Rue Royale

Rue Royale

Rue Royale are an Anglo-American indie folk group formed in 2006 by Ruth and Brookln Dekker after they marry and begin making music together in Chicago, where they live at the time. The duo are based in Nottingham for part of their career and come to the UK scene after first establishing themselves in Chicago, then moving to Europe with their instruments and debut album.

Style and influences

Their music sits between folk and pop, with an acoustic base and hushed, evocative melodies. Their influences include Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, Grandaddy, John Martyn, José González and Elbow.

Releases and recordings

Rue Royale release a self-titled debut album in 2008. Their second album, Guide To An Escape, follows in 2011 as an independent release before Sinnbus issues it in 2012. The record is made at home after experimental sessions with producer Paul Pilot in London, with Pilot handling the mix. It includes the single “Halfway Blind”, which receives radio play on BBC 6Music. The group also records with Paul Pilot in the pan-European project Guidebooks, which combines organic electronica with free-spirited songwriting. In 2012 they issue a very limited split cassette single, “Try As They Might”, with Dutch songwriter Kim Janssen.

Touring and DIY work

Rue Royale build their reputation through extensive touring, with more than 600 shows in 15 countries and around 100,000 miles on the road. They operate without a manager and, for much of their career, without a label, while also running a hand-made independent operation between tours in Nottingham. That work includes printing, cutting, sewing and stuffing more than 9,000 CDs, along with producing knitted goods, bags and clothing for merchandise stalls.

Recent activity

The duo pause to record a third album, moving from home recording towards a larger studio setup for the first time. They also use a Kickstarter-style pre-order campaign to help fund the release. The group remains active.