Acclaimed musician, Ruby Colley, to perform at Rye

Laura Ross
, 08 August 2025
Acclaimed musician, Ruby Colley, to perform at Rye
Ruby Colley © Georgina Piper

Interview by Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Discovery Centre. For anyone who’s not heard your music, can you give a taste of what to expect?

I’m a violinist that composes music inspired by the audible world around us. I will be playing from my last two releases Overheard & Underheard, which uses strings, & electronics. I like to play around with genre, so you can expect some classical, folk, experimental & even Jazz woven throughout the set.

Your music takes inspiration from the natural world. Can you share your process in creating a new piece of music and the role nature plays?

I find being in nature, field recording, a very therapeutic part of the process. Immersing within a soundscape and noticing things that would perhaps go unnoticed is a big source of inspiration for me. Like placing a microscope over a tiny sound world and making a larger composition out of small details is hugely interesting. Nature also throws up all sorts of rhythm, texture, melody that I might not otherwise have thought of.

Can you tell us what your stepping stone was into entering the world of music?

I started learning violin at the age of three. I’ve not known or remembered a time without it. My parents were very supportive and encouraged all types of creativity. I remember wanting to compose my own music from about eight years old and writing my first piece when I was about nine. There have been many barriers and challenges in entering the world of music too. However, a few key supporters throughout my life have made the difference between me being a musician and doing something else.

Do you have a favourite species at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?

I adore the sound of Curlews. They have such an ethereal, ghostly call that travels far across the flatlands. I composed a piece that has their call woven through it. It felt a bit like making an archive. Part of the age of extinction, is the loss of sound. I hope we don’t ever hear the Curlew go silent.

If you could be Prime Minister for a day, and change one thing, what would it be?

I would not only protect the small areas of wild we have left, but also restore and regenerate lost wilderness, especially in urban spaces. I’d also support the construction industry to include nesting materials such as swift bricks in new buildings. Is this possible in one day? Probably not!

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If you like what you’ve heard, Ruby will be playing an intimate gig at the Discovery Centre on Saturday 6th September from 7pm. Spaces are limited, so book your spot here:

Book tickets for Ruby Colley

Listen to Ruby’s music on Bandcamp

Find her on socials here:

Instagram - @rubycolleymusic
Facebook - facebook.com/RubyC...
Website - rubycolley.com/ 

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