The sweet nature of Bella Ruse is the bare simplicity of their folk-jazz style and the whimsical lyrics of lead songwriter, Kay Gillette. There also seems to be a heavy influence of Swedish pop music mixed with modern American folk pop. The Minneapolis duo are careful with their smile inducing tunes, it’s kind of humbling how minimal they get and still create affective jazzy pop.
Bella Ruse’s Christmas album is currently available here as well as their breezy self titled EP.
This week we have lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kay Gillette answer the Kuestionnaire.
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Kay Gillette, I sing and play the melodica, organ, kazoo, and chimes in Bella Ruse.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Folksy jazz, or jazzy folk depending on the song.
3. What is your favorite local band?
In love with Romantica.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
When you’re on tour it’s hard to get to anyone’s concerts but your own so I haven’t been to many lately… but I saw Chick Corea a month or so ago and it was jaw-dropping.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
The french language, unrequited love, Emma Thompson, Bertrand Russell.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Weeds. For no reason other than I’m addicted to that show.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Sam Beam
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
The Trumped Child by Over the Rhine
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Blonde on Blonde- Nada Surf. Trouble- Over the Rhine. Diamond Dave- The Bird and the Bee. and House of Cards- Radiohead.
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
30 years old. Oh god.
11. What is the last book you read?
Brave New World
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Absolutely a factor.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
I mooned the audience when I bent over to pick something up on stage after the show. At least I was wearing clean underwear.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Portland, OR. Seattle, WA. And we actually had a fantastic time in Wichita, KS.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Simultaneously over- and under-whelmed by life.
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Bella Ruse – Dark Horse from Bella Ruse (2009)
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Romantica – Home For Christmas from Electric Fantastic Christmas (2007)