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I have to say that even though Emma Rugg's Oceans/Depart EP displays a topographic view of the cloudline, her head is not above the clouds; she's very much down to earth. Her gracefully distinguished manner and uncompromised diligence has made a definite impression on me as her sincere hopefulness is highlighted by her sweet diposition.
I had a chance to speak with Emma via a telephone recently.
Emma, I can't seem to put your music down. Everytime I come to the office I have to listen to your material again. You are a very artistic individual. Could you give our audience an understanding of your beginnings?
Well, I started playing guitar when I was 16. I joined a cover band and we played in Hull and Yorkshire for two and a half years, after which point I decided to leave. I then started playing at musicians' nights and busking on the streets of Hull and people would come up to me asking if I had any releases.
Isolated Impression has been launched on your own record label “indreams records” coupled with your diligence and talent what would you say is the biggest motivation for what you do?
I thought that I shouldn't have to rely on a major record label just to put my music “out there.”So I went and busked for seven months to raise enough money to be able to create my own CD. I had interest from several major labels but no signings were in the works. At the end of the day it doesn't always come down to someone else being able to give you the validation you need to get your music out there. Labels sign acts that can sell their CDs and make money, they look for what is going to be popular, who will be the next flavour of the month. If I ever did get a record deal well that would be just great but I'm not going to be discouraged from keeping on trying to put the music out there if I don't.
Emma, can you tell us a bit about your appearance on the BBC 1 programme “Look North Extra”? Have you made any other appearances to date on other programmes?
Well, Peter Levy, a local news presenter who covers the Yorkshire area did a series of interviews on the BBC programme “Look North Extra”. We recorded in a local art gallery where a video was put together. I've also made an appearance on ITV's "Late Attitude" here in the UK.
Oceans/Depart (I get the feeling) conveys a sense of adventure mixed with a new appreciation for your friends and family back home. What exactly was your inspiration to write the EP?
I hadn't really flown before to the USA or anywhere for that matter. Oceans is a quirky/catchy song. It was a big change in direction for me. I have really been working now on piano. I bought this J & H Holland for real cheap and started playing. More recently I bought a new Steinbach piano to further develop my music.
The Henry Doss compilation “I've Been Thinking and Lonely Child”, from working with Henry Doss and producer John Beland what have you taken away from that project?
I actually met Henry Doss through a radio show. We exchanged emails and a few days later Henry flew me out to Michigan where we recorded backing vocals on some of his songs. I love challenges. There were barriers taken down, like age. It's all about the music. It's all connected.
After coming to the US do you think that the infamously cultured Rocky from the White Room would have liked to have had an opportunity to experience some American culture?(joking)
Yes. And I also have guinea pigs, Cookie and Justin.I'd like to bring them as well.(Joking)
You said in our correspondance that you are currently planning a USA tour?
Yes beginning in March. I will tour New York, Maryland, The Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Washington and Michigan with Henry Doss. This will be my fourth time to the USA and the first time that Henry and I have toured together.
I see that you are somewhat of a coffee junkie. In Canada there is a nationally loved coffee franchise much like Starbucks. Maybe we could coax you to have a cup and come to Canada then play a few gigs. Maybe you could buy a new Guinea pig and call her Maple? Any plans to “Depart” the UK and embark on a tour in Canada? We'd love to have you here in Stratford,Ontario!
I'd be there in a second! I just have to be able to raise the funds to do that. Who knows what may happen in the future ?!?
I watched the live video of Prelude to the End you have up on your website. It was amazing, and equally notable is your very cool website. You seem to update it regularly. I especially love the Diary Page. (Would you like to comment on your website)
Wow! That's really old (laughing). I did a live performance at the Tiger's Lair club here in Hull recently. I will be picking through the videos from it today and choosing ones to go on my site. I started designing the website about four years ago, learning a little HTML and then really focusing on how to improve everything version after version. The website is currently at Version 6.0
To what do you attribute your love for music, Emma?
I was really really young when I started playing music. I was in the brass band in Primary and Secondary school. I played trumpet and keyboard in Secondary School also and became a member of the City Of Hull Senior Brass Band. I sang in the choir and conducted in the school orchestra. I lost my Dad when I was ten. My Dad used to take me to keyboard lessons and really encourage me to be musical from an early age. If he were here I would really want him to be proud of what I've done. At thirteen I had over 500 poems and that's when I decided that I really wanted to concentrate on writing songs.
Could you tell me a bit about What The Papers Say? And When I Looked At You?
I had time to spare when I was in the US after we recorded Henry's songs. I had no title for the track I was recording. Most of my songs don't have a title until later. So we decided to record this song and the bassist in Henry's band said “Why don't you call it When I Looked At You.?”
What The Papers Say is about how the media can be so untrue. Saying scandalous things and being evasive. But we need them, I just find it funny how people will believe whatever they read sometimes. Some of it is true, a lot of it may be not.
Anything new in the works?
I am doing eleven gigs in the UK, then going to the USA. I'll be back at the end of May. Then I want to focus on writing. I've got a lot of new material, lyrics and music written, it just all needs to be pieced together.
Emma, could you share a secret with us that you haven't told anyone?
Ok, when I was young I shot my nextdoor neighbour's car tyre with an air pistol that my Dad had given me. I think to this day nobody knows what happened there.
I wish you all the best and I am looking forward to our next interview!!!!!!!!
'll tell you what gang, Emma Rugg, hands down, is the next best import of talent and a new wave of inspiration from the UK. This breath of fresh air has talent, creativity and drive to conquer The New World....again! Her poetic lyrics are thoughtful, and sincerely delivered by a dreamy voice coupled with a distinctly pure motivation. If global warming could be reversed Emma Rugg is the cure to this country's lack of coolness. She brings a new meaning to “off the charts”. I wish Christmas was around the corner because Isolated Impression, and the Oceans/Depart EP would be most definitely my entire list!
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