Music Industry News

Club Ruby are holding their heads high after a serious assault rocked its two leaders in October, returning with their new single ‘What My Bones Know’ on Friday, January 16th.

The pop-punk band will also triumphantly release their forthcoming sophomore EP Don’t Gaslight Me! on Friday, January 30th: a six-track, coming-of-age journey that showcases their resilience in navigating mental health, intergenerational trauma, and immigrant identity.

“The assault brings to light that the issues and discrimination we make music about is real,” President Ruby (lead singer Jade Lewis) says. “In the face of adversity, we won’t let ourselves be silenced.”

The EP was delayed because of the attack that left her and Vice President Hon (bassist Hon Manawangphiphat) with severe wounds and concussion. Thanks to overwhelming community support via GiveALittle, however, Club Ruby were able to recover—and with a renewed sense of purpose.

‘What My Bones Know’ is the piano-led, guitar-punch closer of Don’t Gaslight Me! Produced once again by Christian Tjandrawinata and made with the support of NZ On Air, its lyrical narrative and musical-theatre sensibilities follow the luminous ‘Komorebi’ and smash-hit ‘Heartbreak Overtime’. The former is an ode to family roots that UnderTheRadar praised as “grungey pop balladry”, while the latter reached #5 on the Aotearoa Charts plus amassed 55,000+ views on YouTube.

‘What My Bones Know’ was inspired by an autobiography of the same name by Stefanie Foo. Her book helped President Ruby reframe and understand her own mental health trauma—”not as a fixed identity, but as a way to navigate care while honouring my own experience and the experiences of my ancestors.”

“I now see these labels as constellations drawn within a sea of symptoms; constellations that healthcare professionals use to help with treatment,” President Ruby adds.

“But we all have our own unique constellations that make up who we are, and it’s our responsibility to explore what works for us, and to never use these labels or our past as an excuse to continue the cycle.”

Club Ruby are soon to present a body of work forged through remarkable strength: “Despite how confusing the music industry is, we feel compelled to keep going and tell our own stories.”

Together, Club Ruby will continue their mission to bring hope, visibility and solidarity to others like them.

Check out all things Club Ruby below:
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