Ilja Ruf – „Living My Life“ + Exclusive Interview

1. Hello, thank you for your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!

Thank you for having me! I’m Ilja Ruf, pianist, singer/songwriter and composer. I’ve played in some group projects and with 19 years now I am about to get started on my career as a solo artist!

2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!

Still it´s not possible to play live concerts, so there are no tour dates yet but my new album „Ilja_19“ is out now!  There are 16 poetic tracks you need to listen to. Instrumental piano pieces, improvised jazzy tunes and vocal pop songs.
Please visit my YouTube Channel (Ilja Ruf) to watch my latest music video „living my life“ with an incredible dance performance by a friend of mine!

3. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!

  • I’m energetic and honest.
  • I’m deeply in love with music itself and the theory behind it.
  • I’m introverted but extroverted. Still figuring out- you decide.
  • I like to push borders, I don’t care what people say what style this song is as long as I like it.
  • I always try to create something that makes sense, tells a story, makes you feel some special way. I think in the end this world is all about emotions!

4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?

This is tough. For my newest album it may be something between an artsy and casual fashion style. It’s an pensive album and you need to take some time to explore it. You’ll find some colours as well as situations you might have experienced in your daily life. It’s like wearing a suit for an evening and a relaxed jeans for the next day.  It’s so pure because it´s acoustic, just piano and my voice.

5. Do you have bad habits? A guilty pleasure you can’t seem to quit?

It´s not a guilty pleasure but I’m in love with my stuffed animal. His name is Wuppi and I got him when I was 6 and it´s the biggest love story of my life (so far haha). For lovers it´s hard to keep up with him, uhh that may sound weird… anyway

6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?

I would say I’m an athletic guy. I’m good at some sports, like handball, football.. And it´s a great fun. I love going outside, fresh air, friends, sports..

7. Being on stage feels like….!

On stage I am able to let go of my fears and my feelings, I feel free, it´s like meditation. You can’t get this feeling elsewhere. Maybe it´s addicting, It’s hard to describe, I love it.

8. Must Have – and No-Go in your Wardrobe! – Favorite Fashion Brand and Fragrance?

Must have: sweaters. I need it cozy and warm wherever I go. Without this possibility I’d feel naked.

No Go: Flare pants. I don’t know how people in the 60/70s could walk around like that and STILL DO IT. But honestly, there are also some other styles or clothes I don’t like on myself. I don’t have a favourite fashion brand but I’m still looking out for Harry Styles´ designers. If you find them, let me know!!

9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls

Ilja, what do you want to have done until you are 80 that has nothing to do with music or your personal life?

Well, I would like to have sold some of my paintings although I’m really bad at drawing and painting. Lived in wild nature for a while, getting to know animals and written a fantasy novel.
That’s it for now. Thank you!

Instagram: iljaruf