Ruby Boots has definitely delivered one of the albums of the year. Following on from her self titled EP from a few years back, she has definitely stepped up to the plate to deliver a perfect slice of country infused folk-rock, with a healthy dose of pop thrown into the mix. As we begin to chat about the latest album and what 2015 has had in store for Boots, it’s quite easy to see that there are no signs of slowing down yet with an action packed 2016 already taking shape. A few days before taking the stage at Out on the Weekend, the best Americana and country music festival in Australia, it seems that the nerves are starting to take hold a little.
“To be completely honest with you, it is a little bit of a nervous time because it is a really special festival to my heart,” she says.
“I want to do a good job and just play the best I can. I have got quite a bit of rest leading up to the performances which is good because it means that I am really on my game. We just got back from a US tour and have played a couple of Australian festivals as well, so I think that we are well prepared for our upcoming festival slots and headline shows.”
Like many performers before her, Boots travelled over to the US and, having experienced the live music culture for myself last year, it’s no surprise to learn that she is already booking more dates and a possible Canadian tour for 2016.
“I was a little bit apprehensive about how the new material was going to go in an international format, but it was really well received. I started out in LA and moved south from there, played a few shows in Nashville and one in New York, self managing and booking the tour myself was a big feat and an eye opening experience,” she says.
Solitude right from the beginning is a stunning album which develops on the sounds that we have grown to love through the previous releases. Throughout 2016, we are going to have the opportunity to see the album in the live format many times as Boots tours around the country playing various festivals and headline shows.
Announced on the first line-up for the 40th Port Fairy Folk Festival taking over the coastal town over the Labour Day weekend next March, it will make a welcome return for Boots who made her debut playing with the Stray Sisters (Donna and Vikki from The Waifs) a few years back.
“I am absolutely over the moon about playing Port Fairy, I have wanted to play for a few years and I guess it all comes down to what you are releasing. It feels like my hard work is paying off and things are finally going right. Playing with the Stray Sisters was my first Port Fairy experience and it’ll be great to get the band down there. I can’t wait,” Boots beams.
Influenced by one of the greatest country albums of the past two decades Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Solitude is a great first record by Ruby Boots. With the follow up in the works, be sure to check this album out and whilst Ruby Boots is on the road throughout the end of 2015 and early 2016.
Written by Tex Miller
When & Where: Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy – March 11-14