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Gary Cleaver graduated from ACM’s Higher Diploma Bass Guitar course in 2008 and now, thanks to the ongoing support from ACM’s Business and Artist Development Team (BDC), is embarking on an adventure with a new up and coming band called Ruen Brothers.
ACM caught up with Gary to chat about his involvement with the Ruen Brother’s and his experience of working with an up and coming band.
How did you get involved with the Ruen Brothers project?
I got involved with the Ruen Brothers through an audition held by Suzi Ireland from ACM’s BDC Team. In preparation for the audition I was asked to learn three songs, but soon after we basically started having a jam of old 60’s numbers, which we had all been playing for several years.
Describe the sound of the Ruen Brothers
The sound of the Ruen Brothers would be a contemporary style with the sounds, chord progressions, and melody lines influenced by all of our favourites, The Rolling Stones, The Hollies, The Animals, Roy Orbison, Muddy Waters etc.
Highlights of the project so far?
Highlights of the project so far would have to be our BBC Introducing session in Maida Vale Studio on the 11th Feb, which was aired by Huw Stephens on Thursday 21st Feb. Later in February, the Ruen Brothers were chosen as Radio 1’s ‘Introducing Track of the Week’, which was played on the likes of Sara Cox, Zane Lowe, and Greg James.
Another highlight would be recording in ToeRag Studios with Grammy Award winning producer Liam Watson (Elephant Album White Stripes).
One thing you’ve learnt on the road?
One thing I have learnt from being with the Ruen Brothers is how complex the industry is and how importance of having a good team around you.
What’s on the horizon for the year ahead?
Coming up this year we are heading out to SXSW in Texas. We have been confirmed to play at Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and Great Escape festivals and will continue to record and prepare the Ruen Brothers forthcoming album.
Any advice to current ACM students?
I would encourage ACM students to widen their genres of music they listen to and play. Lucky for me Ruen Brothers fit the style I have always loved. Appreciate all styles and genres because so much can be learnt from them all. Also make all the friends and contacts you can, and be honest!!!
The support that the BDC offer ACM Alumni is second to none and students would be silly not to take advantage of the opportunities being offered and advertised.
ACM would like to thank Gary Cleaver for taking the time to update us on his progress with the Ruen Brothers and wish him well for the forthcoming projects.
Part Two of our Ruen Brothers & ACM Students feature will focus on fellow ACM Alumni and Ruen Brothers drummer Charlie Hart.
For more information about the Ruen Brothers, please visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Soundcloud.
