Interview With Ruby Turner

British Jamaican R&B and soul singer is one of the greatest vocalists we have. Having recently spent a lot of time collaborating with Jools Holland, but earlier this year released one of the year's finest albums - Love Was Here. With her latest single, A Better Way, faultlessly summing up the current global situation with a hopeful overview, we caught up with Ruby to find out more.

First and foremost, hello and how are you?

Right now I’m basking in his glory that’s sunshine and love. Holding on to the positive.

Tell us about the record you have just released…

This new single release was inspired by life and all that’s unjust and wrong in this world. Written over two years ago and alas! History is repeating itself.

The song represents my voice. Calling it out. No more find "a better way".

How do you feel when releasing a record?

Like any other artist I guess, it’s a personal thing. You give of yourself open to success or failure. You have to own it and just do it. What will be will be.



What inspired the record?

The inspiration for this record is injustice, frustration and a call for immediate change of the status quo - a time to change the narrative!

Tell us a little about your creative process...

I’m inspired daily by life and all that’s happening in the world. You can write a dozen love songs . But unhappiness in the world infects like a virus. So we try to find some joy from the smallest act of kindness. All these things can stir a songwriter to put pen to paper.

If the record were an animal, what animal would it be?

I guess my favourite would be a Labrador. Loving and never leaves your side. Leads the blind and has an appetite that rivals most humans. A dear creature.

Define your sound in five words…

Sometimes my sound feels like I’m transported back to the days of the ancestors a cry in the dark for "Mercy." Redemption!.. Release.. All and more of these nouns!

What was the first song that caught your attention?

The first song that caught my attention was .. Moon River by Andy Williams and then by John Holt.

What was the first song you bought?

The first song I bought was "Rocking Robin" by Jackson Five.

And the first album?

Bob Marley's album Exodus was the first album I ever brought.

What was the best concert you have ever seen?

Best concert... Luther Vandross

What did the experience teach you that you have translated to your own shows?

Watching Luther you could hear every word he sung. His diction was superb. I think it’s important people can distinguish what it is you’re singing. Clarity is paramount in my opinion.

What other artist are you most excited to hear from?

I’m really loving Leon Bridges right now. Real old school production vocals and singing style. He sounds great.

If you could work with them, what would you hope to record?

If I could work with Leon Bridges I’d love to duet on the track "River".

If you had to pick three artists to be filed next to, who would they be and why?

Bob Marley... He’s my country man and Jamaica’s most famous musical son.

Bob Dylan... My very first cover song was "I shall be released". He is the songwriter poet of the 21st century.

Ella Fitzgerald... I fell in love with the world's greatest vocalist. She has everything an artist needs to be world class.

If you could jam with one artist alive or dead, who would it be?

David Bowie was amazing with a controlled energy his lyrically delivery, perfect. I would have loved jamming with him.

If you could have written one song by another artist, what would it be?

Carole King's "A Natural Woman." Excellent lyrics, now that’s a song I would have loved to have written.

Someone is making a film of your life, who will play you?

Well I hope if a film is made about me, I’d Love to play the part myself!

Lastly, tell us one thing you have never revealed in an interview…

One thing I really struggle with is talking about myself. I’m not important I’m just playing my part in this life...