We Interviewed our latest Artist of the Week about being an independent, self-made artist in one of the most competitive pop markets on the planet

When we wanted more excuses to introduce UK’s Ruby Goe to the world, the world delivered. Her fans voted last week to crown her MTV Iggy’s Artist of the Week, thereby granting us carte blanche to find out more about the sultry hip-pop [sic] artist who runs her own label and jewelry line.

Find out what Ruby had to say about her newfound title, the golden hotpants in her “Badman” video (stream it below!), and the celebs who are rocking her jewelry.

What was your experience like during this whole Artist of the Week vote? You were in a very tight race. Did you think you were going to get the title? Were your fans going crazy?

It was incredible just to be chosen as one of the five acts so winning has been an honor! My single “Badman” and the video have opened up so many doors.

This week has been crazy in general! Radio, press and promo and connecting with so many new fans has been overwhelming! It feels like this is the first leap for me over the Atlantic though so I am so grateful to MTV Iggy for giving me another platform, especially as an independent artist.

Your video for “Badman” is very powerful. What were you conveying in the video and how does it pertain to the song?

The video and song convey that horrendous time in a relationship when you realize all the chasing and trying and fighting is pointless and your relationship is dead and buried. And also the relief it can bring once you just let go.

We hear you have a jewelry line. What is your line like? Any regional inspirations or jewelry icons?

I started Byrogue about two years ago and it’s been insane! I design all the pieces and I am growing the collection as and when I am inspired to.  It started just being for me, then it grew to a few stockists including Selfridges London. Now I have a limited edition collection for Puma and Jessie J, and Kimora Simmons and Keri Hilson have been spotted wearing them.

Watch the video for Ruby Goe’s single “Badman.”

How did you first get into making music?

I have always sung and been surrounded by music growing up. It’s always been with me just there, so it’s hard to pinpoint a time. I went from doing backing vocals and session singing to being asked by producers to write with them on original material.  I slowly developed my sound and found my way.

It feels like UK women are absolutely killing it lately. Lady Leshurr, Lioness, to name a few. Not to lump you into some kind of ‘movement’ but, would you agree there are some pretty badass women coming out of there these days? Anyone particularly inspiring to you?

Yes there are! The UK is a gorgeous melting pot of individuality that’s very hard to replicate anywhere else.  It comes through in the way we design, dress, and make music. Our influences are always eclectic and govern how we create. There are a lot of very proud, smart females who are not scared to make their own way on their own terms and I think people recognize and crave that individuality in an industry drenched with manufactured, recycled and watered down music. I am generally inspired by voices, anyone who can really really sing live as I grew up on, Nina Simone, Whitney and Toni Braxton. I’m inspired by Sweden and Iceland for their individuality too with their cinematic songs especially Bjork, Robyn, Lykke Li and Karin Parks.

Do you want to keep running your own label, are you hoping to be signed somewhere major at some point?

Running my own label and jewelry line has been such an incredible learning curve I wouldn’t give it up. It’s made me a more rounded human being rather than just a singer. I would like to see Goe Music grow and I would license to a major label if the deal was right. I would be adamant about keeping full creative control as to me, that is what being an artist is all about.

Are you a one-woman show?

No not at all.  I write all my songs, but I work with incredible producers.  I make my own decisions but I have an incredible manger. I choose who I work with, directors, make up artists etc. I decide which songs to release, remixes and edits of everything, but I take advice from about three people and value the opinion of people who understand my music and where I am coming from.

Are there any artists that you’re listening to these days that would surprise us?

Right now I am in love with Fink, an incredible band from the UK that are on their third album. Check out their single ” Perfect Darkness” and Zebra Katz’ single “Ima Read.”

Love the golden hot pants. What other awesome garments/accessories are in your closet?

Thank you!  All I’m wearing this summer are shorts by KTZ, I have about 15 pairs, T-shirts by Migh- T Kumiko Watari, and of course Byrogue rings! We have a new e-commerce website launching on the 15th of July with new pieces, so I am rocking the samples everyday!

Debut album? When?

I am on a climb at the mo’ so as soon as the time is right!