communal garden, kids hanging out playing football and basketball and then ending with a house party with the DJ spinning tunes and me on the Mic. It’s a reflection of how I grew up in South London.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I am a Female Rapper and hip-hop is my genre of music. This does have its challenges as the market is saturated with mostly male rappers. But I feel I have a unique identity and sound that sets me apart from other male and female rappers..
Technology helps artists immensely to reach out to the world! New technology in the recording studio too these days is fantastic. The time you spend working with Producers nowadays creating some amazing sounds need not be extremely long. I’ve always said you create your magic in the studio with every track you record.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
ruby_t_music (Instagram)
facebook.com/RubyTMusic
Anything else before we sign off?
Yeh, I’ve got some gems of tracks waiting for release still -so watch out for them and know that I am here to entertain you, rock you- cos believe…I just gots to!
