Can you tell us about your latest project? What inspired it, and what can your fans expect from it?
A hallmark theme of bluegrass music is the exploration of dark stories underpinned by peppy accompaniment. This is the case for Papa’s Got Ahold of the Wine, a tale of a father who turns to alcohol after the loss of his wife told from his care-giving children’s perspective, as well as Red Carpet, which transforms the bluegrass trope of the murder ballad into a story of a mother’s suicide in the form of a « solve-it-yourself » mystery. Hold Me Close, Pass You By, The Way That You Loved Me are complex love songs that bring the listener on a journey between heartbreak and the heartfelt. Ever-Changing Love, the title track, celebrates long-term companionship love like that found in a loving, life-long marriage. Yodelin’ Yasmín tells a fictitious story of a yodeling girl from Tennessee that is begged to sing by a barbershop trio. I’ll Never Forget is a retelling of our grandparents’ love stories, and touches on the pain of memory loss. Produced by Justin Moses, Ever-Changing gives listeners a bluegrass beat to dance to through trial.
Songwriting can be a cathartic process. What emotions or messages do you hope your music conveys to listeners?
I hope folks see the music we write as both a chance to dig in, pay close attention, and feel as well as to cut loose and move to the groove.
How has your musical style evolved over the years, and what do you hope to convey through your music now compared to when you first started your career?
Growing up, I simply wanted to be the most pleasant person with whom to interact. In this phase of life, I still value showing care to everyone I meet, but know that there is value to be had even in unpleasant emotional responses to music that elicits a strong negative reaction, perhaps by shining light on a difficult subject or the inclusion of strident dissonances or chaos.
Many fans look up to their favorite artists as role models. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians who hope to make a name for themselves in the music industry?
Every aspect of life, even as it pertains to a music career, is a marathon not a sprint. Aim for longevity over shortsighted success, don’t do anything that will hurt you, take care of your body, practice non-judgemental listening and self-acceptance. Being good at something is equal parts working on the parts that are difficult and loving it enough to continue. Improve a little bit every day and chase the sound that you love.
In the age of streaming and digital platforms, how do you navigate the challenges of making a living as a recording artist, and what advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry?
The music industry is in a new infancy, difficult to navigate, a post-covid, streaming-dominated wild west. A fitting payment model and accompanying legislation has not surfaced in response to the changed landscape of music access and consumption. Live shows seem the most promising way to make money as a musician, but the toll of touring is great. I’m so thankful for fans who understand and want to support artists directly through a kickstarter, buying music on bandcamp or tips on Venmo/PayPal.
For those looking to break in, I recommend playing lots of excellent shows. There’s no better way to hone one’s craft as an entertainer and gain fans.
Your image and style often become part of your brand as an artist. How do you approach your personal image and fashion choices to express yourself and connect with your fans?
For many years The Ruta Beggars have performed predominantly in suits and formal wear — even in the middle of the summer at bluegrass festivals (watch a covid-era podcast-style exploration of this topic here:
. This is in part because of the long-standing tradition of classic bluegrass bands dressing up in their Sunday best to perform.
Along the way though, The Ruta Beggars have also performed wearing tie dye, barefoot, in wigs and in streetwear.
The future is always uncertain, but what are your long-term goals and aspirations as a recording artist, and what can your fans expect from you in the coming years?
In the middle of March 2024 we are recording our 4th album in Nashville at Forty-one Fifteen Studios with Jim VanCleve producing on the Skyline Record Label. It’s full of new original music that has been in the works for many years and is ushering in a new era for The Ruta Beggars.
As The Ruta Beggars, we intend to continue riding the ever-changing wave of innovative bluegrass music by making acoustic music that tugs at the heart and makes the feet dance.
I see myself, as the artist Micah Nicol, collaborating with other artists to bring their visions to life in an authentic and legible way through my work as audio and video producer.