Jesse Ruben’s story begins in the heart of a musical family. His father and grandfather were both professional musicians, performing at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, corporate events and other gatherings in Philadelphia and its environs. Ruben recalls watching in awe as his dad’s band rehearsed rock, pop and R&B hits. He began taking piano lessons, but lost interest during his adolescence. His father bought him a cheap guitar with the promise of a better instrument if he made progress; the guitar felt right in Jesse’s hands, and by age 16 he was writing songs. The artist cites singer-songwriters like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor as his greatest influences, but also admits a fondness for the standards penned by Cole Porter and the Gershwins. While he’s loath to compare himself to his idols, he says he takes courage in their stories.
Examiner.com had the opportunity to interview the singer, yesterday. Check out what he had to say:
Q: You have been incredibly successful in using social media to your advantage in your music career. Is there anything specific that has happened that you feel is directly correlated to your use of social media?
Pretty much any success I've had in the last 5 years can be attributed to social media. It is the easiest way to directly connect with the people who appreciate your work. It takes up a large portion of my day, interacting with people online. But it's part of the job. Last summer for my 25th birthday, I announced on tumblr and twitter and Facebook that I wanted to have my album, "The Ones That Matter", in the top 10 of the itunes singer/songwriter chart. At the time, the album was over a year old and wasn't even in the top 200. But 4 days
later, after hundreds of people sent my message around, it was at #9. No one had ever done that before. It was pretty cool.
Q: You’ve now lived in many different cities in pursuit of your music career. Which has been your favorite and why?
There's just something about New York. The energy, the vibe, the creativity. I love the music community there too. I felt very welcome when I first moved, and have met some amazing people. Also, after growing up in Philly, I think I'm just always gonna be an east coast guy.
Q: As a songwriter, do you end up with many unfinished songs or unreleased music? Is there anything you’re currently working on since your EP last year?
I always have 7 or 8 songs that aren't done, that are there in the background waiting for their time. I don't usually write for an album, I just consistently write as much as I can, and when it comes time to record, I pick the songs that best fit with where I am in my life at that moment. I have probably 250 or so songs that haven't been released.
Q: I know you’ve played with Chris Ayer previously, how did you meet and also decide to tour together for February 2013?
Chris and I met about 5 years ago playing in Boston. We reconnected when I moved to New York 3 years ago, and then he ended up moving so he lives a few blocks from me. When I was putting together this tour, he was the first person to come to mind, because his songs are so great, and we get along really well, which is important when you spend so much time together on the road.
Q: What’s your favorite music venue?
There are so many. World Cafe Live in Philadelphia has always been great to me. We just played The Highline Ballroom in New York, and the sound and vibe were perfect.
Q: If you could work with any musician/singer, current or from the
past, who would it be and why?
Again, this list is endless. Ben Folds. He is the best conversational lyricist we have outside of musical theater write now. Just an amazing writer. Also Frank Sinatra, because, he's Frank. Matt Nathanson, because he just seems to get it. Jackson Browne and Paul Simon, because they are my musical heroes.
Q: I read your recent blog about the inspiration created from your song “We Can,” which is absolutely amazing! How did that teacher come across your song? Have you heard from any of the kids since your trip? Are you planning anything else involving this or have you had offers to visit other places?
They were presenting their "I Can" initiative at a teachers conference, and someone told them about my song because she'd heard it on the Sirius/XM Coffeehouse Channel. They started using it as their theme, and wrote to me on facebook to thank me. That trip was one of the best experiences of my life. To see my intention for that song come to fruition so quickly in such a big way was a dream. I get messages from students and parents and teachers there almost every day. I cannot wait to go back.
What's been really exciting is that teachers all over the world have seen the video, and I've been talking to several schools all over the US and Canada to bring the "I Can" initiative there. It's such an incredible idea. I'm very excited. and MY "I Can" project is to play "We Can" on the Ellen show.
Q: What song(s) have you found to be inspirational in your own life?
"Follow Your Heart", by my friend Nathan Angelo. Perfectly sums up what it's like to go after your dream. Also *guilty pleasure alert!* "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus is an AMAZING song.
For more information visit: http://jesseruben.com/jesseruben/music
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