Before going solo, self-described “enjoyer of chaos” and DIY music-maker Ruiz (Hugh Ruiz, if you want to be formal about it) had been playing in bands for years: The Only Fruit, AFID, the Better Ford Clinic, obLONG, Colt, and the Clear. A couple of years ago, Ruiz started recording on his own—writing, playing, and singing everything. The song of his that initially caught my ear was his most recent, “5 Seconds,” a grooving tune that brought to mind Mutations-era Beck, specifically “Tropicalia.”

You’ve been playing music for years now. What prompted you to step up to the mic, as it were, and go solo?

The beginning of Covid meant that we were all confined to our homes. I found myself forced to spend time with my Mac, and I decided that I had to overcome my fear of GarageBand not doing exactly what I wanted it to do immediately. I’ve always played in bands as the bass player, and had never dared sing or even write a song. I’d always contributed to songs in all my bands but never a whole song. So Covid was the catalyst. Once I started, I haven’t been able to stop. It’s been very cathartic and loads of fun. It has been challenging, so worth it though. I’m so humbled by people’s reactions to my music. It’s been very encouraging.

What did you learn from all of the touring and recording you did with other bands? How did it translate to your latest efforts?

I learned that patience is a virtue. Nothing is written in stone and to accept criticism. I always start with the music and mess about until I have something I like. I never write for the sake of writing and I do find the lyrics the hardest thing to do. I guess what I’ve learned is that you need to believe in yourself and to enjoy it. If you don’t like it, what’s the point. I have a collection of tunes that I started and then decided to put them on the back burner as I wasn’t enjoying them. I’ve revisited some months later and really liked them again, so I finished them.

Your music has a strong Brit-pop vibe. I’m hearing echoes of Pulp and, going way back, a bit of the Kinks as well. Is there a particular sound you’re going for? What inspires you?

I was really into the Brit-pop vibe at the time. Living in Sheffield meant we got to know the Pulp boys and girl. Jarvis is a great songsmith. There were loads of bands at the time. I was in one called The Only Fruit that was very of-the-time. The Longpigs were always another great influence. Let’s not forget the Human League and the huge amounts of electronica that has come out of Sheffield. The Warp label was founded here too.

I love so many bands, The The, Adam and the Ants, XTC, The Police, and I think that comes out in my music.

The band that I’ve been closest to has to be the Beatles. However, the Kinks, Small Faces, Pink Floyd have always been playing. I also love the American influences I have: the Pixies, REM, Sonic Youth, Sugar, Smashing Pumpkins, the list goes on and on.

I have great love of early synth bands, OMD, Kraftwerk (so excited to beg going to see these guys at the GreenMan festival in August!!), Can.

I just love music so much and I think it comes out in my writing. I don’t have a particular sound in mind. I’ve been absorbing music since a small child and now it’s all coming out.

I was definitely more into Blur than Oasis though…

You’ve just named a lot of my favorite bands! I’m curious about your cover of “Across the Universe.” What is it about that particular Beatles tune that made you want to do your own version?

As I mentioned earlier, I love the Beatles. I just love that song, it’s Lennon at his best. I’ve always found myself singing harmonies over the original. I decided to have a go at it, and I’m really happy with the way it came out.

You also have a song about Keith Floyd. Can you say a little bit about who he was and why inspired you to write a song?

Keith Floyd was a British TV chef. He was one of the first guys to get a program, and he was very chaotic in his delivery and life in general. A very sad character in reality who suffered greatly in his personal life. He tried many different avenues work-wise, opened various restaurants that were very popular yet never made a profit, so they all closed. He ended up bankrupt several times. His generosity was well beyond his ability, often buying huge rounds of drinks that he couldn’t afford. He always had a glass of wine on the go, and you could tell he was a bit drunk. He always made time for one last slurp. Anyhow, my friend Tracy and I were talking about him and she said why don’t you write a song about him? So I did!

You’re originally from Spain and moved to the United Kingdom, is that right? How old were you when you moved, and what was the transition like?

My family are Catalan, Spain was under the Franco dictatorship, and at the time Catalan Culture was totally banned (sadly this is still happening) so my parents moved over to the UK. I was a baby, but I grew up only speaking Catalan, which I thought was a secret language only spoken by my “familia.” It was a bit weird at first. The northeast of England, where I grew up, was very white and didn’t take to “foreigners” that well at the time. I experienced racism and sadly grew to be embarrassed by my parents’ odd accents. Things are very different now, thank god. There’s still some way to go but generally society is much more accepting of difference.

Along similar lines, how has living in two cultures influenced your outlook, particularly with respect to music and songwriting?

I discovered I am now much more English than Spanish. I’ve been here for the majority of my life and between you and me, I much prefer the music here, but don’t tell anyone!

From being a baby I was played a lot of Cuban music (my mum’s mum was from there) which I love. I love the Brazilian sambas, the Latin vibe is awesome. I love Flamenco rhythms too.

My songwriting just happens and I’m often surprised with what I’ve come up with. I love percussion and syncopation.

I also understand that you’re dealing with long COVID. Does that inform your music as well?

I’ve had a long time in bed to try and think about things, for sure. The Brain Fog hasn’t helped as I get overwhelmed quite easily. I keep forgetting what I’m doing, but I am getting better.

The world has definitely changed over the last few years. I have written some Covid related songs one of which I hope to release as a single, and they’ll definitely be on my next album.

I love the phrase “enjoyer of chaos.” What does it mean to you? How does it play out in your life as musician—or even life in general?

Ha, that’s a great question! I find that in my life things have become quite chaotic over the years. I am a secondary school teacher, too, and this has brought its ups and downs. I love it all though. I also became a parent five years ago, and we have two twin girls. You can only imagine the joys they bring.

Life would be so boring if it was simple and easy, would’t it?

Definitely! What’s next?

I am writing a lot. I’m going to complete my sophomore album. It’s moving in a slightly different direction. I’m experimenting more with synths but the (Iberian) psychedelic will remain, I’m sure.

I’d love so much to get a band together too and do some gigs. I’d be quite out of my comfort zone, but it would amazing. I think David Bowie said, “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”

Keep on keeping on!

That’s a great quote! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!

It’s been my absolute pleasure, thank you so much for asking.