RubyPharoah is a new music project started by singer & songwriter Ruby Baker and drummer & singer-songwriter Pharoah Russell during the COVID lockdown. This collaboration, formed with two artists, over 4,500 miles apart, creates a unique blend of Eletronica, Low-fi beats, soulful/melodic vocals, and emotive lyrics. This week marked the launch of their debut single ‘Walk in the Park.’ We had the opportunity to speak with Pharoah Russell regarding the track and what we can expect from this talented duo.
Thank you for granting the interview and congratulations on the track. So, you’re 4,500 miles apart during this COVID lockdown. How did the collaboration develop?
I had written a bunch of instrumental tracks whilst in Kathmandu lockdown at my aunt’s and then I thought to send to some singers. Ruby came up and I sent what I thought was a mediocre track of mine and she sent me her vocals on it and I was very surprised, so I kept sending and now we have 9 tracks and counting…
Your sound mixes Eletronica, Low-fi beats, soulful/melodic vocals, and emotive lyrics. Working together but far apart, please share your approach to creating your sound.
I think one thing that seems to be in all the music I write is a sense of “ambient music”. I mix the stuff and then send it to my friend Gigi Piscitelli for further mixing and mastering. Ruby and I send files back and forth with constant small editing to create the finished track.
Please tell us more about the video.
The video was filmed by my friend Christopher Langley, it’s literally just friends hanging out in the park and enjoying the freedom after lockdown with a dance appearance from my friend from New York Adrienne Ahsley Ming.
Many artists have marked this difficult period as significant in their careers and songwriting. What do you think the industry will look like, particularly for independent artists, moving forward?
Good question, it’s very hard to gauge, to be honest, I’m just hoping that the virus will disappear or at least be not important enough so that live music can be a thing again. I guess recorded music releases, for now, is the way forward, live gig streaming too.
What has been your greatest challenge as a musician and songwriter?
To make a consistent living from it, like everything else in life I guess just putting time and energy into practicing/writing is another thing amongst everything else going on.
Who would you love to collaborate with next in the music industry and why?
I’m not sure as yet but I’m happy with this collaboration right now.
What projects should we look forward to seeing you involved in?
As a drummer my usually guys, Andrew Ashong, Ese and the Vooduu People, Jack Tyson-Charles, and many more…
Where will we find out more information about you?
http://www.instagram.com/rubypharoah
http://rubypharoah.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/rubypharoah
We wish them the very best! Check out the video!
Photos copyright RubyPharaoh – photographer Karl Abel
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