Since moving from her hometown Amsterdam to London in 2007, Ruby
Kwasiba Savage has worked behind the counter at Honest Jon’s Records and
managed record label Sounds Signature, where she also created the Wildheart
Recordings sister label. Much of Brownswood Recording’s recent success has been
down to her stewardship as label manager from 2016-2018, while personal
exploits have taken her to the dance floor with her In Flames post-punk disco
party and a monthly show on NTS. Alongside bopping through the booth of a large
number of London’s most well respected clubs including Oval Space, Phonox, 5
Miles, Pickle Factory, Giant Steps and The Village Underground.
Born in Amsterdam to English and Surinamese parents, Ruby was
raised on a mantra of “freedom, healing, peace and power in music”. From her
mother she inherited an appreciation for the eclectic – from Fela to Miles to
Chopin and The Supremes – while her spiritual connection to music, rhythm and
dance came through her Surinamese father, a singer, percussionist and Obiaman
centred around the Winti religion.
Ruby’s personal journey in music started during childhood with an
instant love for Soul and Reggae. As a teen, Hip Hop was central and its
samples lead her to the depths of Funk, Boogie, Dub and House music. Always
searching for new scenes, moving to London introduced her to the musical
freedom of church-like dances and pirate radio.
Taking note from the incredible DJs that passed through London’s
underground club Plastic People, where she felt most at home, her personal
style and DJing philosophy developed in the background. For Ruby, harmony lays
the base for good vibrations, an addictive, infectious and pivotal ingredient
to build a great night. However when it’s time to drop a little spice to turn
it up she won’t be shy to add some fire to the fun. That’s Ruby!
Low lights, solid subs and sweaty peoples that come to dance, have
fun and shake off any ’n’ all bad juju to get back in sync with themselves and
each other… That’s the kind of dance Ruby lives for and this one’s on the
horizon with a bag full of warm eclectic grooves as well as straight up pumping
beats.
