Video: Rubita - Milky Moon (UTR Premiere)

Rubita, the musical project helmed by singer-songwriter Rachel Kibblewhite, are unveiling their self-funded video for single 'Milky Moon'. The track is lifted from the recently released debut EP Brutal Yet Dulce Soap, a four-song offering which sees the band blend together elements of jazz, lounge and pop. Check out the clip for 'Milky Moon' below....

So for those who don't know, tell us about Rubita. How did it start? What're your tunes like?

Rubita started last year when a Dunedin band I was involved in broke up. Studying electric guitar and composition, I decided to start my own project in the middle of last year, recording two singles with my cousin Luke Kibblewhite (saxophonist), and Dunedin friends Seth Clement (drums) and Alex Sipahioglu (bass guitar). Since moving back home to Hamilton this year, I officially formed Rubita with those same musicians, and with a different bass player, Hon Man. Rubita creates pop swing music, with latin beats and addictive melodies.

What does the word Rubita mean?

Rubita means ‘little blonde’, a name I was called while living in Argentina for a year on an exchange.

You're currently based in Hamilton but graduated from Otago University with a degree in composition, and meanwhile your band mates are based in Auckland. Where's your favourite spot in NZ?

Favourite spot is definitely the beach! But otherwise I really enjoyed Dunedin, Hamilton’s quite cosy and Auckland is a bit mad, Wellington is quite cool and maybe a favourite NZ city.

Who are some of your favourite musical peers?

Big fan of jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Wes Montgomery, bossa nova artist Astrud Gilberto, music from Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and world music in general.

Your debut EP Brutal Yet Dulce Soap has just dropped. How did you arrive on this name? Where does one get this aforementioned soap?

The ‘Brutal Yet Dulce Soap’ refers to someone’s scent - that is both addictive and bad natured - and something for some reason you can’t get away from.

You can catch Rubita live on Friday 2nd December at Wine Cellar in Auckland with Arthur Ahbez, and then on Saturday 3rd December at Bad Grannies in Wellington