Exclusive Interview with Leo Ruff

Emerging into the music scene last year, Leo Ruff follows up Tech House record, ‘Get Down’ with piano-led house cut, ‘Under The Covers’. We got the opportunity to speak with Leo regarding his new infectious release as well as his previous tracks and what he has planned.

Let us in on who Leo Ruff is…

Leo Ruff is my musical moniker, it’s my creative outlet and in a way, I have sort of become this alias as it’s impossible to separate you from your art when it’s enveloped your life. Funnily enough it’s gotten to the point where I’ve even started to introduce myself as Mr Ruff! To be honest it actually makes my life easier and then I don’t get people asking why I’ve got multiple names. Just need to make sure I don’t make the mistake in front of a border guard, as I did on my recent passport application…

What three words best describe your sound?

Sweet

Powerful

Familiar

We got the opportunity to check out your upcoming release, ‘Under The Covers’. One that feel like it’s club ready, tell us about the inspiration about this track.

For this one I wanted a tune that was both at home on the radio and in the club so I went for a thumping kick and bassline, but also some sultry vocals that could pierce through. Really enjoyed infusing some influences into the tune, with some Weeknd-style trills on the vocals, and a Toolroom-style heavy kick.

We see that your 2021 release, ‘Get Down’ received support from guys like Don Diablo and peaked at #13 on the Upfront UK Club Charts. How did this track come about?

This was a track that I originally started on during the first lockdown, a period of my life where I was deeply frustrated, a feeling that I channelled into my music. I hadn’t managed to finish it, but I had sent it around to a couple mates, one of whom was also a producer. He picked it up a few months later, really loved the concept and so did a bit of work on it and sent it back at which point I realised I was sitting on an absolute stomper of a tune. I knew that if I could get it out before the summer it had the potential to tear up dancefloors up and down the country, so that’s what I did, and the rest is history I suppose. I was blown away by the big-name support though and also the fact that it hit such a high position in the charts.

Congratulations on selling out your first headline London show at Basing House. That must have been an experience, how was that feeling?

Going into the gig I actually didn’t expect to fill it up, I thought maybe half capacity would be a good showing so it was a pretty incredible feeling when the dancefloor was rammed. I think looking back it was a turning point for me because I realised that I really could make a career out of music. It was electric, and important for me to recognise that I can make this DJing thing work.

What does Leo Ruff like to do is his spare time?

Haha this is a great question, considering I haven’t had much of a life since I got stuck in with my music. When I do give myself the odd minute, I’ll usually head to the gym, record a mix on the decks, or select some cuts from an eclectic genre like Amapiano or Baile Funk. The line between work and fun for me is very much blurred as I’m fortunate enough to be doing something I’m passionate about.

If you could perform at any festival this year, which one would it be?

Ouch this is actually a tough one as there’s so many incredible festivals on in the summer season but if I had to pick it would be Festival Viens Dans Mon Ile, this small festival in rural France, one that holds a special place in my heart as I’ve been going there every year since I was about 11. A bit young for a festival I’d say but I’m not complaining!

What is your favourite Youtube channel?

Probably NELK, they’re this motley vlog crew that go around stirring trouble wherever they go. Very entertaining stuff, especially if I’m drained from work. I’ve been following them for years and no matter how big their audience grows they’re still super humble and doing the same stuff they did when they started out. Not the most glamorous choice but they’re the epitome of dedication to their craft, and it doesn’t hurt that they’ve got me in stitches at the end of each video.

What is the next step for Leo Ruff?

I wish I could accurately predict this one! Music moves so fast these days that my next steps are shifting almost daily. In an ideal world, with the upcoming string of releases I’ve got, I’ll steadily build up my name, and get myself to the stage where I can collaborate with some of my idols and tour internationally. That’s what really gives me a rush, the personal connection you get with fans when they’re singing your lyrics at the top of their lungs at 2am in a sweaty basement.

Check out our latest interview with Versus