Ruben Vermeulen, the quiet yet thoughtful songwriter, arranger, and producer behind Funus, embarks on a musical journey that transcends genres. From its inception as a Black Metal act in 2006 to its evolution into a progressive music project, Funus navigates through psychedelic tunes, calm acoustic parts, and the current Shoegaze style. A constant seeker of experimentation and unconventional approaches, Ruben finds himself naturally drawn to the progressive tones of Post Rock.
Featured Track
Delving into the heart of Funus’ contribution to the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, “Gloom and Dusk,” Ruben unravels a narrative of life choices. Born from his personal struggles in making crucial decisions about work, relationships, and the future, the track encapsulates the haunting feeling of being caught between gloom and dusk. Through this musical expression, Ruben invites listeners into the introspective realm of endless doubt and melancholy.
Creative Process
Ruben’s creative process unfolds like waves of inspiration, with tunes appearing in his thoughts, urging him to grab his guitar and record the melodies as they flow. Each song begins with these spontaneous moments, evolving as Ruben pieces together various elements, creating a cohesive structure. The recent album, “MONO,” showcases an effortless flow of ideas after a hiatus, but the recording and mixing process becomes a challenging yet invaluable learning experience for the artist.
Influences
Inspired by critical, questioning thoughts and intense emotions from life experiences, Ruben draws influences from Shoegaze bands of the 1990s, such as Starflyer 59, Ride, and The Verve. Additionally, the endless creativity, atmosphere, and talent of bands like King Buffalo, Motorpsycho, and Gravenhurst contribute to shaping Funus’ distinctive musical style.
The Music Industry
Navigating the challenges of the music scene, Ruben emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and persevering toward the main goal. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, he sees cycles of good and less good acts, with music styles repeating themselves. In this evolution, Ruben believes Funus holds a unique place for those who seek its particular sound.
Your Journey
From memorable live performances to the satisfaction of seeing positive reviews for new releases, Ruben reflects on the various highlights of his musical journey. When asked about personal favorites, he gravitates towards “Would You,” appreciating its dynamic progression and the beautiful atmosphere it creates.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Funus has exciting plans for its third full-length release in 2024, promising a heavier yet dreamier sound. Collaborating once again with guest vocalist Sabina Knol and exploring cover songs, the upcoming album aims to surpass the production quality of “MONO.”
Compilation Experience
Being part of the Prog Sphere compilation is a gratifying experience for Funus, offering a platform for a small independent act to be heard. Ruben expresses gratitude to listeners, hoping for a special connection with those who resonate with Funus’ music.
Quickfire Round
In the dream collaboration realm, Ruben’s pick is David Gilmour, envisioning a psychedelic acoustic piece reminiscent of “The Narrow Way pt. I.” If he could master another instrument, it would be the piano. His all-time favorite progressive rock album is Marillion‘s “Misplaced Childhood,” and non-musical influences from psychology and anthropology subtly seep into his music.
Closing Thoughts
In his final words, Ruben thanks the audience for their attention to the Prog Sphere compilation and extends the hope that they enjoy the journey through Funus’ musical realm.
For more about Funus, you can explore their official website here and find their music on platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp.
