theaussieword.com catches up with international artists Reuben and the Dark.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry? I had a late start. I picked up a guitar for the first time when I was in my 20’s. That’s also when I started trying to figure out my voice. I was never drawn to the industry and I’m really a reluctant participant. I was drawn to words and the way they sing.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? I just want to do some with meaning. I want to create art that holds weight.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? I just want to keep travelling the world. Growing an audience and growing as an artist.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour? We have lots of tour dates coming up in Canada and the USA. We are working on more International dates too. Our new record comes out on October 25, so we are going to try and go as many places as we can in the next year.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?It’s from the heart. From the desert. From the jungle. We explored a lot of sonics and experimented quite a bit. The album is called un | love
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs? I write everyday, and when a certain phrase, a lyric or a melody gives me chills, I just get to work on making it a song. Often it just involves getting out of the way. If you are a good listener, the song will write itself.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music? Always.
Success, what is the secret to it? Consistency and believing you deserve success. It’s a combination of everything you line up in your life to get you to where you want to be. A summation of heart, hard work and time invested.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far? Well, so many things, but last week we had a song in the Breaking Bad movie trailer. I must say that was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had as an artist. I also went to the premiere in LA and was able to meet everyone. Still stunned from it all.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? All the little guys. The people who tour and write and sing their hearts out to strangers in half-empty rooms around the world. Year after year.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline? Just touring right now, but we are always working on new music.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why? I love traveling. I love touring. If I could get to a point where I don’t have to tour in the winter, that would be ideal.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists. We toured with Vance Joy, The Paper Kites and Boy & Bear. All of them are so sweet. Kind souls who make beautiful music. Nick Cave is my fave though.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye? It’s always changing. It can feel frustrating sometimes. I just try and focus on real human interaction. Social media helps build a career I suppose, but real networks and relationships are the only way to sustain one.
How do you plan on cracking the international market? Hopefully with this interview?
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list? We don’t do it much. Wish list would be Sharon Van Etten, Conner Oberst, The National. Or just all DJs. That would probably be a better business move. And Drake.
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps? Believe in yourself. Set goals. Surround yourself with other people who also believe in you. And be prepared for the long game. These things take time.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans? Thank you.
Website: reubenandthedark.com
Facebook: facebook.com/reubenandthedark
Twitter: @reuben_thedark
Instagram: @reubenandthedark
Apple Music: Reuben and the Dark
Spotify: Reuben and the Dark
