by alex grainger
photo courtesy of ruby waters
Ruby Waters drops her latest single “Open Arms” on September 14th. In the iconic rasp and soulful sound that is Ruby Waters, “Open Arms” takes us into her world as she accepts life as it comes. While the message behind “Open Arms” is open to interpretation, she hopes the single will reach listeners and remind them they are strong enough to face hard times and it’s “okay to be vulnerable with yourself sometimes.” Read more about “Open Arms” and Ruby Waters below!
Can you tell us what “Open Arms” is about?
Ruby: “Open arms is about how I like to deal with shit, my outlets, and how handle the ups and downs.”
What was the creative process behind “Open Arms?”
Ruby: “There wasn’t too much of a process other than good vibes, an acoustic guitar and lyrics from my notebook. I wrote it in Spain last spring at a songwriting camp I was lucky to be invited to, and it was the only time I’ve been to Europe. On day two I was paired up with artist Bjarte De Presno Borthen and producer Kasper Holm Larsen. Bjarte threw down some super pretty chords on guitar and we just kinda rolled from there. The song came so, so naturally, and we were done writing within an hour or two of working together. Great session.”
What is the message you are sending to listeners of “Open Arms?”
Ruby: “It would be amazing if listeners of ‘Open Arms’ were able to be reminded that they are strong enough to face whatever hard times they’re faced with, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable with yourself sometimes. It doesn’t always have to be a weakness or a problem to be depressed or overwhelmed, it can sometimes just be a part of life, and however you cope with it isn’t something to be ashamed of. That being said — anyone can interpret the song any way that they want to.”
You mentioned this single is about “accepting life as it comes.” Since the song’s creation, what kind of impact has this mindset had on your life?
Ruby: “Honestly I haven’t really changed. I’m just keepin’ on keepin’ on, trippin’ hard and keeping my head up.”
How has this song contributed to your growth as a musician?
Ruby: “I was traveling while the song was made, and it allowed me to work with cool people on the other side of the world, which was a first for me. The experience in itself was a game changer.”
How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved since the beginning of your career to now upon the release of “Open Arms?”
Ruby: “I feel like my sound evolves with the seasons, but I always try to keep it soulful and real I guess. I’ve never been good at answering this question. I like to think that it hasn’t changed too much over the years, but maybe it has. I don’t know [laughs].”
Do you have a favorite lyric in “Open Arms” that you feel is especially meaningful or powerful?
Ruby: “Personally, the line in the chorus that says ‘it’s okay if today feels harder than yesterday’ is the most important. It’s something we all forget from time to time. Everything fluctuates, everything has an opposite that it wouldn’t exist without, and life can’t always be easy.”
What are you most proud of upon the release of “Open Arms?”
Ruby: “Not sure! I’m proud of how I’ve handled the hectic schedule that I’ve had leading up to this release. I was never the type of person to have everything planned out months in advance and I don’t think I’ll ever be. It’s been fuckin’ hard and scary for me to commit to shit and try to keep up, but I’m thankful and it’s been dope.”
You’ve had an exciting 2022 as you received a JUNO nomination, sold out your headline tour, had two Top 5 Alt Radio Songs in Canada, among many other recognitions. Congrats! How are you doing? What has your reaction been to all of these amazing moments in your career?
Ruby: “Thank you! I’m beyond grateful for all the insane opportunities, gigs and life changing moments that I’ve been blessed with this year alone. Kind of speechless, but in all honestly — I’m just trying to stay chill and keep doing what I do to stay inspired and not take myself too seriously. Adventures with the homies any chance I get, being outside, camping, having fun, hearing live music, writing, working, playing, staying grounded, and of course, most of all — turning up.”
What’s next for you?
Ruby: “I’m about to crack a beer. If I’m being honest right now, that is exactly my next move. I’ll be releasing a bunch of new music soon, and playing a ton of gigs, so stay tuned for tunes and tour dates!”