RUBII is a Birmingham-based singer-songwriter and one of the UK’s most distinctive emerging talents in contemporary alternative R&B. Her music successfully blends elements of neo-soul, hip-hop, jazz and classic R&B, defined by understated, conversational vocals layered over rhythmically driven, sample-infused production. Since the release of her debut single in December 2019, RUBII has swiftly built a reputation for emotionally nuanced songwriting, with standout tracks such as “BOTB”, “Fool” and “Twin Flame” showcasing her innate ability in balancing sonic sophistication with lyrical intimacy.
Across three critically regarded EPs—Repose (2020), Olive Green (2023), and Change & Remain (2024)—RUBII has shaped a sound that is both deeply personal and sonically refined, marked by themes of memory, identity and emotional complexity. Her breakout single “Jealousy”, released last year, has resonated with a global audience, amassing millions of streams in the process and affirming her growing presence in the digital music landscape. RUBII continues to set herself apart through her ability to translate introspection into compelling, genre-spanning compositions that reflect a thoughtful and modern artistic voice.
Fresh from a standout performance at Glastonbury last weekend, RUBII has also recently unveiled her latest single “Keep Hush”, a striking collaboration with Amaria BB. The track is a quiet yet powerful exploration of the art of restraint—proof that sometimes silence speaks the loudest. As she continues to grow, RUBII’s work reflects a vibrant creative voice that is both deeply personal and sonically adventurous.
Ahead of her highly-anticipated Glastonbury set, we caught up with RUBII, who also shared some of her favourite songs she puts on to take a break from the music/ songs she listens to between creation…
How did you first get into music, and who were some of your key influences growing up?
Both of my parents are musicians in classical music and jazz, so it’s something I was born into. I started out playing instruments and then discovered GarageBand and lo-fi music, so I tried to produce my own little songs and beats on there. My first CDs were Good Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna and a Jessie J album. I think listening to empowered women from a young age has definitely helped me shape my identity as a female artist (if I look back in hindsight). I was also in an indie band before going solo, so my early influences included Tame Impala and Pink Floyd. When I started making my own music I was listening to a lot of IAMDDB, Tom Misch, Mahalia, and tons of lo-fi beats and old-school hip hop.
You were born and raised in Birmingham. In what ways has the city and its music scene shaped your sound and identity as an artist?
My first experiences with music and performing live all happened in Birmingham. I got good support from local radio shows like Brum Radio and BBC Introducing—even though at that time my music was pretty rookie haha. Even within places that I worked I was given opportunities to perform or somehow be involved in events that happened within the city. I met a really cool creative group of people—DJs, clothing brands, event hosts, promoters, photographers—who were all doing their own thing. I still keep in touch with a lot of them and they’re all killing it. It was really nice to feel a sense of belonging and understanding when doing something creative, I’d found this community of people compared to being around people who didn’t really get, or like, what I was doing. It definitely made a difference. Just having places to go as a teen, being around people I thought were the coolest and feeling welcome makes a big difference to your confidence. Big love to them.
Your new single “Keep Hush” is out now—can you tell us more about the story behind the track and how the collaboration with Amaria BB came about?
To be honest, I found the beat on YouTube—made by Jens Muller (producer). The Brazilian vibe of the beat was so sick, and since I’m always down to experiment, I made about a quarter of the track and kept coming back to it. Eventually, I decided it was a tune. I was working in a session with one of my main producers, Teo, who loves Amaria BB and he suggested reaching out. Turns out she loved the track and absolutely killed her verse. I couldn’t believe it when I played it for the first time. It was one of those moments where I knew the song was destined to do well. How could it not!
The track’s been described as both reflective and something you can dance to. How do you balance introspective lyrics with that kind of rhythmic, vibrant energy?
Being introspective is what naturally happens when I write lyrics—I’ve always got something to get off my chest but I’m not gonna scream and shout about it, I just throw it into a song and deliver it in a typically chilled way because honestly, my voice won’t allow me to do anymore, but I love it. The beat is what gives “Keep Hush” its danceable energy: Brazilian drums and an upbeat rhythm. I try not to compete with the production. If the beat is up, I’m down, and if I’m down, the beat is up, that’s usually how it goes. That’s sometimes the advice I give to people when it comes to laying vocals, you don’t need to fight with the beat. It’s a tango, not a fistfight.
You’ve also teased another new track, “No Love”. What can listeners expect from that release?
The usual introspective vocals and ‘Bitter Chill’ element of my music. It is very, what I would describe as, my signature sound—with “Jealousy”, “Jammin” and “Twin Flame”. There are lots of layers—a chill, jealousy-type beat with relaxed vocals but a very clear message. Something I’m sure a lot of people can relate to. If I show you love and you fail to show me love, I won’t show you anymore love. It’s something I feel maybe I should work on but then, honestly, a lot of the time I think it’s pretty valid to retract your love from people who don’t deserve it. I’ve solidified it in a song now, so let’s not catch me going back on my word, ha!
You’ve collaborated with artists such as Kofi Stone and supported acts like EarthGang. What have these experiences taught you about collaboration and performance?
Kofi is a Birmingham OG, I’ve always loved his music and he’s such a great guy. There’s two things I’ve taken from working with Kofi, one is that no (now) doesn’t mean no (never). I’d sent Kofi some pretty whack songs in the past when I was starting out and obviously nothing happened with them, but I’ve never taken the rejection to heart. Sometimes it’s just not right and when it is right it works. Kofi was in the middle of a project when he put his verse down to “Chameleon”, a lot of artists (myself included) tend to put other things on the shelf when we’re in the middle of working on our own projects because it’s a lot of work to manage. But it goes to show that if the passion is there for something, it will get done regardless. Love to Kofi for that. Touring with EarthGang is up there with one of the best experiences I’ve had. I’m still a newcomer in this industry so I was able to see how experienced artists do things. I have so much respect for them. They’re so talented, and their performances are always full energy. They always own their stage. They know they belong there and that they’re good at it—I’m still working on that, but doing the tour definitely boosted my confidence! I love that they chose a female artist to support them as well, I felt really supported.
You’re playing Glastonbury for the first time this year—what are you most looking forward to about hitting that stage?
I honestly have no idea what to expect—I’m nervous, excited, curious, all of the above. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the Glastonbury crowd is like and who turns up! It’s a really cool stage, there are some incredible artists on there. A few friends of mine are also on the lineup, so I’m excited we’re all in it together.
As someone with a distinct voice and style, how do you stay true to yourself in an industry that often pressures artists to conform?
I wish there was a simple answer to this that I could share to the people who also feel these pressures, but really I have never cared to conform. I’ve always done what’s felt right and authentic to me. Maybe it comes with a subtle self-confidence that I know what I’m doing, but even if I don’t—I can figure it out without an old man in a suit telling me what’s hip and cool. I think there’s beauty in independence, it works perfectly for me and it’s a part of my personality. I’m also quite stubborn, so I’ve had to learn to take guidance where I need it. I think be sure of who you are, and then you’ll know what’s best for you.
What are you working on right now that you’re most excited to share?
At the moment, I’m working on a full project which I’m super excited about. I’m gassed to get more music out there and then to follow with everything that surrounds the release. I’ll be travelling a lot this year so people can expect to see me performing in a lot of different countries—some that I’ve also never been to before, so it’s going to be a crazy year! Loads of music, loads of shows, new merch, collabs, visuals—all to come!
Check out RUBII’s latest single “Keep Hush” with Amaria BB here.