Leicester's music scene is
finally coming alive! By The Rivers changed the course of the our independent
music in 2010, six years after Kasabian put the city most known for Gary
Lineker and Red Leicester cheese on the music map. I sent a few questions to one
of Leicester's exciting new artists - Demons of Ruby Mae, ahead of their single
launch at The Y Theatre. Read on to find out their inspirations, the meaning
behind the name, and how the Leicester music scene fairs today.
~Eddie Gibson
Music Review Database: Why the name Demons of Ruby Mae?
Adam: I guess Ruby Mae can be whoever you want or
feel it should be. We write music in the hope that it connects with people for
a number of reasons. In a way Ruby Mae is a product, or an imaginative figure.
When did you start writing songs?
Jonny: We started writing songs towards the end of
the last band we were in. We wanted to move away from the genre of music we
were used to playing and took enjoyment from taking this different direction.
We've both had songs and ideas since we were young that we have now had the
opportunity to explore.
Can you name some of your inspirations both as a person, and as a recording artist?
Adam: I have a lot of inspirations, some you can
hear through our music, some you can't. I'm a huge fan of Nick Cave, and
recently I think you can hear this in our music. I think sometimes inspiration
comes from places where you don't even think you've taken it. It doesn't have
to be a musician, it can be anything that's made you stop and think.
What is it about the softer, angelic types music that made you want to be part of it?
Jonny: From my perspective, it gives me the chance
to show the range of my voice in the songs. Playing in previous bands it's felt
like a battle sometimes to be heard. I think it gives me more freedom to when
experimenting. We've understood that a lot of the time, less can be more.
Where is your favourite place to play?
Jonny: We tend to limit the shows we
play in a year and try to make each show unique and special. Of course we love
playing in Leicester as we are playing in front of people who have been
following us from the start.
Adam: For me, I love Manchester. I think the crowd here are fantastic. They just love music!
Adam: For me, I love Manchester. I think the crowd here are fantastic. They just love music!
What do you make of current music scene in
Leicester?
Adam: I think the Leicester music scene is not what
it was. The bands are still coming through though, better than ever I’d say.
Just look at By The Rivers as an example. New venues which are replacing old
just don't have the same persona as previous. The Charlotte's demise is still a
big problem I think in Leicester. Saying this, Simon Says and Handmade Festival
were brilliant this year. Simon Says reminded me of Summer Sundae in its first
few years.
Can you tell me the meaning behind "The Boy Who Cried Wolf?"
Can you tell me the meaning behind "The Boy Who Cried Wolf?"
Adam: The Boy Who Cried Wolf is about someone who
wishes you the world but only when they can enjoy it with you. It's a personal
song too for this reason but I think everyone will know someone similar to
this, or have crossed paths previously.
Do you have any plans for the future?
Do you have any plans for the future?
Jonny: Plans, we have lots of plans! The single "Beneath The Surface" is released on November 11th and we will be pushing this
hard over the next couple of months. We're already planning some pretty special
things lined up for 2014, we can give away too much yet but you'll be the first
to know.