The Vex Ruffin Interview - Stone Throws Filipino phenomenon talks new LP
Fan’s of cars and the 1970’s alike will have immediate recognition of the word LiteAce. The Japanese Toyota made vehicle used around the world inspired not only van life enthusiasts but new wave free lovers as well. In the year 2020 the word LiteAce now evokes the same nostalgia that Vex Ruffin brings to life in his new LP for Stones Throw Records, LiteAce Frequency.
Although there's no precise way to describe the unique and ever-changing sound of Vex Ruffin you could certainly assign a multitude of characteristics to his work, dream-like, uplifting and soulful are only scratching the surface. The LP itself tackles family, hardships and values with a gorgeous background of Manila inspired tunes and Lo-fi beats. We had to know more about Stones throw’s cult followed Filipino superstar so we got ahold of Vex to learn a bit about the man behind the music.
How would you begin to describe the Vex Ruffin sound?
Vex: My sound changes every time I release a new album. For this album I would describe it as definitely having its roots from Filipino Manila sound like from the 70’s. It’s also a mixture of Japanese funk, Brazilian music and really influenced by hip-hop, a lot of sampling and all that. It’s a mixture of a lot of things!
Where do you derive your inspiration from?
V: Lately just going back to my roots. I’ve been listening to a lot of old Filipino soul records, disco records, Filipino rock, a lot of that. Usually I get my inspiration from digging for samples, that’s kind of the start. Also just everyday life I guess, working, family, everything really.
How is this release different from your previous work?
V: The previous album Conveyor was more of an isolation, darker and sadder release. It’s a bit more influenced by new wave, electronic, punk and industrial. LiteAce Frequency is definitely more “world” music, Filipino music and a lot more positive. That’s the mindset I’m in right now and I wanted to be more positive.
What was it like when Peanut Butter Wolf from Stones Throw records personally called you and offered you a deal?
V: I had mailed a bunch of demo’s around 2007, I was making more punk-sampled music so I mailed them to mostly garage rock or punk labels but I also mailed them to Stones Throw and Wolf was the only one who hit me back. He actually hit me back through myspace. It was so good, I jumped out of my chair. I knew I had something.
What do you want new fans to know about you?
V: I’m just a regular guy, I’ve got my job and my family and I love them. I’m just trying to spread positivity, that’s my message I just wanna keep the frequency’s up!
Check out LiteAce Frequency, out now, on all streaming platforms.
