Currently based in L.A., this duo is making some of the best minimal pop I've heard in a long time. Ruby Haunt takes after more of an aesthetic than a genre. Like I said, they're minimal but it ranges from synth ballads, contemporary pop, to maybe even r&b, but it's really none of those things.
That being said, putting "Honey" in our Bummer Pop playlist was a no-brainer. But even bummer pop is more of a style than a genre. Classifying music these days is annoying, but giving a name to a style or aesthetic of music is cool because you're articulating the way it makes you feel, not necessarily how it was made. And thus, Ruby Haunt...their music makes me feel so good.
So who is Ruby Haunt f.k.a. Haunt?
Victor Pakpour and Wyatt Ininns.
Who handles vocals/songwriting?
Both of us but mainly Wyatt sings and writes lyrics, and I compose the songs and produce. We have such good chemistry when we work on music. Always on the same wave length and everything feels smooth and natural.
How'd you guys meet and begin making music?
We have been close friends since middle school. We are both very inspired by the same music and wanted to do it ourselves. We created RUBY HAUNT in 2015 and are thrilled to see it evolve.
Who are some of the mutual musical inspirations that you bonded over?
New Order, Suicide, Joy Division
I haven't stopped listening to your first two EPs. Some of the best melodies ever exist within those songs. It feels like you kind of went from a dream pop / minimal retro/synth wave feel to a downtempo (closer to R&B) thing with Crush. It's almost like you went from this headspace of nostalgia to a present state of infatuation with someone or something.
So Far is Ruby Haunt's second EP, released in 2015
Was that an intentional change brought about by specific life events (a relationship), or just the effects of your natural progression as musicians?
Each EP represents a little world of inspiration we are in at the time. The music we are listening to, our moods , and everything inspires us to try to create a specific sound or feeling. We grow so much and see things much differently between each EP and we think the music reflects that.
"Crush" and "Perfume" are on Ruby Haunt's third and most recent EP, Crush.
What similarities/differences will exist from your previous work to the upcoming LP?
This is the first full length album we have ever done. This allowed us to really expand and experiment. We have created a pretty large range of sound between the songs but still with a sense of coherence. It is also the first time we have been together in the same space to create all of the music. Before we were working mostly remotely sending ideas between Portland and LA. For this album we had a quaint little studio space and open schedules where we could get pretty lost in music.
I never would've guessed that Suicide is a huge influence for you guys. But when I read the lyrics to "crush", on your website, I notice the line "I surrender" several times. "Surrender" is my favorite song by Suicide. That may or may not be a coincidence, but what can you tell us about how their music has influenced the way you make music?
That is not a coincidence. We love Suicide and they are a big inspiration to us. They are so minimal and emotional yet so bad ass. They are a reminder to ignore what other people are doing and make music exactly how you want.
What can you tell us about the "Haunt lawsuit" and selecting Ruby Haunt as the new name?
We never imagined we would get so much traction and be forced to change our name. But now it's almost a nice little milestone. The name Ruby comes from a girl in both of our lives who is a massive influence. We will try to reveal more through our music.
How long have you been in LA, and how have you come in contact with the models in your videos?
I've lived in Los Angeles for a year and have a met a ton of interesting characters and friends. I like developing a good relationship with someone before shooting. My shoots have become very personal and I like it this way.
L.A. is a hotbed for great artists and music. Who are some of your favorite artists in the area, and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
We are pretty removed from the music scene and look forward to that changing. We are reaching the first time where we can really dive completely into our music. We want to start playing a bunch of shows in LA and abroad and collaborate as well.