 Courtesy of the Artist
Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters....but they’re much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with
a contemporary sheen. And that they did on their latest release, The State of All Things, a soulful, groove laden eleven song set that's fresh and fabulous. Here, Velle answers her Essential 8 and speaks about music as the great unifier, receiving a beautiful gift from a fan/friend Tennah, her bucket list item (heads up #teamcoco), and more. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? With the song “Broken Woman” we needed the build up and chaotic vocal delivery at the end. I just didn’t feel the song was complete without it. We haven’t really done anything like that in a song, so it made sense and it fit the vibe. I love when the horns come in just after the vocal part and amp up the crazy factor. To us, "Broken Woman" was the departure from our previous songs we were all craving at the time. Is there a story behind your album’s title? The State of All Things is believing that despite the current climate of separatism, that we can unify despite differences. We see music as a great unifier and invite all our soul fam to feel these vibes through stories of the current times and issues, and through themes of cosmic love and divine timing. We believe the state of all things is good. How do you kill the long hours in the van? I love working and reading in the van. It’s fun to hear what the bandmates want to listen to, so I tend to get a lot of work done while they are playing music or listening to podcasts. Shout out to Joe Rogan right now your podcast is on fire and sometimes so random and funny! We are loving it. I have a hot spot so working from the road has been something I’ve done for almost a decade! There was one summer where I worked in 52 cities over 55 days, thanks internet!!
What’s your dream venue and why?
I would love to play Red Rocks Amphitheatre and really everyone knows why… because mother nature and music make the ULTIMATE TEMPLE and I must sing within it’s caverns. Plus I would love to hear how all seven of us sound in that space, I imagine it would be other worldly. Do you have a favorite gift from a fan? Absolutely, without a doubt most favorite gift was a FULL booklet of my astrological signs’ readings, life number interpretations and sign compatibility charts from my friend and fan Tennah. How did she get my chart info you asked? Well after a show I must have answered her very random question and I didn’t remember. Then a few months later this book is gifted to me on perhaps the most perfect day… I had just gotten word we were playing the Smithsonian. Not to mention at shows in Atlanta, Tennah is always in the front row singing along and my heart wants to bust out of my chest at the level of awareness she has towards my journey. Tennah you make my heart sing and your reading was/is guiding me still! Thank you for shining bright! Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? While I still cannot believe it, I have met a hero of mine. I met D’Angelo at the Tabernacle in ATL, and he was extremely kind. He asked me about the band and I asked him how it was to work with so many fellow legends. It was so gracious of him to spend that five minutes with me listening about my journey. I thanked him so much for being a pillar of the genre and paving the way. Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? I’ve really been enjoying Gin Wigmore’s new album “Ivory” and a song on there called “Bad Got Me Good.” If you don’t know Gin’s music check it out she is badass, period. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? I am #teamcoco, Canadian and weird AF, so my bucket list music must-do is to sing live on Conan. I may also challenge him to a pog tournament because I think he would be down for pogs like I was growing up. Embarrassing trivia fact provided by yours truly. :) coco..coco..coco! Website/Twitter/Insta
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