Ruby Frost

[article written for and published on NZ Style Collective. See here]

Since the NZ release of her debut album Volition, Frost’s schedule has been a non-stop carousel of interviews, rehearsals, photoshoots and tour dates. But within a minute of talking to her, its clear she loves every second of it.


Who is Ruby Frost?
From her trademark tousled pink hair and winning smile, to her unique sense of style, Ruby Frost is the sort of character who captures your imagination.

Born in Wellington as Jane de Jong, it’s well known that Ruby’s parents are the creative force behind Parachute Music Festival. Although this gave her diverse influences at an early age, her music is now heavily synth based, with a mixture of modern and vintage sounds.

Ruby on her music

Ruby plays alongside her drummer and partner Jimmy McDonald (Friendrock). The pair met over two years ago through mutual friends, and there was a wry smile as she recalled their early banter.

In 2009, one month before winning an MTV song contest (which also saw her signed to umusic) the duo started playing every day. Since then they have discovered a shared ‘stubborn creativeness’ which helps push their boundaries.

Although Ruby writes the lyrics, melodies and initial song structure, Jimmy adds the drum parts and helps tweak the final arrangements. On occasion, Ruby has also co-written with other musicians. Past collaborators have included Dan Hume (Evermore), and Justyn Pilbrow (Elemeno P).

In the local scene, Ruby has a niche audience that ‘s growing rapidly due to her busy tour schedule, upcoming gig with Kimbra and The Black Seeds, and single Water to Ice gaining airplay on The Edge.

Ruby on performing

Ruby’s passion for what she does is quite humbling. Calling herself a natural introvert, she explained that although she now enjoys performing, this has not always been easy. “I love writing songs but being a performer took some getting used to.”

At the start of last year Frost decided to face her demons by taking singing lessons and learning techniques to help her feel confident. Frost said she has always really enjoyed playing music and doesn’t believe she experienced stage fright: It was more about getting used to the intensity of a live performance.

Ruby on style

Although Ruby arrived straight from an early morning radio interview, she looked every bit the effortless, edgy pop icon wearing gold leggings, a vintage band tee and silver furry jacket. Describing her style icons as Andy Warhol (“I once cut and dyed my hair like his!”), Yoko Ono, and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, it’s easy to see how her carefree and highly personal taste has developed.

“I have a love / hate relationship with fashion. I love dressing up but decided a long time ago not to buy fashion magazines or buy into all of that. I don’t like the way they can make some women feel inadequate”.

Frost says she feels lucky to have worked in the past with friend and stylist Zara Mirkin, who understands her likes and dislikes as well as expanding her creativity.

Ruby on her musical influences

Like her style, Frost’s musical influences are diverse. Among these, she lists Air, Jack White, Fleetwood Mac, Elliot Smith, Bjork, Royksopp and The Knife. “They [The Knife] are my all time favourite band! … I still listen to a lot of older stuff, and just put on whatever I like”.

And when asked the ubiquitous ‘dream line up’ question, Ruby’s eyes lit up: “Definitely Bjork, Bowie and Prince. I’d also love to do a duet with Thom Yorke (Radiohead) and play alongside Chromeo and The Knife. I also loved M83, Girls and Toro y Moi at this year’s Laneway festival, and Fuji Rock (in Japan) has some fantastic acts.”

Ruby on recording Volition

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given her level of talent and originality, Ruby recorded her album with the internationally acclaimed producer Chris Zane.

After recording a couple of songs long distance (via email), Ruby and Jimmy flew to New York to spend 2 weeks with Chris in his studio. “It was amazing working with Chris, and the whole experience of being in New York. I love Chris’s style, and the work he produced for Passion Pit, and thought it would be a great fit with my music.”

Frost hopes that by collaborating with an international producer Volition will translate well for international audiences. And the resulting album is certainly impeccably produced with numerous intricate, thoughtful and attentive details.

What's next?

In the future Ruby hopes to release Volition in Australia, and tour overseas. But for now, top of the list is promoting Volition in New Zealand, and continue writing songs and playing to new audiences.