Artist/Band: Ruby the RabbitFoot
Members: Ruby Kendrick (rotating cast: Ziona Riley, Will Hicks, Austin Hoke, Paul Rogers, Nicolas Dobbratz)
Website: www.rubytherabbitfoot.com
Hometown: Athens, GA > Nashville, TN
Latest Album/Release: “Divorce Party” (2016)
Influences: Most everything
TrunkSpace: How would you describe your music?
Kendrick: I try not to ever describe it if poss. Lyrically driven?
TrunkSpace: Not only has your music captured our attention, but the visual element of the Ruby the RabbitFoot experience is a big part of the journey for us. How important is it for you to be able to bring that visual angle to your craft? Is it something you give equal weight to in the process?
Kendrick: Thank you for noticing. The visual aspect of my work feels as much a part of me as the music. I don’t think they could be separated. I would say the weight is equal.
TrunkSpace: Your sound has gone through some sonic shifts since you first began writing and performing as Ruby the RabbitFoot. Where do
you personally hear the biggest growth?
Kendrick: I suppose the one constant throughout the albums is that I am singing and writing the songs. I believe my voice has become more of my own and less of my influences. When I hear songs from my first album, I am a little embarrassed because I can hear myself imitating others in the way I sing. It’s sweet to hear the progress though.
TrunkSpace: Within that musical evolution of your sound, has the process in which it all comes together changed at all? Do you write differently now than when you first started out?
Kendrick: I definitely do. I write a capella now. It’s more convenient while traveling and more spontaneous. One drawback is that my guitar chops are rusty to say the least. I would actually like to start writing on guitar again.
TrunkSpace: Your last album, “Divorce Party,” dropped in 2016. Is there a new album on the horizon and what can fans expect?
Kendrick: Of course! I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on! I have no idea what to expect ever so I wouldn’t know what to tell them.
TrunkSpace: As an artist, are you someone who prefers your time creating and recording in the studio or is the stage, performing in front of a live audience, where you pull your biggest personal fulfillment from?
Kendrick: For me touring and performing live are so challenging on so many levels. It’s not an easy thing to do and therefore feels extremely rewarding when it’s done. I prefer creating at home most definitely because it is relaxing and fulfilling. I feel lucky to be able to do both.
TrunkSpace: Speaking of performing, you’re currently in the midst of a pretty extensive U.S. tour. With a number of dates still ahead of you, what are you most looking forward to the rest of the way, and… we saw that you’re playing The Rabbithole in Charlotte, NC. Given the RabbitFoot in your name, was this by design or coincidence?
Kendrick: That is a fabulous coincidence! We also played a place called White Rabbit Cabaret in Indianapolis and it’s been my favorite show so far. We need that bunny luck on the road. I’m looking forward to Spirit Lodge in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, of course.
TrunkSpace: If you could sit down and have a conversation with 16-year-old you, would that version of yourself be happy with the artist that you have become today? Would she be surprised?
Kendrick: Wow. I think she would be relieved and surprised about the outcome of her life for sure. Great question.
TrunkSpace: What can fans expect from Ruby the RabbitFoot for the rest of 2018?
Kendrick: I’ll be making an album! I’m excited for a Tennessee summer. But again, I never know what’s going to happen.
Featured Image Credits: PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Gonzalez (IG: @mikegonzalezstudio)/STYLIST: Maya Yogev/Bureau9 (IG: @maya_yogev)/MAKE-UP & HAIR: Alisha Bailey( IG: @alishahairmakeup)/PRODUCTION: Bureau 9 (IG: @bureau9)/STUDIO: Bureau 9 Studio (IG: @bureau9studio)
