Do you have any influences?
When I first started writing, especially when I was writing Rap, Eminem was a big influence. I probably sounded pretty close to what Eminem sounded like at the time. But what that gave me was the same thing that learning the violin gave me, a connection with strong rhythmic cadences. I gave up writing rap when I was 19 because I thought it was a little one dimensional.
Melodically, I think it is listening to the music my parents loved, my mum is a Flamenco dancer and my dad played in a Flamenco fusion band, which has also influenced me. My dad’s band had all sorts of eclectic combinations; they had bagpipes, they would play French folk classics and Irish them up, and they would play Irish tunes and add Spanish influences. That definitely had an impact on my own music.
What about your own writing?
When I produce pop music there is a producer Max Martin that people suggest I sound like or vocally a bit like Justin Timberlake. Others suggest Kid Laroi or the Weeknd and that is probably because of the falsetto vocals.
I did go to a Weekend concert and I loved the drama of it. For pop music I love dramatic over the top approaches,
For folk music, I tend to like people who are doing weird and interesting things, like Mk. Gee or Dijon who are quite new.
Some of the songs on Spotify have a dance groove?
Yes. I started going to the gym and while you are there all you here is dance music, so that influenced me a little bit. I do create dance songs, and even some pop songs, but most of what I do is much more traditional; has a much more folky sound.
You have quite a wide array of genres you listen to and work in?
I find myself listening to songs which I think are thoughtful and have a strong message. That can be Frank Sinatra, or Queen, or songs like Send in the Clowns. Even Justin Bieber if I think he has done something which is worth listening to. So yes I listen to lots of different styles.
Are there any ideas you look into when you are writing?
I often work on trying to capture feelings. I try to write quickly, get the idea, get the melody, and then the lyrics. I do try, with pop tracks, to just write more feel good themes, but with folk music I might write about feelings and things which are emotional. There will be a narrative and I like to resolve the narrative by the end of the song.
What will you be playing at TRASH Fashion?
I’m going to talk to Heather Douglas about that and so I’m still working that out but I think I will be playing some pop tunes and some folk tunes
And what happens after that?
I am playing with backing tracks and I have written a lot of songs recently. I want those songs to feel more developed and so I have been putting a lot of work in to their production, making sure that the songs are as good as they can be. I am trying to make sure that I am working in my own voice and then the plan is to do some gigs in June.
Any last thoughts?
I just hope anyone who is reading this is having a great day, doing something that makes them feel fulfilled, and that they might check out the music I make and find something they might enjoy.
If you would like to see more of Antwan Ruiz’s work go to the links below
