Ruby Frost is a singer / songwriter from New Zealand and I for one love her unique style in both music and fashion. Make sure you watch the included YouTube video which features her single, “Water to Ice”, it’s one of those songs that you want to listen to again and again.
In the following interview Ruby talks about music, her inspirations and that pink hair…
How would you describe your music?
Shimmery, mystical alt-pop with vintage synths and wailing vocals!
Who are your biggest influences?
Bjork, David Bowie, ELO, Air, Elliot Smith, Fleetwood Mac, New Order, Eurythmics and many more!
What’s the inspiration behind Water to Ice?
It’s basically an ode to creativity. I realised that while I was writing my album recently, the act of writing songs pulled me out of a pretty dark place. The song is about being a storyteller and seeing life through a different lens, transforming the world around you. Creativity can be a powerful, spiritual thing and it’s about the healing side of writing and imagining, not giving into reality.
How did it all get started?
My grandparents met playing in the orchestra together. My parents met playing in bands. And I grew up immersed in music. I’ve written songs since I was really young, but never told anyone about it at school because I didn’t think it was very cool. Then I started playing some folk gigs at age 18, and one thing led to another…
You have a unique fashion style, what would be a typical “Ruby Frost” outfit?
At the moment it would be a vintage sequinned ice skating leotard, some beat up shorts over it, and my platform creepers. I like op-shopping and mixing different elements together.
And how do you maintain that soft pink hair?
The amazing people at Redken have been looking after me and sending me treatments! I have to get it dyed constantly because the pink is always washing out, but I love having this colour. It actually happened by mistake when I got my hair dyed in New York, but I’m glad it happened!
Who are your favourite New Zealand artists right now?
I’ve been listening to Opossom’s new album a lot, the songs are amazing. Also Unknown Mortal Orchestra are great. Both projects are from the Neilson brothers, who started The Mint Chicks back in the day, one of NZs best punk bands.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I shamelessly email bands all the time who I want to work with, I emailed Chromeo the other week! Or Thom Yorke would be incredible to work with. Or any of the Miike Snow guys.
What’s one crazy thing we wouldn’t know about you?
Ruby Frost is not my real name! 😮
What are you most excited about in regards to your career right now?
I’m excited to be spending heaps of time in Australia over the next few months. I can’t wait to play a bunch of shows here and meet lots of other bands… I’m also working on a couple of Australian collaborations at the moment, which I can’t wait to share.
What’s next for Ruby Frost?
My debut album VOLITION comes out in the land of OZ early next year, so I’m gearing up for that, and hopefully writing hundreds more songs for the future!
… More immediately, I’m filming my next video clip here in Sydney this weekend. We have to wake up at 2am for one of the shots… and I think I have a stunt double maybe.
What does being a woman mean to you?
Living with the prospect of having babies, but this terrifies me greatly.
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!