The Spill Magazine review for Canadian Music Week
by Andre Skinner
@ The Dakota Tavern
Ruth Minnikin played great atmospheric ‘60s style music, with a sound comparable to Jefferson Airplane and Joni Mitchell. As a duo, the two 2 girl combo did really well, stepping up with impeccable harmony vocals and great playing. The backup vocalist (Ida Nilsen) was also a multi-instrumentalist whose musical role changed from song to song as she went from percussionist to piano player. Ruth Minnikin had a very soothing sound.
Here NB Article in support of New Brunswick Shows
by Victoria Handysides
Born into a family of musicians, inherited talent and a lifetime filled with song was basically her birthright, the 33-year-old Halifax singer/songwriter told us recently.
“My brothers and I started going to bluegrass festivals when we were toddlers and having these weekends of music. My dad was in a band for 20 years, so it’s always just been part of my life,” she said, adding that almost all of her relatives play instruments.
“I was really lucky to be brought up in a home so full of music. The stereo was always on at my mother’s, and it was her massive, old vinyl collection we were listening to, not radio pop hits – it was music of integrity. Also, both my parents were brought up in the ’60s and were pretty big hippies. A lot of their music is really storytelling-driven. It really influenced me in my songwriting.”
So, with an all-access pass to follow her dreams, she did just that, kicking off her career in high school, when her then-band Booming Airplanes was signed to EMI. A few successful bands (The Heavy Blinkers, The Guthries and Reels) and a ton of collaborations later, Minnikin’s resume is impressive.
This year, Minnikin is up for two ECMA awards (Female Solo Album of the Year and Alternative Recording of the Year). A NSCAD art degree holder, Minnikin says she’s carved her path with an artistic course, one way, or another.
“I’ve put myself in a position to do something creative with my life,” she said.
Currently touring with perfectly paired boyfriend Craig Buckley, Minnikin is penning a tribute to her roots, with an album set to old family photos and stories. She plans to have The Minnikin’s Family Photo Album ready for the studio by fall.
“It just felt like time. My father passed away this year and my nana is 84. These stories, unless I do the research now, they’ll be lost.”
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Catch Ruth Minnikin and Craig Buckley
March 31 – Moncton – Plan B Lounge, 8pm
April 1 – Sackville – 18 Allison Ave, 7:30pm
w/ Construction & Destruction
April 2 – Baba’s Lounge – Charlottetown, PE, 9pm
w/ Construction & Destruction
April 7 – Gus’ Pub – Halifax, NS, 9pm
w/ Construction & Destruction and The Deadly Hearts
April 8 – Saint John – Bourbon Quarter, 8pm
April 9 – Albert County – Parkindale Hall w/Marco Rocca, 8pm
