Today we’re excited to be connecting with Justin Ruff again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Justin, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I’m an R&B/Jazz artist based in Atlanta, GA, and I’ve been singing since I could babble! My mom’s a songbird herself, so music was practically my second language. I grew up listening to legends like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Luther Vandross, soaking up all the joy their timeless tracks brought me. I attended an arts high school and dove headfirst into the jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, and Charlie Parker. Being exposed to those sounds influenced me heavily to become an artist!
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Recently, I’ve taken a fragrant detour into the world of aromatherapy. I launched a hand-poured candle line, Justin Ruff Candle Co. to help merge the worlds of scent and sound. I’m finding new and creative ways to incorporate my candles into the overall Justin Ruff brand. I’m creating candles and music that set the perfect mood and turn listening into a multisensory experience! I just scored my first retail spot at Candleporium Fragrance House right here in Atlanta at Atlantic Station! I’m extremely proud of that partnership, and the candles are doing very well. We also have an exclusive physical album sold only at Candleporium Fragrance House! So, I’m floating on cloud nine. I’m ready to embrace all the beautiful things ahead for my brand.
Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.
- Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings!
- Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
- Favorite Band or Artist: This is hard! Al Jarreau, John Mayer, and Jhene Aiko
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Beach Vibes
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: It was between a Paleontologist or an Attorney
- French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries!
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: X-Men
- Favorite Childhood movie: Jurassic Park
- Favorite Breakfast Food: PANCAKES!
Was there a moment in your career that you can tell us about that illustrates or demonstrates the kind of person you are, your approach, ethos, etc.
I firmly believe that life doesn’t simply happen to us; it unfolds for our benefit. One of my all-time favorite songs is “Heart of Life” by John Mayer. It says, “No, it won’t all go the way it should, but I know the heart of life is good.” Struggles and challenges are a natural part of life, but remembering the love and positivity around us helps us move forward and continue persevering. This principle guides me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinruffmusic.com and www.justinruffcandles.com
- Instagram: @justinruffmusic and @justinruffcandles
- Twitter: @justinruffmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justinruffmusic
- Other: Justin’s latest project, Holiday Mood, is available now – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justinruff/holiday-mood
Image Credits
Orel Chollette
