A Quick Chat With Ruby Gilbert

Ruby Gilbert returns with Goddamn Fool, a cinematic country-noir single out now that simmers with menace and karmic reckoning. Inspired by the grit of Spaghetti Westerns and the shadows of southern gothic, the track pairs dusty banjo and electric guitar with hypnotic drums, creating the slow burn of a final showdown. Gilbert’s voice cuts through with poise and weight, delivering a tale of betrayal, consequence, and acceptance without redemption. We caught up with Ruby to talk about the track, the video, and what’s next.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
Goddamn Fool is about being outplayed in love, and fully owning the role of the fool - without looking for forgiveness or redemption. I’m a big fan of Spaghetti Westerns and wanted to write a song through the eyes of a villain.

Who are some of your influences, and why?
I started out playing old-time country and bluegrass music, so Hank Williams is one of my top influences. He had a way of taking something as bleak as loneliness and heartache, and making it feel candid, poetic, and darkly witty. I love that balance - how he could leave you devastated and laughing at the same time. It taught me that sadness doesn’t have to be soft.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
Honestly, it’s a different process every time. Sometimes it starts with an idea or line I’ve written down, or even a misheard lyric. I love to blur the line between reality and fiction when it comes to songwriting. I really like to take my time with writing. Each song feels like its own project that I refine until it sounds right. From there, I bring it to a producer. I wouldn’t say I have a producer brain, but I know what I like, and I know what sounds like ‘me’.

What do you think makes a great song?
For me, it’s all about the lyrics. Ones that have really resonated with me aren’t usually the cryptic or complicated ones. It’s when someone can capture something huge, and make you feel it, and can say it all in just a few sharp words. That’s the kind of song that sticks with me.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Right now, Sierra Ferrell. She’s making music that feels completely in a league of her own. It’s unpredictable and cool, and has the best parts of trad storytelling. I think our styles would work in the best ways.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
Sewing is a big one. I started sewing clothes about a year ago. And if I'm not sewing, I’m probably working on growing my needlepoint collection. There is always some chaotic craft project happening.

Who are some local bands we should check out?
Dana Gehrman, JB Paterson, Reckless Coast, The Honeysliders, Sixth of The Sun.

Winter or summer and why?
Summer. Always. I’m basically a plant. I need lots of sun, warmth, and cannot thrive in any climate under 20 degrees.

What do you have planned for the rest of 2025?
I’ll be playing ‘In the Round’ at Dashville Skyline in early October, which I’m really looking forward to. Beyond that, I’m working on new music and playing a few more shows before the end of the year. Nothing I can say too much about yet, but there are definitely some things cooking.

Interviewsaustralianmusicscene19 September 2025