(EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW) RUENA: “ Be brave, take the leap – greater things are out there.”
Musicians always have a good story to tell, and the artist we speak to today offers a realistic glimpse behind the glamour many might connect with the music industry. From playing Glastonbury and Download, to navigating the less glamorous moments along the way. Even getting ready in toilets. But it's these lessons and experiences that have taught her to roll with the punches as Ruena states, “It’s how you earn your stripes.” Her latest release, “The Tide”, is her most personal song to date, battling personal demons that will relate to many.
Think of it like this: if the power of Lady Gaga and her powerful one-liners that instill that self-belief met a heavy metal war cry, you would have Ruena’s discography. As always, conversations with female artists feels more like talking to friends. Women understand that battle that we all share and continue to motivate others with. Her music feels like the soundtrack to our lives. I got the pleasure of speaking to her about what motivates her, the music journey thus far, and of course her new music which is out now.
SpinVybe: Your track "The Tide", was released on the 28th of November, and is described as “your most personal song to date”. Could you tell us more about the story behind it and what it felt like writing that?
Ruena: I’ve struggled with eating disorders for as long as I can remember. Body dysmorphic disorder changes your view on yourself and affects you in more ways than you’d imagine. It’s exhausting having this voice in your mind constantly telling you that you're not good enough. It's not something I have spoken about before, so it felt very scary writing it. But I’m so glad I did because so many people have messaged saying they have the same struggle, and it helps break down the taboo and get people talking more – that means so much to me.
SV: Described also as the body being a battleground, how do you tap into that energy when recording and even filming music videos? Does it take an emotional toll or more of a release?
Ruena: Musically, it has these weird pulsating distorted moments to reflect the warped view of myself, plus the metal Gaga-esque choruses that are like a war cry of an ongoing battle. It's a very cathartic song for me, allowing me to embrace and channel my demons rather than fight them.
SV: You’ve spoken about themes of self-image and internal conflict. How do you transform those vulnerable moments into something empowering for listeners?
Ruena: I think just by giving a voice to hard subjects is half the battle. It’s so hard to take that initial step in getting help or just acknowledging you have a problem, but I find personally hearing other people talk about their struggles makes me realise I’m not alone. So I hope I can do that for others.
SV: Even the artwork for “The Tide” is reflected in the visuals. What inspires you besides your own life? Is there any artist that you seek inspiration from?
Ruena: I really like artwork that distorts the human body. One of my favourites is a French painter, sculptor and performative artist called Olivier de Sagazan. Incredible work; highly recommend checking him out.
SV: When it comes to songwriting, do you prefer to write lyrics first, or do you have a melody or sound in mind to structure the lyrics around?
Ruena: I always start with lyrics. And initial lyrics tend to just come to me when I’m doing something else and my mind’s working away figuring things out. I write all my lyrics outside. If I get a bit of an idea come to me, I’ll go outside and walk, or go to the woods or something if I can; I find being in nature helps me write easier. I then will sing the melody into my voice notes; that folder on my phone has so many random ideas in there! Musically I will either start with bass or just play the notes out on keyboard and build from there. Some songs write themselves instantly; others take a bit more chopping and pasting till they’re just right.
SV: Your past work always has such strong themes; for example, “Paraffin” is described as the ultimate rebirth anthem for the alt community. What made you decide to explore a topic such as restarting over and starting anew?
Ruena: I think everyone will experience this to some degree in their life, where they look at where they are and who they’re with and think, 'How the hell did I end up here?!' And that happened for me when I met my (now) husband, Tom. Before that, I’d been hanging round with people who always told me I was too much. They didn’t get my desire to want to create, to learn new things, to travel – just to get more out of life. They always made me smaller. But I just thought – well, this is your lot. And then when we met, it was like this fire started. For the first time I didn’t feel too much; I met someone who championed my ideas and supported and pushed me further.
