Unsigned Spotlight: Ruby Greenberg
As a Colorado native, it’s no surprise that Ruby Greenberg’s music perfectly embodies an enchanting view of the mountainside. Her gorgeous indie-folk melodies and captivating lyricism are the perfect recipe for a stroll in the countryside or a euphoric walk through the forest.
"Roses" is your latest in a string of singles that you began releasing last year and follows your October 2021 single "Run Away." What does this song represent for you?
Roses is a song about acceptance - it's an invitation for a loved one to be themselves, saying that in return I support and accept them unconditionally. So often we jump into action in response to someone opening up to us. We try to give our opinion, solve their problem, or react with our own thoughts - usually as a way of seeking our own comfort. As I was writing this song, I was thinking about the quiet people in our lives. Sometimes instead of trying to force our words and opinions onto others, our loved ones just need us to be there for them. The idea of bringing "roses" to someone became a metaphor for just being there for them, and accepting the truth that they share with us.
"Roses" touches on an impactful theme, exploring love and acceptance. How do you think this will resonate with your listeners today?
The world moves fast. With our culture, social media, and technology, maybe we're accustomed to a constant stream of information. We react quickly and respond before we've had time to process. We've all had those conversations where the other person is thinking about their next words to speak instead of really listening. What if instead we listened, waited, and made room for real expression? Creating “Roses,” we tried to mimic this patience. We wanted the song to remind the listeners about what it feels like to lean into the quiet, gentle, and authentic parts of connection that open up when we remember to wait.
What was the songwriting process like for this one?
I first wrote “Roses” sitting at my kitchen table, tinkering on the guitar in the morning. I was deep inside the music but somehow also aware of the sun hitting the walls, the cat in the armchair, the candle at the window, parts of my room that brought me comfort. That simplicity is where the idea for bringing those Roses, the metaphor for acceptance, first came to mind.
I performed the song for several years in different arrangements, starting with a piano ballad, paired with horn solos, playing it in a trio with upright bass and drums, lots of different versions. But this final version of a simple acoustic guitar line and vocal layering is what I always heard in my head when I first wrote it six years ago.
How do you think growing up in Colorado has influenced your songwriting, and how do you think it's changed since moving to NYC?
I actually didn't start songwriting until I lived in NYC! But being from Colorado has always influenced my writing because nature became such a muse for me. I think I took my relationship with nature for granted for a long time, but being in the city made me realize how special it was. I was always camping, hiking, skiing as a kid. I was often outside. To have that Source that inspires you to write and create as an artist is essential. A lot of my early writing was even about nature, like my last single, “Run Away.”
How does it feel to get back into playing live music in a post-COVID world?
It's everything! I hope live shows are something that we never take for granted after experiencing the pandemic. I remember my first livestream during the early 2020 phase of the pandemic. Who knew how long that would last. I missed interacting with my band while making music. Although I've gotten more used to playing solo shows, the feeling of playing with a group of people, building a song together - there's nothing like it. I also deeply missed seeing the audience react.
While shows have come back, gathering in a large crowd and attending a concert is still a precious thing. It's something not everyone is comfortable with yet, and rising case levels or positive cases can still turn shows upside down. For that reason, it still remains a gift, one that I'm sure artists who experienced this time will always appreciate.
Can you give your fans a preview of what you have coming next?
I was originally supposed to record “Roses” in March of 2020! Of course, those original sessions were canceled. Later in the pandemic, when it was safe, I worked on recording several new songs. “Roses” was part of that collection. Some of them haven't been released yet! Hopefully the next ones will be coming out soon.
Where can people find you on social media if they want to learn more about you?
On my website, rubygreenberg.com, you can find upcoming show dates, recent videos, and sign up for my mailing list. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @Rubygreenb
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