How would you classify your music?
I would classify my music as vocal oriented pop music with some rock and techno influences. I try to give a glimpse to my audience of the range of my voice by including acoustic tracks and I plan on including a Broadway and an American art song track on the next CD.
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
Trevor Horn, Daryl Hall, Puccini, Pink Floyd and Rush.
What do you want fans to take from your music?
I would like fans to groove on my vocals and some of the sonic textures I’ve created. I also pride myself in my lyrics. I like songs with a message.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
With Covid there is no music scene but LA is a laid back wide and all-encompassing locale. I believe you can hear any type of music possible in this town.
What is the best concert you have been to?
What do you like most about playing live? Hands down best concert I ever went to was Prince in 1997 in Philadelphia. He exploded on the stage. Most of my stage experience has been singing opera but singing live without a mic in front of 3000 ppl is always a thrill and being accompanied by a 70 piece orchestra is not too shabby either.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
Living in My Dreams is my favorite track. Its got everything I want in a song…soulful lyrics, catchy hooks, a fun beat…a little humor. I like the sounds I used and the exploding snare.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
I have evolved by learning to use Garageband and Logic Pro and by allowing myself to reassert songwriting instincts that I had abandoned many years ago. I never thought I had as much to say and as many thoughts and ideas for new songs as I do. Sitting down to write has become more and more enjoyable. I plan on writing a lot more.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?
Well, classically it would definitely be Mozart. The genius. But, in a more modern light, I would be thrilled to sit down with Elvis Presley to hear it all…the life, the songs, the voice. I think I would learn a lot from him. If not him then Roger Waters would be a powerful experience.
What’s next for you?
Next for me is the next album All of Us which will be released in September. I have a great cover of Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle as well as a sort of rap tune called Thought Patrol that is a bit freaky. I also continue to sing opera and learn more material. The voice never rests.
WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_Ruminski
URL: https://www.valerianruminskibass.com/
End of Interview