After Hours: Nomi Ruiz, Borough Gypsy

As part of Times Square Arts and the Clocktower Gallery’s After Hours series, singer-songwriter-producer Nomi Ruiz performed songs from her new album Borough Gypsy, live for the first time: much of the material was recorded or refined during her residency at the Clocktower Gallery. The performance took place May 9, 2013 at BB Kings Blues Club in Times Square. This is a program produced during her residency in advance of the performance.

Jeannie Hopper speaks with singer/songwriter Nomi Ruiz about her recent Clocktower residency project. Over the course of her two month stay, Ruiz completed Borough Gypsy, her sophomore album. She talks about growing up in Brooklyn in the midst of gang culture and how that environment affected her work, particularly the recording of this album. Having taken 10 years to complete, Borough Gypsy is a combination of 90's Hip Hop, Soul, and acoustic folk that embraces the mixed tape format. In its entirety, Ruiz tells the tale of an urban gypsy who wheels and deals in sex, love, drugs, and darkness while sifting through the psychological effects of her upbringing.

Born in 1986, Ruiz released her first album, Lost in Lust, in 2005. Since its debut, she has toured with artists such as Debbie Harry and CocoRosie. She also toured with Antony & The Johnsons as part of their “Turning” project. She then received worldwide recognition for her vocal contribution on Hercules and Love Affair’s self titled debut album and live show. In 2009, Ruiz formed the group Jessica 6 with Andrew Raposo (of Automato) and Morgan Wiley. They debuted Fun Girl that year and released the full album See The Light in 2011. She has since collaborated with The Ones, Beni, and Eli Escobar.

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