Ruby Rodgers is ready to take the world by storm, and she’s still only 15 years old.

When you’re from a big musical family and spend your life surrounded by musicians, it’s so entrenched in your DNA that making music is almost as important as breathing.

Ruby has graced many a stage in Australia and overseas including Carols in the Domain, the Red Hot Summer Tour (singing Flame Trees for her grandfather), Music in Paradise in the Maldives, at Michael Gudinski’s Memorial at Rod Laver Arena (joining Ed Sheeran and Kylie Minogue on stage for the encore), the State of Music Mother’s Day special (singing Little Light, a song for her written by her parents Mahalia Barnes and Ben Rodgers) as well as many “at home” performances with her grandparents, Jimmy and Jane Barnes and friends, including Hallelujah and Let it Be.

 She has also featured as backing vocalist on A Little Joy on Australian soul singer, Jade Macrae’s In My Veins album as well as Jimmy Barnes’ If Santa Forgets (Blue Christmas) and When Your Love is Gone (30:30 Hindsight).

Ruby was recently invited to be one of only eight schoolchildren from around the globe to take part in Damon Gameau’s documentary film, Future Council.  

Future Council gathered a host of inspiring young minds who each brought their own personal experiences and “superpowers” to the table (Ruby’s superpower was as a songwriter / poet / storyteller). They travel across Europe spending time in nature, learning about eco solutions, sharing their concerns and fears for the future, and confronting multinational mega-polluters. The film recently premiered to critical acclaim at the Melbourne International Film Festival where Ruby performed two of the songs she wrote for the film.

Ruby has been writing her own songs and poetry for some time now, including 4 pieces of music for the Future Council soundtrack, and has recently started working with Universal Music Publishing Australia. Her debut single, Hits the Heart is set to be released through EMI Australia / Universal music in December 2024.

Ruby explains, “’Hits the Heart’ was written during and after the filming of 'Future Council'. I was really moved by a climate anxiety session we participated in and the chorus lyrics came to me almost immediately when I was asked how I was feeling - I was feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what I could do to make a difference.  I was there with these other kids who were actively doing extraordinary things that felt like they were really making a difference. So when I went home, I decided to finish the song and share the stories of some of the amazing kids I had met on the journey.”

She added, “Climate change is just one of the pressing issues that the youth of today are facing, and I hope that the song will connect with others who may be experiencing these sorts of feelings, or maybe even resonate with those who perhaps aren’t as aware of the reality and the urgency that the world is facing if we don’t start to make changes.” 

Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Climate Change Warrior, Student, Leader – it’s only just the start for this talented and dedicated young woman.  As they say, watch this space …