On this page, Ruby introduces herself in her own words, and shares links to her music, her website, and her social media platforms. We warmly invite programmers and commissioners to take a closer look at Ruby's work, and please be in touch with us if you would like to connect with her.

About Ruby

'I am a composer, violinist and sound artist. My music lives at the intersection of opposites: the rough and the smooth, the beautiful and the ugly. I work across folk, contemporary classical and sound art, and use field recording as a structural element that holds contrasting ideas and genres together. This sits at the centre of everything I do: not as texture or decoration, but as a binding agent.

Whilst studying at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, I was also drawn to the dance music scene. Splitting my time between these two ‘opposing’ worlds, I nurtured a belief that they belonged to one another somehow. I expanded this to studying composition at Dartington College of Arts followed by a Master’s in Creative Practice at Goldsmiths, University of London, where I refined my interest in sound art.

I write with a strong sense of place and think of it as a form of archiving. I describe my work as ‘sound films’, and this is exemplified in my releases Overheard and Underheard, which examine the overlooked intersections of nature, domestic and industrial spaces. I want to invite connection with audiences by creating an immersive experience, and presenting questions, such as ‘what does it mean to be human?’ which was explored in my work Hello Halo for EXAUDI vocal ensemble.'

Highlights

• Ruby’s 2025 work Hello Halo was developed alongside her neurodivergent brother, Paul Colley. First performed at Kings Place in London by EXAUDI, it went on to be nominated for an Ivor Novello Award. Hello Halo was released with New Amsterdam records in November 2025.
• Her audio-visual work Edgeland is a sound map that examines the great ‘unnamed’ and ‘ignored’ local seaside walkway, train depo and industrial estate by Ruby’s home. It was shown at the ALT Pitch Festival in 2021 and installed at the first Sono-Electro festival in 2023.
• Ruby’s 2022 album Overheard seeks to unravel the connections between human industrialisation and nature in response to the climate crisis. It has been performed across the UK including at the Aldeburgh Festival and at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. Tracks have since been featured in compilation albums released by NMC Recordings and Accidental Records.
• Ruby was artist in residence at the 2008 Open House Festival in Belfast. Highlights included opening for the late Sinead O’Connor and the Ulster Orchestra at the Waterfront Hall.

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about Ruby, hearing and and keeping up to date with her work, take a look at her website and social media below:

• Website
• Instagram

The RPS Composers programme could not happen without the support of RPS Members, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network supported by PPL, Delius Trust, Fidelio Charitable Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust, Idlewild Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, Marchus Trust, Presteigne Festival, RPS Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, Vaughan Williams Foundation, WildKat, and several anonymous donors.