In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics about the latest project (State Of All Things), challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m fond of calling myself a “child of the universe,” so technically I stay representing the Milky Way. But in Earthly terms, my mother and father were born in India and eventually immigrated to Canada, where my older sis and I were born. Growing up outside of Toronto I became heavily immersed in the classic era of music ( 60’s to 70’s) through the influence of my aunt and uncle who would constantly play vinyl records for my budding ears. This marked my initial love affair with soul music and blues, and classic rock as well. The style of music I create now is certainly a reflection of these roots mixed with a love for deep and spiritual lyricism.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
My insatiable curiosity for, and love affair with music of all kinds has been the main driver for me to become an indie musician and entrepreneur. Over the years I’ve stayed motivated by storytelling and looking to inspirations and peer musicians. Storytelling allows me breadth and depth I never knew was possible with songwriting – being able to share my stories, the stories of the people I love and tales of our current times, gives me a sense of my need to create history through song. There is a lot of message in our music, and the positivity it sparks at a live show motivates me to keep going.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
This release marks some definitive growth for our band musically and lyrically. Our previous album was safely nestled in classic soul and doesn’t dig as deep (save the title track) into the changing political and social ties that soul music is known for. With State of All Things, however, we wanted to take our genre beyond the conventional walls while also hinting back to the greats that came before us. There was a sincere effort to take our time in crafting an album that could be considered among the greats but not a copy of. We wanted to expresses our notion of one love as a call to action, right here and now. In this state of all things, we believe that one love guides many journeys, and that the human condition is ready to stand up and realize itself, finally, as a loving condition.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
The biggest challenges facing indie musicians today can be boiled down to one word – BALANCE. It’s incredibly challenging to maintain heart and connectivity in your music while also being expected (as an indie) to successfully run a business dealing with social media management, personalities, merchandising, management, distribution, publishing you name it. I am extremely grateful to my parents who sort of forced me to choose a grad school concentration I enjoyed and to pursue it. I chose visual design, so yes, my career in tech and design has MORE than benefitted my existence as a co-producer, musician, lyricist and vocalist and it has saved my band thousands of dollars in production work.
At times I didn’t always see how these two roads were going to connect, but now I can safely say that along with my band & mgmt, WE are the sole creators of our own music and our own brand. Being self sufficient is the new label deal.
I would encourage artists of today to fully immerse in the digital age and learn HOW it applies to your craft. Study coding, design, entertainment branding and even videography as it will all fuel the conversation surrounding your music. When you can afford to hire for large productions and something that is outside your wheel house, you will then KNOW it’s money that is being well spent.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
Our website, Spotify and youtube would be the best spots to catch details on upcoming shows and listen to State of All Things streaming online www.rubyvelleandthesoulphonics.com
Anything else before we sign off?
We are on tour currently in the US and are planning for Europe and Canada tours next, so spread the word and come out to see us!
