Ruthie Veronica has been wooing audiences over Christchurch for the past two years, she is regularly seen tinkling the ivories at Christchurchs premiere jazz bar Fat Eddies and has recently assembled a band to add extra fervor to her catalog of original songs.
Toting a degree in music, Ruthie is a crafty songwriter blending genres that could be previously thought in music as oil and water. She blends jazz and soul with classical piano and progressive rock, with challenging lyrics that discuss religion, politics and socialism; she is anything but a wallflower.
Listening to Ruthie’s smooth vocals infused with high powered notes you can get the feeling that you are witnessing something with musical depth and uniqueness, a rare notion in New Zealands over saturated Singer/Songwriter buffet.
Ruthie cites her influences as including the British prog rock band Muse, as well as the fiercely prodigious, 90s alt piano rocker Tori Amos.
"Piano aficionados are often seen as the classical musician stereotype; cardigan, brushed tame hair, floor length skirts and flat shoes, somewhat detached from popular culture. Artists like Tori Amos and Matthew Bellamy break the mold, proving that piano is completely rock & roll, and they are rock stars. I aim to create a similar vibe, I play piano well, but I rock it, I dont wear loafers and pearls, raving about Chopin."
Ruthie and her band have been in the studio recording her debut album "Teacup in a Storm" which is due to be released in May. The 4 piece band is bringing you their debut performance at Fat Eddies, April 11 from 9pm, entry is free.
