(Written in the early 2000’s about a local band)

Ever wonder what might happen if you took time out to tap into your creative side? Ruby Red’s lead singer Robin Brantley did. The singer/songwriter believes that practicing meditation and following her instincts led her to where she is today – writing hit songs, playing guitar in a band, connecting with audiences in live performance, and loving every minute of it.

Ruby Red is an all-original band with mainstream appeal. Brantley does the songwriting and arranging for the group consisting of herself on acoustic guitar, husband Dave on harmony and percussion, Mark Horn on keys, Chad Crabtree on bass, Brett Hobbs on drums and Jesse Cruz on lead guitar. Considered by most a “crossover” band – (somewhere in-between rock and country), Ruby Red combines acoustic melodies with edgy guitar effects, stimulating drum fills and strong female vocals to bring Brantley’s lyrics to life. The crossover genre is a logical fit considering Brantley’s musical influences are Chrissie Hynde, Sheryl Crow, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn.

The band was formed in 2003 and achieved early success with airplay of Brantley’s song “I Know” on KINK radio. Since then the group has been building on that success, playing bigger venues and getting more recognition as they gain exposure in the PDX music scene.

“The opportunities are really starting to come our way” explains Brantley, in reference to two movie soundtrack deals she’s been working on. One that she is particularly excited about, “Have Mercy! Confessions of the Original Rock ‘N’ Roll Animal”, is based on the life of Wolfman Jack. That plus the opportunity to open for Eddie Money at Esther Short Park in Vancouver is evidence that the band is gaining considerable momentum.

In the studio, Ruby Red has recently completed, “Tall Enough for This Ride” which contains 12 originals including “Mary”, which has seen air time on KUPL. While “Mary” might be the single noticed early, tracks 1 (Second to Nature) and 8 (Say You Need Me) are high energy arrangements backed by solid musicianship that could do even better.

While the rewards have been many, Brantley is the first to admit that pursuing a career in music is a lot of hard work. She sites dealing with band turnover as the most difficult aspect of the job. When Cruz has added a few years ago, over 50 hopefuls were auditioned. The process takes its toll but has its rewards. “Jesse is perfect for us” says Brantley with a glow.

Songwriting is the part that comes easiest to the alluring rocker. Lyrics come to her at all times of the day and night, including in her dreams. Brantley credits meditation. “I feel it’s more than a coincidence”, she says, “that this started happening right after I started practicing meditation.”

Brantley is more than just a pretty face on stage though. She’s an ambitious, business-savvy entrepreneur who understands how to get results in managing and marketing a band. She credits local legends Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann as two role models who have influenced her career. Hess and Mann’s experience, mentoring, and encouragement have been invaluable to her as she navigates through the mine-field that can be the music business.

Brantley is now a firm believer and practitioner of taking time out for inward reflection and meditation. Ruby Red hopes she can continue to channel the lyrics all the way to Nashville.