Ruby Savage: the NTS regular commanding sets everywhere from Glasto to Berlin

There’s something poetic about Ruby Savage’s journey from behind the counter at Honest Jon’s Records to commanding Glastonbury crowds and sunrise sets at Berghain’s Panorama Bar. Born to English and Surinamese parents in Amsterdam, she inherited an eclectic musical DNA. Everyone from Fela Kuti to Miles Davis has made their mark on Savage, a fair few of those sonic references stemming from her father’s background as a singer-percussionist. Since trading Amsterdam for London in 2007, she’s been quietly but persistently reshaping the capital’s music landscape. “I’d been collecting music in every format for years,” she reflects on her path to DJing, “but I never took it seriously enough to pursue myself… I guess it just took me a while to get the confidence.”

That confidence has since transformed into something rather special. After cutting her teeth at Theo Parrish’s Sounds Signature and steering Brownswood Recordings to new heights, Savage has become one of London’s most magnetic voices in dance music. Now, as she launches her first residency at NT’s Loft, we caught up with the selector whose mission is simple: low lights, solid subs, and sweaty people shaking off bad juju.

As a multi-hyphenate creative, how would you describe your craft?

Intuitive, fun and free — a reflection of things that move me. 

When did you discover you wanted to be a DJ?

One day the coin just dropped. I thought, hold on, why am I not DJing!? I’d been collecting music in every format for years, was always surrounded by DJs and worked in music, but I never took it seriously enough to pursue myself… I guess it just took me a while to get the confidence.

How do you think your hometown of Amsterdam encouraged your love for music?

It was great because when I was growing up it was really easy to get into clubs. As a teenager I’d go to hip-hop and dancehall parties. Later they became more eclectic — I’d hear all types of music on a club night. 

What do you feel London offers in the DJ sphere? How do the two cities compare?

The first thing I noticed when I got to London’s clubs was that people came out to dance — and they had proper moves! I’m also lucky that Plastic People [a now-closed Shoreditch venue founded by Ade Fakile] was one of the first clubs I got introduced to. My jaw dropped when I first went in there. It was a broken-beat night called Co-op… Best energy ever! I love that Londoners’ love to be surprised by the DJ. Move to music they may not know. That was a really cool discovery and it was a lil’ different to the scene I was coming from.

You founded the Artist Recovery Club. It’s an 8-week course supporting a new wave of creatives, based on the principles set out in Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way… What’s been the highlight since launching?

Meeting and bringing people together. And seeing them pursue their creative dreams. 

You use a plethora of music across your sets. Who are some of your personal favourites right now?

Shy One, Musclecars, D’monk, Doug Gomez…. And anything Aretha related. 

If the crowd ever needs a boost of energy, what’s your go to track to play?

A remix of “Apaga La Luz” by Tony Touch. 

You often collaborate and champion a sense of togetherness through music. How would you describe the DJing community in 2024?

I’m lucky to be surrounded by amazing and supportive DJs. We’re all in it together. Their success is mine and vice versa. 

How did you get into your field? 

I always followed the music. This started (as a punter) on the dancefloor and just checking out scenes in different cities. That led to me getting a job at Honest Jons Records. I started doing bits of work for their label, which got me into that side of independent music releasing. It was when I started a radio show on WWFM that things started to move really quickly. It got me little bar gigs, which is great for budding DJs. They’re a really great place to practise because it’s usually a low pressure environment. They give you lots of time to try out sounds and learn how to read a room. 

You currently host a show on NTS radio — how is that? 

Yeah, I host a monthly show called Radiant Life. Live radio is so much fun and it’s a great way to expand and share your sound beyond the club. I love that it’s so instant and you get to connect with listeners in a more intimate way. I think a lot about what people might be doing on a Saturday afternoon – what kind of soundtrack they might be looking for – and take it from there… 

Where would be your dream venue to perform?

Nowadays, probably somewhere in NYC. 

What’s next?

I’m heading back to Brazil to play two festivals over the new years. People bring the biggest energy out there so I’m looking forward to it. 

What’s the goal for you and your career?

Enjoy myself and spread joy.