Ruby Gilbert is an Aussie singer-songwriter whose music blends the old with the new, so we caught up to find out more about the artist with a timeless sound.
Since releasing her debut EP Dearly Beloved back in 2018, Gilbert has been making waves with her unique combination of folk-rock and blues.
Her Americana inspired tunes have already gained significant recognition, with both her debut single ‘Oh, Bones’ and latest track ‘No Vacancy’ receiving nominations for the Queensland Music Awards.
On top of her accolades, Gilbert has played several prominent festivals around Australia, including BIGSOUND, and has opened for the likes of C.W. Stoneking, Justin Townes Earle and The Teskey Brothers.
‘No Vacancy’ premiered last month to rave reviews, so to celebrate its recent release, we had a chat with Ruby Gilbert as part of our popular Get To Know series.
How did your artist name come about?
It’s my birth name. I always liked my name so I never really gave a second thought to having an alternate stage name.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
My Grandma is probably my most die-hard fan, so she loves all the music I release. I’d tell her my music is a bit old-school, with story-telling elements to it.
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Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
My most recent single ‘No Vacancy’ was written about the end of a relationship, and predicting a breakup. I was on tour and staying in a lot of hotel rooms at the time, so ‘No Vacancy’ felt like a fitting theme for the song.
‘Oh, Bones’ is about being ghosted by a friend and mysteriously never hearing from them again. I’ve always been intrigued as to what happened to them, so I wrote a song about it.
What do you love about your hometown?
I grew up on a property in a rural area and I liked how completely removed it was from everything. I couldn’t really sneak out and get up to much mischief as a teenager because of it, so it really gave me a lot of time to hone my music.
Career highlight so far?
Opening for C.W. Stoneking at the Metro Theatre in Sydney. It was the first time getting to open for an established artist interstate, so I was really pinching myself.
Check out ‘No Vacancy’ by Ruby Gilbert:
Fave non-music hobby?
I took up rollerskating last year. It was my lockdown hobby. You’d think with the amount of practice I had that I’d be somewhat decent, but I still can’t do any cool tricks.
I have a heap of fun trying though.
What’s on your dream rider?
Tea station. With every kind of tea imaginable.
Dream music collaboration?
Jack White or C.W. Stoneking. Or both.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Touring internationally and living in Nashville with my Jack Russells.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Last time I did karaoke, I sang a VERY butchered version of ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ from Grease, but my usual go-to song is ‘I Want It That Way’ by The Backstreet Boys.
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
Bluegrass music. I started out playing banjo and mandolin as an early teen and listened to a lot of Hank Williams, Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers growing up. I always thought I’d end up playing in a bluegrass band.
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Check out ‘Oh, Bones’ by Ruby Gilbert:
