WHERE THE SOUND COMES FROM...
Bitter … Read Full Bio ↴BITTER RUIN'S BIOGRAPHY
WHERE THE SOUND COMES FROM...
Bitter Ruin are Georgia Train and Ben Richards. Described as a boy/girl duo but never to be underestimated when it comes to both their live and recorded sound, Bitter Ruin's dynamic is a huge part of what makes them stand out. They met in 2007 and began crafting their sound through a number of self-released EPs. Interestingly, these multi-instrumentalists had wildly opposing musical backgrounds with Georgia veering towards the melodic female songstresses Bjork, Billie Holiday, and Edith Piaf whilst Ben remained focused on his guitar skills and the rockier sounds of Jeff Buckley, however both found a common ground with Antony and the Johnsons, St Vincent and even Nick Cave.
"It was the songwriting that brought us together, we were creating such weird and interesting music that it didn't matter that we didn't share tastes because we BOTH liked what WE were creating. It was exciting to be pulled away from your normalcy."
So the music has ended up somewhat eclectic and Ben and Georgia themselves still find it a tough task to put a label on it. Interesting, intellectual and yet hooky songs range in instrumentation from a folky acoustic sound in 'Pushin' Out The Light' and 'A Brand New Me', reminiscent of Laura Marling, to White Stripes gritty rock in 'Leather for Hell' and even dark, synth driven sounds in the Bjork-esque 'Diggers'.
Bitter Ruin have been described by others as Noir Pop, Indie, Rock, Punk, Folk, Soul, Flamenco, Classical and so many more sub-genres, but the best thing to do is listen and make up your own mind.
“We don’t mind what people want to call us, as long as they GET IT”.
And people are getting it and talking about it...
"Initially rather disturbing but ultimately brilliant!" and "an exquisite, emotional song by Bitter Ruin" (Stephen Fry).
“Holy shit, that girl can sing” (Amanda Palmer)
“You two are AH-mazing” (Tim Minchin)
"The absolutely unique @BitterRuin" (Ben Folds).
THE STORY SO FAR...
Since their formation, Bitter Ruin have been a loud and proud voice in the brave new world of DIY artists, gigging, recording and releasing music direct to their fans around the world through social media. They've played stages worldwide on tours with big names and yet have still retained a dedicated underground following who thrive off each low-fi release. Their EPs are known throughout small indie pockets from New York to New Delhi and in 2013 Ben and Georgia reached out to their most loyal fans to ask for their help and support in recording their 2nd album. A huge Kickstarter campaign was the testament to their hard work and apparent musicianship when the money raised well in excess of what they had asked for, smashing their initial target within the first 12 hours. The resulting album "Waves" is due for release in the Spring of 2014, with "The Rocket Sessions" EP being bit of a taster of what's to come.
ARTISTS BITTER RUIN HAVE WORKED WITH...
Ed Sheeran, Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer, Tim Minchin, Matt Lucas, The Dresden Dolls, Duke Special, Luke Sital Singh, Kate Miller-Heidki, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Jherrek Bischoff, Brian Viglione, Jarboe and many more.
http://www.bitterruin.com
https://www.facebook.com/bitterruin
https://twitter.com/BitterRuin
http://www.youtube.com/bitterruin
http://bitterruin.bandcamp.com
Stampede
Bitter Ruin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not gone back with that knife I see
To invade my chest
Break me at my best tear up at me
But I will not function
I don't live life for loving you
I can solve a puzzle, I can make me money
I don't need to be approved by you
Stampede
As we
Sleep
Your attack won't make a surface scratch
On me
Cat-like claw, claw, claw
Gums out roar like you mean to bite
Raise that chest plate proud
Got to belt it loud
Stir up a fight
When you didn't spit your words
From that black tongue that barely tastes
I am running faster, I've been storing ammo
Little do you know an ambush awaits
Stampede
As we
Sleep
Your attack won't make a surface scratch
On me
You haven't lost me, I won't be forgotten
I'll drive you like cattle so heed
Stampede
As we
Sleep
Your attack won't make a surface scratch
On me
The lyrics of Bitter Ruin's "Stampede" talk about someone who has been hurt by another person in the past but refuses to let them have power over them anymore. The first verse talks about the person not going back to the past and not letting themselves be hurt again. They are aware of the knife that the other person carries with them and the potential danger that it poses. Instead, the person focuses on themselves and their own goals, not "living life for loving" the other person or seeking approval from them. The chorus talks about how the other person's attacks won't harm the singer, comparing it to a stampede that won't even scratch the surface of their resilience. The second verse talks about the other person's aggression and how they are like a cat with claws, trying to intimidate the singer. However, the singer is quick and has been preparing for this, so they are not afraid. The final chorus talks about how the singer won't forget what has happened to them and will use their experiences to drive themselves forward, overcoming any obstacle.
The lyrics of "Stampede" are powerful and inspiring, encouraging listeners to focus on their own strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The imagery of a stampede and a cat with claws creates a sense of danger and potential harm, but the singer's confidence and self-assurance make it clear that they are not afraid. The use of the word "ambush" in the second verse also implies that the singer is not just prepared for the other person's attacks, but is actively planning to counter them.
Line by Line Meaning
Not gone back, back, back
I haven't gone back with a knife to hurt you.
Not gone back with that knife I see
I haven't used the knife I see to hurt you.
To invade my chest
To harm me emotionally.
Break me at my best tear up at me
To damage me when I am doing well and happy.
But I will not function
I won't let you affect me to the point of being unable to live my life.
I don't live life for loving you
I don't base my life around pleasing you.
I can solve a puzzle, I can make me money
I am capable of being successful without needing your approval.
I don't need to be approved by you
I don't require your validation to be confident in myself.
Stampede
A metaphor for fighting against adversity.
As we
Together and united.
Sleep
Metaphor for being vulnerable or unprepared.
Your attack won't make a surface scratch
Your attempt to harm me won't affect me on a deep level.
On me
Directly impacting me.
Cat-like claw, claw, claw
Aggressive and violent behavior toward me.
Gums out roar like you mean to bite
Making threatening gestures and sounds.
Raise that chest plate proud
Showing off and being arrogant.
Got to belt it loud
Boasting and being loud about their actions.
Stir up a fight
Provoking a conflict.
When you didn't spit your words
When you didn't say something hurtful.
From that black tongue that barely tastes
With insincere words that lack authenticity.
I am running faster, I've been storing ammo
Preparing to fight back with more power and strength.
Little do you know an ambush awaits
Taking them by surprise with a carefully planned attack.
You haven't lost me, I won't be forgotten
I won't let you control or defeat me.
I'll drive you like cattle so heed
I will take charge and lead, like a rancher controlling their herd.
Contributed by Jordan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.