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.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all of my songs, usually on acoustic guitar or piano. Most of my music is inspired by relationships-love, family, and friendships are certainly common themes in my songs. But the physical act of writing for me is inspired by nature. I like to go on hikes, sit outside, or even bring my guitar to a park. I've noticed that while my writing is about people, the desire to write comes from natural inspirations.
I'm a relationship-based person, so I think I'll probably always write about relationships to a certain extent. But I imagine the content will evolve over time. As we get older our relationships change - sometimes we grow apart, or face new challenges, or become different people, so my life experiences will probably lead me to a greater depth of stories and ideas.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
I'm particularly excited about Brandi Carlile-she's bringing representation to the Americana/folk scene, as well as a fresh perspective. I am inspired by her individuality and confidence, and also by her honest songwriting. I also really love The Staves, Lucius, I'm With Her-I love that they put a heavy emphasis on the vocals and vocal harmony, which are elements that I love to focus on in my recordings.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a career in music?
From a singing perspective, I was inspired by Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. It still really moves me to watch videos of them performing and to take in the absolute passion and heart they use to tell the song's story. Joni Mitchell is the artist that inspired me to write.
Before that I was singing covers and arranging other people's work, but listening to Joni's records got the wheels turning for me and I began to feel like writing was an art form I had to jump into.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
There are usually two phases for me. First I sit quietly and by myself. I take a few minutes to center and focus in on the show, and quiet my mind. After that, I get excited. I start joking around and messing with my bandmates and talking to them about the music-I get very energized. I also do plenty of warming up - I do vocal exercises, sing through certain moments of the set, put my phone away and really just dive fully into the music.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
I absolutely love performing, so my two favorite moments are from tours. The first is when I performed a benefit concert in Colorado to generate support and buzz for an effort to preserve public park land. The crowd was really excited to be gathered for a cool mission, but they were also really eager for the music.
Another highlight was going on tour in the Philippines. I was performing solo for the first time, and also visiting a place I'd never been to before, which was totally exciting.
You just released your new single "Run Away." Can you talk a little about the story behind the song?
"Run Away" is a song about home. When I first moved to New York, I quickly fell in love with the buzzing energy and new experiences, but some days I got homesick, wishing for comfort and familiarity. I wrote "Run Away" when I was feeling particularly nostalgic.
One day I was sitting in a tiny rehearsal room with only an old piano and a small window that faced another wall. I started playing a melody on the piano, thinking of home and the way that the mountains out west created my sense of direction.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Touring with boygenius would be a dream. I would start out being way too shy to ask them the questions I was dying to know about their artistic process, and end up just absorbing and learning anything I could from them.