And in doing so, it led me to cut the people out of my life that made me feel bad and made room for new ones who have the same mindset as me. So even if you feel SO stuck, you can get out. It's ok to leave people; it's hard because it's familiar and comfortable. But if people have a negative effect on you, you don’t need them. Be brave, take the leap – greater things are out there.
SV: A lot of your work is quite philosophical and introspective, which for many is helpful. What inspires you to get into that headspace when creating music? Do you read any books or listen to specific people?
Ruena: I think my brain just never stops and always feels like there are 101 thoughts going on at a time! There’s no-one really specific, but I just like deep conversations; I like listening to podcasts that are just people talking – figuring things out. I like to read also, particularly sci-fi with philosophical undertones/psychological thrillers. I think it helps to give you perspective.
SV: On Instagram you mention, “If you haven’t got ready in the toilets, then you’re not a real musician” — what’s the story behind that line?
Ruena: (laughs) Because it's true! When you start out, or, to be honest, even when you’ve been playing a LONG time, you won’t have a dressing room, and you won’t have a rider. The reality is it’ll be you and a bunch of people crammed in a tiny room (or a back corner of the venue), and you will need to get ready in the toilets. And that's how you earn your stripes! (laughs)
SV: From that, you've played Glastonbury, Download, and Rock for people. Playing these sizes of festivals must be a great experience. Do you find you learn each time from each festival about what your strengths are?
Ruena: Yeah, I absolutely LOVE playing festivals. It's weird; I don’t really get nervous. I’m just SO happy to be performing. It’s where I come alive. Where I can let loose and entertain people. I like to put on a show. It’s just the best. I have gigged for A LONG time, though; everything that could have possibly gone wrong on stage has in my (well over) a decade of playing live – which I think that experience helps with my confidence.
I’ve seen it when new musicians get thrown onto these stages too quickly – something inevitably goes wrong, and they don’t know what to do. That can be scary; when, for example, there’s no sound coming out of your instrument, you need to keep cool, work the chain and find the problem. A few seconds can feel like a lifetime in that situation. But top tip: if ever I’m playing a session gig, and I forget the note I’m meant to be playing, I just swoosh my hair and slide down the neck until I find it – and I’m back! And no-one suspects a thing! (laughs)
SV: What’s your idea of a “perfect day off” when you’re not writing, recording or performing?
Ruena: It’d be hot. I’d be outside ALL DAY. I’d go to the beach, go in the sea, and go snorkelling and surfing, then maybe go for a big walk or bike ride. I also love gardening. If I’ve been on a tour, the first thing I do on my day off is go in my garden and tend to my plants and listen to birds – it's the most peaceful thing for me.
SV: How do you keep yourself motivated and authentic amid a social media world that is full of quick trends?
Ruena: Stay true to yourself. Don’t jump on a trend that doesn’t feel like you. You’re a musician, not an influencer. In this day and age, you need to play the game a bit, because no-one will help you; you need to help yourself. And if posting every day on TikTok gets more people to hear your song, then do it – but do it in a way that feels right to you. And remember, it's really not that deep. Just have fun.
SV: Finally, if you could give one “power song” in your own catalogue to someone who’s going through a tough time, which one would it be—and why?
Ruena: I think Leech is a good all-rounder for that – I think everyone has unfortunately had someone in their life that has been an emotional drain on them. So it's very relatable but also has a brutal breakdown in it that reminds you of your strength and that THEY WON’T WIN!
SV: As 2025 ends, what has been the standout moment for you? And what does 2026 hold?
Ruena: Releasing my first debut solo EP was a massive achievement for me. I’ve been putting my energy and efforts into other people/other people’s projects for so long now, way more energy than I ever gave myself, so to finally give myself the time and do my own thing – I’m so proud of that. Next year I want to play live more, as much as possible. I’ve got something really exciting booked in already, so I just want to book in as many great shows as possible and get out there meeting people.
Written and Interviewed by Kirsty Bright
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