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Song of the Day - "OPEN" - by Stella Ruze (Rules)


The Gang is all here.


STELLA RUZE
writtten by Violet Rosette

Stella Ruze? More like Stella Rulez! Stella Ruze was birthed in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia in 2014 and is continuing to grow. They just dropped a new video for their newest song “Open”. This song will be featured on their new album “The Greater Dog”. Brendan Johnson & Katie O’Donnell are the band founders and help write most of the songs. The group also includes Keyboardist Mason Wallack and Alex Styer on trumpet. Together they make a stellar team!

What could be better than Stella Ruze the 4-piece?  Stella Ruze the 7-piece! These funky monkeys have added accomplished blues drummer Sean McIntyre who really knows his way around a drum set. They also merged Bass guitar extraordinaire Ted Mayo and saxophone player, Vince Gleason, who is a lifetime member of the legendary Mummer group – Ferko String Band, into the previous 4-piece. According to the band, “Our new sound emboldens our message to fans. Open conveys a common theme presented throughout The Greater Dog- the search for love and purpose in pursuit of passion.” This fresh sound is something they are wearing on their sleeves for everyone to see, feel, and hear!

When I first heard the name of the album I couldn’t figure out what the heck it meant. So I did some digging and actually had the chance to chat with the band. According to Brendan, band founder, "The Greater Dog" is the title track on our new album and is named after the constellation closest to the moon. The Greater Dog along with our first single and video, "Open", are a perfect encapsulation of the band’s transformation over the past 18 months. The addition of a permanent rhythm section and saxophone has completed our lineup and pushed us further into a Roots Rock/Americana sound.”
Their newest single is called “Open”. It starts out bright with horns and a tight snare beat. The beat stays hopeful throughout. The lyrics “My heart is always open” really projects the thought behind the single.  “Always be the light that guides” really captures the upbeat and joyous feeling the song carries. If you need a good midweek or mid-day pick me up head on over to YouTube and check out this new single with its brand new music video. The video is filled with smiles and dancing crowds of fans. It really shows the listener/viewer how thrilling a live performance from this gaggle of musicians can be.

I would compare this song to that of a Dr. Dog song. The raspy voice over the uplifting tones really makes this piece stick out over other songs they have released. The keys drive the build ups and the brass section breaks off throughout the song just to kick back in with a POW! I can’t get enough of Stella Ruze (Stella Rulez) and would recommend them for any long traveling playlists over the holiday season.  Their next big show is an album release show at Boot and Saddle on January 18th! Don’t forget to get your tickets today and be one of the first to get the newest album titled "The Greater Dog". 

Stella! I stole it on FBK sorry/not sorry

 Tina here – Stella Rulez! Damn Straight. I am amazed a duo can deal with each other let alone 7 distinct, unique personalities. Stella Rules slices into my cerebellum to give me them damn feels. I want to Thank you. Thank you. Bravo babes bravo. 


Enjoy "Open". Listen. Share. Support. 


 
Live and learn

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