INTERVIEW: Rye

Image by David Hall

It’s hard not to be infected by the passion for life that Lithuanian-born singer-songwriter Rye exudes when talking about some of her many interests. A linguaphile who collects her favourite words and sings in three languages, she also speaks with joy about her hangout spots, creating vegan versions of her best-loved recipes and tattoo art. So perhaps it is somewhat surprising to hear her description of her music as “melancholic with feeling”.  

Her first solo EP, I Feel Everything, due for release 25^th October, is an enchanting, heartfelt release via an effortlessly blended soundtrack of alternative rock, electronic music and sung poetry. In fact, it could arguably be considered cathartic and optimistic.  

“I’ve a natural connection to melancholic music because I grew up with alternative rock and underground music like techno in Vilnius, which people call ‘the little Berlin’”, said Rye, whose real moniker is Rugile Deveikyte. 

“I started writing my own music because I was feeling so much. They’re vulnerable and confessional but I needed to record the songs to accept and process the emotions behind them and now I’m happy to share them with others to show people that it’s OK for them to do so too.”

There’s so much lyrical music and sung poetry in traditional Lithuanian music and I try to reflect that

Rye explains that recently released single Perfect is: “about me realising I was trying to be who people wanted me to be but now I have more self acceptance and can be happy with who I am. The sound gets darker but there’s hope underlying it. Its central message is that pain is inevitable and we can’t pretend things are always good but we don’t have to be defined by this. There are beautiful things to appreciate out there; we need to find those pockets of happiness when there’s a lot of sadness around us.”

One of those pockets of happiness for Rye has been the local music scene in the region she’s proud to call her home following relocating here eight years ago to study BMus (Hons) Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music at The Glasshouse. “The music scene in the North East is awesome, there’s a real creative and community vibe. I’ve always felt encouraged to perform and share my music and to talk to artists after their shows. I’ve met a lot of incredible drummers and been introduced to many more musicians through them who’ve influenced me, including the likes of Melanie Baker, Ceitidh Mac, Pigsx7 and Georgia May. It’s great to be able to link up and develop our community even more. I’ve found my people here.”

Rye’s newer influences blend effortlessly with her championing of traditional sounds from Lithuania. “There’s so much lyrical music and sung poetry in traditional Lithuanian music and I try to reflect that. There’s a lot of interesting language use, such as by Alina Orlova. Maybe it’s why I’m so interested in language and words”, she muses. “I get obsessed with the sound and meaning of words in different languages then I need to write something that incorporates them.” 

Rye will perform a full band launch gig for I Feel Everything on Friday 8^th November at Three Tanners Bank in North Shields, providing an opportunity to connect with the community she’s found her place in.

Rye releases I Feel Everything on 25^th October, and plays Three Tanners Bank on Friday 8^th November.