Q&A: The Rebirth of Ruby Doll and Her Journey to Being Her Authentic Self
CREATING MUSIC SHE NOW FEELS AUTHENTICALLY CONNECTED TO — dream-pop indie artist Ruby Doll released her brand new single, “Get It Together.” Based in Los Angeles, Ruby Doll has been making music since she was 16 years old. Back then, she went by a different name. Although she still resonates with her previous work under Tae (which can still be found under Ruby Doll), her Ruby Doll era is one in which she feels she can be true to herself and honest.
In “Get It Together,” Ruby is showcasing a new side of her, one in which she is comfortable being brutally raw in her songwriting. Alongside her producer, Austin Corona, the track was created with the utmost sincerity. Ruby describes these dark, intrusive thoughts that linger in the back of our minds until they have completely consumed our perception. But even though these thoughts pop up, it doesn't mean we aren’t worth being loved in the same way, as she argues in “Get It Together.” There are several little reminders in the song that prove there's still light, even if what we see is darkness within us.
With “Get It Together,” Ruby creates a lovely song displaying softness with her soothing voice, yet juxtaposing with blunt lyrics that hits home for listeners. And this is only the beginning for her. Ruby is set to release an EP in which she’ll explore growing up and all the fears that come along with it: heartbreak, loss of identity, and first love.
Speaking about these hardships as honestly as she depicts them, Ruby’s vulnerability shows strength that feels crucial in our current era. It’s valuable now more than ever to know that you're not alone, that everything will get better.
Continue reading below to find out more about Ruby, her new journey as a musician, and the significance of her single, “Get It Together.”
LUNA: First of all, thank you for being here! How are you doing? How’s everything?
RUBY: Of course! I’m doing great, feeling very excited and hopeful.
LUNA: You haven't released music in a little bit, so a huge congrats is due with the new single “Get It Together.” How are you feeling about your work being out?
RUBY: I am elated, to say that least. This music has been something we (my producer, Austin, and I) have been working on for over a year now, and it feels incredible to finally be releasing it. We really took the time to perfect it, and I'm so proud of the work we’ve done.
LUNA: Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to create this song? What does the song mean to you?
RUBY: This song started as an open, honest letter to myself and a reflection of my past. When I'm struggling mentally, I tend to isolate and self-deprecate. I wanted to capture those feelings with jarring and honest lyrics from my heart [while staying] on the theme of I have to make it, I have to get better.
LUNA: You’ve previously released music under the moniker Tae. Now, however, you are Ruby Doll. With this change, do you hope to do things differently creatively with new projects you might be working on?
RUBY: When I first started releasing music as Tae I was making music I always wanted to make, but I felt scared to show the honest parts of myself. I constantly compared myself to other artists and how I was “supposed” to be — it's hard not to. Now I feel more free than ever to really show myself in my music and visuals.
LUNA: Sonically, your music seems to take inspiration from various genres. How would you describe your sound and yourself as an artist?
RUBY: Growing up in my house there was always ’80s music playing (New Order, Billy Idol). Being introduced to these bands/artists so young, I’ve always had a love for the ’80s reverb aesthetic sound. As I got older I started listening to a lot of post-punk and dark wave bands like The Cure and some other subgenres of goth, dancey music. I definitely pull inspiration from them when I’m making my own music and would say you can hear a lot of that influence with this new music I’ve been working on, along with my EP.
LUNA: Your music has shown up on various Spotify playlists, which I’m sure must feel so fulfilling as an artist. Do hitting milestones such as these make you feel as though you’ve made it, or do you constantly feel as though there is still so much you must achieve as a creative?
RUBY: The support from Spotify and listeners has been incredible. Every playlist, comment, and DM I receive means the absolute world to me, and I get excited every time. I think it's hard to be in the music space when you are constantly seeing people achieve far more than you have, but no matter what that will always be the case — it's a part of life. I always remember that four years ago I would be freaking out to see anyone listening or enjoying my music. As long as I'm releasing music I'm proud of, that's all that matters to me.
LUNA: You’ve also collaborated with impressive individuals. Who would be your dream person to produce or work on a song with?
RUBY: I'd love to collaborate with Yves Tumor, Beach Fossils, or Ravyn Lenae. Working with any of these artists would be an absolute dream for me.
LUNA: With this new era, what do you expect? What kind of audience do you hope to reach?
RUBY: Expectations are hard because you never want to be let down, but I'm confident and proud of the music we’ve made so honestly I'm just excited to finally release it. I hope to reach the same audience I have now and beyond, and I always hope my music can help others. My entire life, music has been my comfort. I hope my music can do the same for people.
LUNA: Lastly, any upcoming projects in the works? We’ve heard there's an EP that is set to release soon — very exciting for you!
RUBY: Yes! My debut EP is fully done and set to release very soon. I’m so excited to put my work out into the world — it's made with so much love, and it's been the most healing experience creating it. For now, “Get It Together”is out now!
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