Aruba Red

Aruba Red is a London-based alternative soul artist. Borrowing her moniker from the legendary female pirate, Aruba Red is said to have been a fiery, strong, rebellious and independent female seafarer navigating a male dominated world, Aruba Red the artist strives to evoke her spirit and embody her strength and resilience.

Although she toured with her musical family, grew up in studios and wrote poetry from a young age, having her first poem published aged nine years old, Aruba Red initially shied away from performing, her lyrics - a glimpse into her soul, felt a little too personal to share. However, in her early 20s she became a regular on the London open mic circuit, her rich tone, signature vibrato and fusion of influences led her to be scouted for Aftershock London, a project at the Royal Festival Hall curated by award-winning composer Nitin Sawhney, kickstarting her career. To date, she has worked and toured with the likes of Maverick Sabre, Jah Cure, Natty, Xavier Rudd, Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera, Ms Dynamite, Plan B and Riz Ahmed to name a few. Aruba Red has performed and held residencies at London's Roundhouse and Southbank Centre as well as hitting the stage at festivals and venues nationwide and overseas.

After a recent hiatus, she re-emerged with her most recent EP ‘Holy Waters’, released Autumn 2018. The independent offering climbed the charts and reached an impressive #7 on the iTunes Top RnB/Soul Albums Chart. Holy Waters is a musically rich, lyrically impressive celebration of feminine strength and resurrection. Futuristic soul with an edge, fresh vibes fused with ancient wisdom, leaving you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Featured contributors include Nitin Sawhney, Phil Manzanera, Renell Shaw (Rudimental/Anne-Marie/Jess Glynne) and production from Marrik Shearer (Mostack/Stormzy). On Holy Waters Aruba Red said: “Holy waters was created as a therapeutic outlet for myself to process the last decade of my life. The bridge between motherhood and music.”

Aruba Red redefines tragedy and trauma within beautifully evocative creations, fusing the mystical, sensual, rebirth and her own candid insights into the human psyche. She has channelled her personal journey into the bodies of her work; over recent years Aruba Red has faced the challenges of losing her father, Jack Bruce of 1960's supergroup Cream, becoming a lone parent and, in her own words, “purifying a lifetime of toxicity”. Her unique brand of spiritual pop documents the positive energy that has come to define her. The stories she weaves, deal with a plethora of subjects including birth, death, motherhood, the spiritual realm, self-love, breaking cycles of addiction, hope and invoking the power of the Goddess. Using all the powers the universe has to offer with an uplifting and ethereal vibe, Aruba Red seamlessly provides futuristic soul music revolving around the themes of healing and transformation, acting as a campfire for anyone who needs to feel the warmth.

Aruba Red's new EP is due for release March 2020 as well as her debut headline show at St Pancras Old Church on 11th March. Aruba Red is writing for her new album as well as creating her new autobiographical show for Edinburgh Fringe 2020.
Aruba Red Treasured, an innovative and sustainable approach to band merchandise was launched in Autumn 2019.

“A Soulful Awakening, worth the wait” – 9/10 Mixmag, Tune of the Month, Nov 2018

"Holy Waters is a bold and atmospheric RnB delight” – Mystic Sons

“Such an enchanting voice and soul, love it!” – Jamal Edwards, SBTV

“Sweetly soothing, spiritually uplifting” – Tinnitist

“Aruba Red is provocative, independent and eclectic. A breath of fresh air.” – Riz Ahmed

“it’s beautiful” – NAO

“Lush and blissful” – Sabrina Mahfouz

“Aruba Red, continuing her father’s legacy of musical excellence and lyrical honesty, delivers songs over and over that find a much-needed voice in this world of cynical sexism and ego. She delivers melody with the power of her father’s soul and purity of a young mother’s heart. Simple musical vignettes and maternal insights that get you moving!”— Nitin Sawhney

“As she ascended in during the early part of her career, the talent and the promise was always apparent. Now we are seeing it in full bloom. A much welcomed return.” – Filtered Excellence, The Interro Bang

“Soul Soothing” – Colo4

“Aruba’s emotive vocals send shivers down your spine” – Get Ready To Rock