Ruiz! is the mysteriously evoked moniker from Sheffield DIY multi-instrumentalist,
songwriter, producer, and vocalist Hugh Ruiz. Recorded with just a laptop, extra live instruments and in Lockdown, the new collection of songs seamlessly transcends across 60’s rock’n’roll, electronica, psychedelia and dark rock, with each genre being effortlessly fused with Ruiz!’s take on life in modern times.

The raw energy of Ruiz!, these recordings are elegant modern electronic pop music, home-made, DiY, Corona era, 2020.
Quality is consistent. Compositions are smart. Hooks are contagious. Choruses are catchy.
Songs about life, love and the modern maladies between men and women.
Echoes of XTC, Beach Boys, Beatles, Buggles, The La's, The Blockheads, Air, Stone Roses, Stranglers, Kraftwerk, Killing Joke, Soft Cell, The The, OMD, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Super Furry Animals, Pulp...

I started as the bass player in a little band called The Only Fruit when I came to Sheffield as a student. This lasted for almost two years, and we did some cool gigs and recorded some ace demos.
I then joined a band called AFID that played around the UK including a BBC Session, and we were part of Sheffield Sound City. We did a couple of tours and then our frontman left to do sound for Pavement!
Bolster followed, ex Bollweevils signed to Vinyl Solution. Three singles followed and a lot of fun packed touring.
The Better Ford Clinic was next – again lots of touring, recording and huge amount of silliness!
Jim Muir Slideshow followed. We had a single of the week in the Guardian with a track called London. We recorded an album that received a lot of national and international acclaim including amazing reviews in Uncut, Q and the Sunday Times. We toured the UK and Spain. Check Spotify for more…
obLONG was a lot of fun too. We released two EPS obLONG 1&2 – still available on iTunes, Spotify etc and were played on 6Music. We recorded at Club60 and with the legendary Ross Orton.
Colt – adventures in Rock’n’riot!
The Clear is a band I got together, we got a publishing deal and recorded a great little album.
And now Ruiz! This is just me, on my own writing, recording, playing and singing everything. There’s a first time for everything, right?
God help us!

Only Fruit Recordings was set up by Tony Fitzgerald and Ruiz!. Tony has brilliantly put my videos together and designed all my artwork.

I couldn't have done it without Paul Galpin and Tony, so I am eternally grateful for all their encourengemnt and help so far. Gracias amigos!

Ruiz! has been mixed by Paul Galpin.
soundbetter.com/profiles/153414-paul-galpin