Ruinarte is a 27 year old English musician combining alternative pop, electronic sounds and pianistic elements.
Starting the piano at age 11, she was fascinated with writing music before she could read it, and continued to have a passion for creating new sounds through her school years and university days. Torn between music and medicine, she started a music course at the Annecy Conservatoire in France, but left to study Medicine in Devon, England. After four years, she was eager to get back to her music, and completed her music degree within the year, finishing her medical degree a year later.
Ruinarte recently left her job as a doctor after completing her two foundation years, to open a recording studio with her partner in Almeria, Spain.
In this interview, we discuss influences, her newest project, and surviving as an indie artist in this digital era.
Full Q&A, links and a stream of Electric Wars below.
We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?
I think it must be my classical piano background. Prior to my songwriting addiction, I wrote mainly orchestral music and film scores, and I think there is an element of that which shines through. I love artists such as Radiohead and Imogen Heap who make bold moves to try something different.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I have been feverishly songwriting for about two years now, but I have been a keen pianist since I was 12, and written for piano and other instruments since then. I got my school and university pocket money playing in various hotels and bars.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Classical composers such as Debussy, Rachmaninov and Chopin have a big influence on me, as well as many artists in the jazz world. I adore complex harmonies and sometimes have to remind myself to tone things down a little in my songwriting. My popular music interests are just as diverse. Growing up with a metal head drummer as a brother, I have been introduced to his musical world also. Some of it is a little heavy, but I grew up loving Metallica, System of a Down and Muse.
As for what motivates me to keep going in music? That has never been an issue. I need music to keep myself going!
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I am developing my music production skills day by day. I wanted to achieve a more electronic element to my sound, and have invested in two new synths, which surprise me every day with new sounds.
What was the last song you listened to?
My partners new song. He’s ridiculously talented. Check him out on SC @Thorne.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I want to be part of the vinyl fan club, the sound is something special! Guess my next pay cheque is ear marked already!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is accessible to everyone, and is well known and subscribed to, so I suppose that wins for the above line-up.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
My music is not just vertical, its horizontal too. It often leaves you somewhere different to where you started. You have to listen to the end!
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?
At the moment, I am finishing an antisocial job with extremely long hours, so performing is on hold. In August I will be pursuing music full time, and opening a recording studio in Almeria, Spain with my partner. We will be performing in and around the area. Check out our studios at theicecreamfactory.eu
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Music as a vocation or a hobby can feel like being lost in an endless sea of noise. You have to work as though success is the only inevitable goal, and when you are feeling down, remember why you started making music in the first place.
