We are living in a time of maximalism, with the world seemingly at our fingertips. When there is so much to consume and so many different things trying to pull our limited capacity for attention, it can be hard to stand out – but that doesn’t feel like a problem for Yorkshire-born pop trailblazer, Ruby Duff.
Described as the “Alice in Wonderland of contemporary music,” Ruby is making a name for herself with her quirky lyricism and captivating visuals. Whether she’s painting her eyebrows baby blue or starring in her own short films, it’s fair to say that Ruby is a creative force to be reckoned with.
On 20th September, Ruby dropped theatrical pop anthem IDOL, and I got the chance to catch up with her about it.
Olivia: Congratulations on the release of IDOL! You mention that you wrote it as “an anthem for life’s triumphant moments.” I’m always so interested to hear what may have provoked an artist to write about a specific subject – whether it’s an event or just a feeling. Was there something in particular that happened that inspired you to write about empowerment and celebrating victories?
Ruby: At the time of writing IDOL I felt I had really grounded myself as a songwriter and independent artist, which although can be stressful at times, is a victory in itself to stay afloat. I wouldn’t say it was one triumphant moment as such, but more a combination of small wins that reminded me sometimes you need to back yourself and regardless of what others say, show the world and own that you’re a mother******* idol!
O: Why did it feel important for you to write about this? What does the song mean to you on a personal level?
R: I wrote Idol with another very talented female writer, Linnea Deb, at a Eurovision camp. We wanted to make a punchy, fun, empowering song as we felt that was missing in the entries. However, the more I thought about the track, the more I felt it resonated with me and where I was at in life. The lyrics I wrote were almost to give me confidence on the days I needed it, and to be quite playful and rebellious in an industry that I feel is currently quite the opposite.
O: Speaking of triumphs, you’ve been compared to some pretty serious icons – Kate Bush, Lana Del Rey, Björk, and Chappell Roan to name a few. Is there anything aside from music that inspires your work, whether that’s sonically or visually?
R: I love anything to do with the creative arts! Recently, I went to Danny Mash’s spoken word night, Spit, and that just set off fireworks of inspiration in my head for topics and lyrics. I love the freedom of expression, so much so that myself and two friends, Richard and Daisy, have set up a variety night called The Rough Diamonds. It’s essentially a community built audience, with a performance space showcasing anything creative, from drag to comedy… And, yes, maybe I selfishly started this as a personal indulgence, but every time I watch the show I see something that inspires my own live set!
O: You’re debuting IDOL at Live at Leeds on Saturday 16th of November – what excites you most about bringing this song to the stage?
R: That it’s not going to be anything like the track. I’m a sucker for making live as chaotic as I possibly can! There’s gonna be an interlude, dance moves, a money gun maybe, anything you can think of that is IDOL-ic, I got it! Also that we will be playing The BBC Introducing Stage, hosts Emily [Pilbeam] and Christian [Carlisle] have given me a lot of support this year in the North, and it’s going to be awesome to team up with them for this one!
O: What’s on the horizon for next year? I hear there may be an EP in the works… Can you tell us anything about it yet?! Any themes, subject matters, influences, inspirations?
R: All I’m gonna say is, where do odd socks go? Think about that and then you will envision the EP.
Ruby Duff is clearly an artist in every sense of the word. She strikes me as a creator who isn’t afraid to push boundaries and walk unchartered territory, which I believe to be the foundations of the most exciting artists. Ruby is creating her own visceral world for us to be a part of, letting us in note by note. So… Where do odd socks go?
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