A graduate of Sydney Conservatorium of Music who weaves influences like Lily Allen, Mahalia and Joy Crookes into her R&B-jazz soundscapes, Ruby Jackson is a Sydney musician forging her own creative path.
The independent artist had a breakthrough 2023 that saw the release of the singles 'Out Of Fashion' and 'Guilty Pleasure' (that have a combined 60k Spotify streams) prior to her debut EP, 'Sweeter For Me', landing in late 2023 – including the single 'You've Changed'.As she plots her next step – which includes an appearance at Blues On Broadbeach (Gold Coast) alongside the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Fat Freddy's Drop, Eric Bibb, Jon Cleary and stack more next month – we get to know Ruby a little better.
Who is Ruby Jackson... I am an R&B/ soul artist and songwriter based in Sydney, Australia. I grew up with music on both sides of the family, but I wouldn't have really considered pursuing music until stumbling upon my love for jazz and music for film when I was 16.
This opened up ideas to study music after school, so I ended up in a composition degree at Sydney Conservatorium of Music for four years. Here is where I started writing R&B/ pop songs on the side, and have since been dabbling in the world of songwriting.
I sound like... Lauryn Hill.
My first gig was... The Old Lodge Theatre in Hokitika, my Dad's home town in the South Island of New Zealand.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Luckily my name seemed to work fine 'n' dandy!
In the studio I usually... Need to throw all my terrible ideas on the wall to find the keepers!
If I could tour with anyone... I'd go to the ends of the earth with Olivia Dean.
Social media is... Something I hope we don't depend on for the growth of developing artists forever.
My favourite app at the moment is... Voice Memos always. I don't know what I'd do without it, other than forget any song idea I've ever thought of.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I opened for Morcheeba at The Tivoli (in Brisbane), walked onstage, got tangled in my guitar lead, bumped the mic, laughed. . . classic!
Life on the road can be... A mystery! I'm yet to go on tour, so I'll keep you posted.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Cobs lightly salted, lightly sweet popcorn.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Anything and everything involving heights.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I'd love to live in Paris. I've heard wonderful things about the music scene over there. Let's learn how to speak French first, then who knows, maybe a cheeky French song will be in the works.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... I'm rounding up the UK babes and having Raye, Olivia Dean and Mahalia over. These chicks would have nothing but great chats up their sleeves I just know it.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'm thinking a huge nachos cook-up with all the essential flavours. That's a big yes to coriander! Then of course some spicy margaritas to tie it all together.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love all the furry friends. I've never owned a dog though. That'll be a dream for down the track.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Artworks to put up everywhere.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I really just need to remember to water the plants.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I wouldn't, but if I had to it would be one where I can bake desserts!
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? It's gotta be People's Burger Marrickville.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I have a soft spot for Giulia Marcovaldo from the Pixar movie 'Luca'. Her vibes are impeccable. You'll have to watch the film.
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)? 'The White Lotus', and probably its iconic soundtrack.
Ruby Jackson performs at Blues On Broadbeach (Gold Coast) 18-19 May. The event takes place at various locations 16-19 May, 2024, with the main line-up free to attend.
Blues On Broadbeach 2024 Line-up
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster GentlemenDallas Frasca
Chase The Sun
Take Me To The River featuring Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell
8 Ball Aitken & Friends – All Star Blues Jam
Fat Freddy's Drop
Tijuana Cartel
BOOMCHILD
Karl S. Williams
Hussy Hicks
Buddy Knox
Cass Eager
The Bad Dad Orchestra
Ruby Jackson
Minnie Marks
Sweet Thunder
Airborne Blues Virus
Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective
JB's Blues Breakers
Anna Scionti
Aaron Pollock
Dillion James Band
Jimi Beavis Trio
Bill Barber & The Holding Cell
Who join the already announced:
Melissa Etheridge
Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton
Ana Popovic
Eric Bibb
Lloyd Spiegel
Hat Fitz & Cara
Shaun Kirk
Checkerboard Lounge
Sweet Felicia And The Honeytones
Li'l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine
The Mezcaltones
Don Hopkins
C.J. Lee
Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers
The Band Ham
Rory Ellis & Christian Marsh
Slips And The F.W.'s
Kerbside Collection
