Reuben And The Dark Gets Inspired By Dreams

Reuben And The Dark has this dreamy sound that I can't shake. It's looming and moody but also inspirational. We chatted about taking inspiration from dreams and getting personal with songs.

How did you get started in music?

R: I had a late start... I started playing/writing songs in my twenties. I just played every open mic night I could for about 2 years. That’s really how I started to become more comfortable with playing to a live audience.

Tell me about Arms of a Dream what was your major source of inspiration?

R: Mostly it was imagination. Wondering about what happens when I sleep. The dreams I don’t remember. Arms of a Dream is a bridge between what is real and what is surreal.

Do you feel like your songwriting is very personal? How do you feel about your listeners hearing that side of you?

R: Yes. Most of my songs are very personal. In the past I have been intentionally vague with a lot of lyrics... allowing songs to be interpreted in a number of different ways. I still want listeners to bring their own experience to these songs. Form their own understandings but I did let some of that guard down on this album.

Do you have any songwriting tricks? Things that you do to get your creative process started?

R: Coffee and cigarettes. When I feel like I am close to a song, I often lay down on the floor with a note book. Strum a guitar on my back... something about being closer to the earth helps get lyrics out of me. Occasionally i’ll Pick a song from the sky too.

Whats been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

R: I can’t think of a single challenge that stands out. Trying to balance being an artist and a regular human is probably my struggle... I overcome it occasionally and also give in to it often. Tormented by the things that inspire me. Inspired by the things that torment me.

What’s your best piece of advice to your younger self?

R: Believe in yourself. Don’t look to anyone else for affirmation. Keep your art sacred. Be careful who you allow into your creative process. The classics.