Ruby Turner – The Host

By starrymag | June 19, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) The last project I’ve been involved in was putting my new album together Love Was Here released 24th January 2020. It’s my 20th solo album and so it was very important to get things right for the launch on all social media platforms. It was quite an undertaking because I was on tour with Jools Holland in Europe, but with the great team I had around me we got it done.  I’m very proud of the project and all the people that’s worked hard on it and supported it.

 

Q) How were you approached to be a part of the film The Host?

 

A) I was approached in the usual way through my agent about The Host. He called me about the proposal of being involved in the film had the script sent over to me to read through whilst I getting ready to leave on tour. I had a very heavy schedule at that time, so it was perfect reading material on the tour bus. I was completely gripped by what I was reading. I returned from Europe and the next day I had to be on set.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie? 

 

A) Well, it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day! And when you see a chance you take it. You just never know what wonderful things can come from embracing an opportunity.

 

Q) Were you at all familiar with the song you performed?

 

A) The song I performed in the film Chasing Love. I wrote the lyrics and song melody for the chorus. So, I was more than familiar with the song itself. I performed the song live in the gambling scene at Park Chinois.

 

Q) Was there anything you found challenging about this role?

 

A) The challenge was to come up with the soundtrack in the afternoon. Zachary Weckstein, our film producer, was on the case and a hotel room was booked for us to go in and write the track. I was quite surprised at how well myself and Wan-Pin Chu, the co-writer, worked so well under the pressure – to come up with the track in under three hours. We had it done and got ourselves back to be ready on set to be filmed in wardrobe and make-up by 6pm that evening. That’s got to be one of the highlights of my recording career.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite behind the scenes moments from shooting The Host?

 

A) I had a wonderful time on set. Of course, most of the time was spent in writing the song but once that was done it was in the chair for hair and make-up and costume. My make-up artist Erwin Girigorie was fabulous. We shared great stories, make-up tips and just remained calm considering it was lights camera action in next to no time that day. The whole atmosphere on-set and off-set was harmonious. I also met Mike Beckingham who played Robert Atkinson. Wonderful young man. We sat together at the films’ amazing red carpet Premiere at The May Fair Hotel. I had a fun time on the film set of The Host.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) There are so many wonderful artists out there who I would love to work with. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have collaborated and worked with some of the greats. But I really believe if it’s going to happen it will. I hope to do something with Guy Garvey of Elbow and Stormzy – you never know.

 

Q) You have been a part of some wonderful projects. What have been some of your personal favorites to have been a part of? 

 

A) I will always remember singing on Mick Jagger’s solo album and Bryan Ferry’s Slave To Love. Such wonderful memories of how it all came about. And being two of my favorite music icons, it was a pleasure to have worked with them.

 

Q) Fans loved you in Love Actually what does it mean to you that the movie has become so iconic?

 

A) The film Love Actually was a dream job. Who would have thought after all this time it’s become one of cinemas Christmas classics? I am so proud to have been a part of that film albeit a small cameo role! It’s wonderful and I’m grateful for all the lovely things people have said about the film itself. Is really great.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) I would really like to thank everyone who’s supported my work over the years. I have had a great time doing the thing I love travelling the world and just seeing people enjoying the music and films I’ve done and been involved in. To you I say, “Never give up, never back down! Polish the shield and be ready to do battle for the things you love and believe in.” It is a joy and privilege to serve my purpose – music.