Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Ruby.
Hi Deb, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My development as a musician was slow, intuitive and self-made. My father was musically talented, he played in bands and music was a big part of my childhood. I’m told he would blast Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan records as I lay in the crib. I remember as a kid wanting to listen to music more than watch TV. At 12 years old, I took two years of piano lessons, played oboe in middle school and sang in high school chorus. I loved it all (except the oboe!) After high school I worked full-time and put myself through college, secretly wanting to be an art or music major but chose a more “practical” major thinking it was the responsible way to go. During the 90’s I lived in NYC and worked in the Garment District and noticed many people pursuing their creative passions but again never thought it was an option for me. Fast forward to my late thirties, after years of working corporate jobs, my mind began to change about the illusion of a steady job with benefits. Twice in one year, I was let go from work because of corporate restructures. I was also craving to be more creative. One night, while in between jobs, I had an urge to get a guitar and sing songs just to have some fun during the down time. A few days later I bought my first guitar. My brother showed me a few chords, I started with cover songs and a few months later began writing my own material. It came pretty natural and I was in love with the process. I started performing at open mics. I began taking more risks in following my passions. I sold and gave away all of my belongings to start traveling. During five years of slow travel with just a backpack and guitar, I recorded my first EP while in Montreal, played my first solo show while in Ecuador, and honed my craft through self-study, occasional workshops, performance and daily practice. When I returned to the US, my mother unexpectedly passed away. Playing music was the best way to channel my grief. Since then, I’ve been fully dedicated to being an artist. So, I was a late bloomer in picking up a guitar at almost 40, but looking back, it all unfolded as it should. I currently perform music professionally, write and release original songs, spearhead various music projects, went on my first tour last year and I teach music at a non-profit which provides art programming for adults with disabilities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were struggles along the way, being an artist means you’re faced with many things about yourself and the world and some of it is challenging. One thing that stands out for me is the struggle to be fully seen since my art is not so much as a disguise, costume or reflection of an alter-ego or anything like that but rather it reveals a vulnerability and sensitivity that I’ve always considered to be private. So it has felt scary to throw out a piece of yourself into the world. I’ve gotten a lot closer to that part of myself though, through age and through my art and better understand the value of sharing who you are.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer-songwriter, my main instruments are guitar and vocals. I think the best way to answer this question is to recall some feedback and comments I’ve received along the way from performances. People have told me I make them feel something they haven’t felt in a long time, some have said my music is healing others say empowering. Sometimes people cry. I think that is all so very interesting because none of that is intentional on my part. When I perform I’m dipping into a part of me that’s true and real and I do my best to keep that in the forefront.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way and continue to learn in music is the importance of resisting the urge to force or change situations or people. I can show-up and do my best, I can speak up when necessary and self-advocate but I can’t control anything really except for myself and how I respond to anything. It’s actually a good overall life lesson, not always the easiest, but definitely one of the most important!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Debrubysings.com
- Instagram: debrubysings
- Facebook: DebRubyMusic
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@debrubymusic3994
