Blake Ruby photographed by Audrey Bergeron
1. At what age did you realize that this was your true passion?
“I grew up playing music in church since I was 7, but it didn’t become a true passion until I chose playing in the high school jazz band over a lacrosse playoff game. I was pretty serious about lacrosse at the time, and it was the first time I realized I wanted to pursue music instead”.
2. What artist did you listen to most growing up?
“My parents were always bumping pop, country, and CCM radio while driving me and my siblings to all our extracurricular activities. I learned all the important rock music in my life to this day from Guitar Hero. Once I started pirating my own music in late middle school/early high school on this sketchy website called rockdizmusic.com (iykyk) I started listening to Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Dawes, Frank Ocean, The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, etc. I never get tired of some old Chris Brown, Adele and Bruno Mars though :)
3. What advice do you have for someone who is just starting out?
“Make things you absolutely love and say yes to things you don’t feel ready for yet. Also, learn how to collaborate and pour into the local music scene as much as you can! Art is best when it’s honest and shared with a supportive community”.
4. What is your favorite song that you've made?
“A new one that isn’t out yet :) But also “Momentum” probably. It feels like the most raw and unique track I’ve made and it’s also so fun to play live. Also, that song appeared to me at a very important low point and it still makes me emotional in certain moments when I hear/perform it”.
5. If you could thank one or more persons right now who would it be and why?
“My parents and grandparents for providing opportunities that encouraged me to chase artistic opportunities, and my wife Kayla for continuing that support as we start our own family. It’s a blessing to be able to make music for a living, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support at home”.
Blake Ruby photographed by Patrick Robinson
6. Who do you see yourself collaborating with next?
“I just want to keep making awesome music with my friends, but if I were to get the opportunity, some dream collabs would be Caroline Polachek, Daniel Caesar, Ethan Gruska, Blake Mills, Steve Lacy, Khraungbin, and Beebadoobee”.
7. What has been your most memorable moment on this journey?
“Anytime I get to play a new song that I write for my wife. Also putting on a local music festival called Chasefest for 3 straight years with my best friends”.
8. If you could go back in time and change one thing what would it be?
“I would have bought a Juno 106 when they were all under $1k”.
9. What do you do to decompress?
“Lately I’ve been playing a lot of golf, chess, basketball, and piano. I also love watching old movies with my wife and playing with our puppy, Mowgli”.
10. What advice do you have for someone who gets stuck on this journey?
“Find someone or something bigger than yourself to believe in, and then create for them. Also take time to recharge. Creating art is seasonal and it takes time for concepts and ideas to bubble up. Work on listening to others and interacting with the world around you. These are just some things I’m working on right now :)”.