Interview with Detroit Techno Artist Dru Ruiz
“Seasoned, Impactful and Moody.” Detroit Techno DJ and Producer Dru Ruiz told The Garnette Report when asked to describe himself in three words. Here at TGR, we were lucky enough to sit down with Dru for an extended time and conduct an in depth interview on all things music.
Dru Ruiz, also known as ‘Drutroit’, is a Detroit born DJ and producer. Hiding behind the scenes, Dru has been a mainstay of techno, hypnotic and underground sound for almost 30 years. The mid-late rave era in the 90’s deeply affected him as an artist and a person. Growing up in the Midwest, Ruiz was exposed to new and real techno. Nothing fake. And ever since, Dru has been one to hide in the shadows, always favoring the raw over theatrics.
Authenticity and risk taking have been the stepping stones in which Ruiz has built his illustrious career. He uses these skills to not only serenade crowds of thousands, but to help the next generation as well. Although still fairly young, Dru has been in the game for 30+ years. He’s picked up a thing or too. His uses his quiet demeanor to open doors and build platforms for the next generation of techno-DJ’s. His deep respect for the culture that’s shaped him and his career is more than admirable.
Ruiz recently performed at Detroit’s Movement Electronic Music Festival on May 23rd. He brought the quintessential techno the Midwest is known for. We asked him about this, his music career up to date, his mentoring journey and much more! The full interview can be seen below.
Interview With Dru Ruiz
1. If you had to describe yourself as a producer, DJ and artist with three words, what would they be? Why?
Seasoned, Impactful and Moody because I had the best mentors in Detroit to help shape my own sound after almost 30yrs. I love sharing and helping others in Detroit and beyond. My sound varies on my mood and seasons. Whether it’s djing or production.
2. You recently returned to the Movement Electronic Music Festival last month. Talk about that experience and just how important it was to you.
It’s very important to me because I believe in the festival and it’s importance to the world. I watched and played the 1st one. I witnessed the pure joy of visitors and respect Detroit receives year after year.
3. How has your sound been shaped by your upbringing in the Midwest, specifically centered around Detroit?
I was spoiled and lucky to grow up in Detroit and to be one of the original ravers in Detroit. I used to frequently visit Hart plaza as a early as I can remember as a child for the Mexican festival and other cultures in Detroit. Which now hosts Movement. I grew up around so much different music. I also got to witness raw gritty and new experiences with techno music from the likes of Mills, Plastikman and just the underground in general. I love the love the Midwest states gives to each other.
4. How do you keep your raw, quiet and real sound & demeanor as opposed to a theatrical one? Is there a reason for this?
I grew up in a time without social media and phones constantly in your hand. Making content, your fashion or any of that wasn’t a thing. It was about the music and the mystery. I enjoy the calm. I understand the grind but I love when things or opportunities happen naturally.
5. You’ve been described as a teacher and mentor to many not only Detroit based musicians, but musicians all over the world. What makes you so inclined to do so and how do you balance that with your own career ambitions?
To be described as either one of those things is wild to hear but it comes with age. I can’t take all this knowledge that I learned and received from some of the best with me when I die. I wish I could be young forever but thankful for this life. It feels great to see the younger artists really keeping the true Detroit/Midwest sound. I like giving others a chance to express themselves musically. I have nothing to prove. I just try to stay focused , humble and work on my own stuff at my own pace.
6. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career to date?
Treat others how you’d like to be treated.
7. As a mentor yourself, what is one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring artist?
You’ll have your high and low moments. Never give up on your passion and dreams.
8. You have many planned tour stops overseas, but what can the world expect from Dru Ruiz next?
Yes! September in Colombia, October in Amsterdam, November in Mexico
Featured Photo By: Katherine Addy