Artist Interview: Ruby Wood

There is something profoundly grounding about an artist who refuses to rush. In an industry obsessed with fast-lane virality and disposable hooks, Ruby Wood has spent over two decades quietly building one of the most respected, versatile catalogues in modern British music.From her foundational days playing steel pans in West Yorkshire to fronting the cinematic heavy-weights Submotion Orchestra, touring the globe with Bonobo and Nubiyan Twist, and co-writing a 4× Platinum hit for Bryson Tiller (“Right My Wrongs”), Wood’s journey has been defined by craftsmanship. Yet, for all her monumental collaborative achievements, her most revealing chapter is unfolding right now. Following her critically praised 2023 solo debut Sincerely, Wood has returned with her sophomore solo EP, No Rain, No Flowers, released via First Word Records. It is a project that strips away the grand spectacles of massive ensemble tours and arena stages, placing her raw, liquid vocal delivery squarely at the focal point. We caught up with Ruby to talk about her remarkable career trajectory, the philosophy behind her new music, and why weathering life’s storms is essential to artistic growth.

Stepping out from behind the collective wall of bands like Submotion Orchestra once again to further cement your own solo work can be quite a shift. Given that First Word Records is such a natural space for forward-thinking, organic soul and hip-hop, how did your relationship with the label come about, and how does it feel having a designated home for your solo music?

I’d admired First Word for years because of the artists they champion and their approach to soulful, genre-blurring music. It felt like a natural fit for the songs I was writing, and when the opportunity came along it felt like the right home for my first solo releases. Releasing music under my own name has been a very different experience to being part of Submotion Orchestra. It’s more vulnerable because every decision feels very personal, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding to have the space to explore my own voice. I was actually approached by Aly Gillani to release under First Word Records as a solo artist in the early days (circa 2009) when he still lived up in Leeds but I wasn’t ready then and I definitely didn’t have as much to say musically as I do now. Everything happens when it’s supposed to and I’m glad I waited.

The title of the new record, No Rain, No Flowers, carries a very specific, hard-earned wisdom about life. What phase of your life or personal evolution birthed these tracks?

These songs were written over a number of years, through some pretty significant changes in my life. There have been moments of grief, uncertainty, being a mother, navigating relationships both romantic and platonic, questioning myself, but also rediscovering joy and resilience. The title No Rain, No Flowers became a reminder to myself and hopefully others that growth rarely comes without discomfort. It’s not about pretending difficult things are positive, it’s about recognising that they often shape us into who we’re becoming and so to appreciate them.

Musically, the EP balances a gorgeous warmth and restraint, blending soulful grooves with rich orchestration. You worked closely with Rob Mitchell of Abstract Orchestra on production, how did the two of you shape the distinct sound of this record?

So, I started out with a collection of half finished songs and ideas written over different beats. Some sent to me by Martel Howard in San Diego, some by El Train/Paal Singh and some that didn’t make it onto my first ep by Chris ‘Fatty’ Hargreaves (bassist from Submotion) and Pitch 92.
Ive realised that I’m very good at starting ideas but I do struggle sometimes with seeing the bigger/fuller picture so I reached out to Rob Mitchell to help me! Rob has this amazing ability to know when a song needs more and, more importantly, when it doesn’t. We weren’t chasing perfection or trying to make something fashionable. We wanted the emotion to lead everything. We spent a lot of time focusing on live instrumentation, space, texture and performances that felt real rather than overly polished. It’s very rare that you work with someone and they just get your vision but Rob really did, and he makes the best quesadillas too, so I enjoyed that part of working together also! Haha

The record also features some brilliant collaborative energy from artists like Illa J, Devin Tracy, Abnormal Sleepz, and PRIDO. How did these partnerships come out?

One of my favourite things about making music is the people it brings into your life. Every collaboration on this record happened organically through genuine friendship and mutual respect. This thing called life was particularly difficult to finish for a whole host of different reasons, Illa J was the fourth and final mc on the song but he really was the icing on the cake… and in true No Rain, No Flowers fashion, he brought ALL the flowers to the song and completed it in the best way possible!

Illa J, Devin Tracy, PRIDO and Abnormal Sleepz all brought such distinct voices to the ep, they’re also people that I admire massively. None of the features feel like guests dropping in, they felt like conversations and I’m so grateful to have created music with them all!

You’ve navigated nearly every tier of the music industry, from underground UK jazz and dub circuits to writing global multi-platinum R&B hits and playing Wembley Arena. How do those massive, high-pressure environments contrast with the quiet introspection of making a solo EP?

They’re almost opposite experiences. Playing Wembley for example was exhilarating because you’re feeding off thousands of people at once, but it’s also part of something much bigger than yourself. Making a solo record often meant sitting quietly with my feelings and a notebook, asking myself questions I’d truthfully rather avoid. One is external energy, the other is internal. I’ve learnt that i enjoy and need both for their differences! Everything has a season.

Looking back at your musical roots, growing up in Huddersfield with jazz-loving parents and playing in the North Stars Steel Orchestra from age seven, do you see a straight line connecting that kid to the artist releasing No Rain, No Flowers today?

Absolutely. I grew up in a house where music wasn’t something you did on special occasions, it was part of everyday life. My parents introduced me to jazz, soul and incredible songwriters, and playing steel pan from such a young age taught me about melody, rhythm, fine tuned my musical ear and made me really appreciate community. I didn’t realise it at the time, but all of those experiences definitely shaped the artist I’ve become today, I’m very grateful and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Whats the main feeling or thought you hope lingers with someone when they finish listening to this record?

I hope people feel a little less alone. These songs aren’t trying to offer answers or tell anyone how to live their lives. They’re simply honest reflections of being human. If someone finishes the record feeling comforted, understood, or even just encouraged to be a little kinder to themselves, then that’s more than I could ever ask for. We are in scary, uncertain times at the moment so I hope this ep, in the words of Jo Cox reminds us that “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”

I hope we all get our flowers! 💐

Ruby Wood’s sophomore solo EP, No Rain, No Flowers, is out now on First Word Records. To keep up to date with Ruby’s work follow her on Instagram: @rubywoodmusic