Some may already know Matt Godfrey as a professional audiobook narrator, boasting an Audie nomination and the portfolio to back it up. Others, like us, will get to know him through his music, an endeavour that he’s recently taken on under the Ruffner moniker. ‘The Interpreter’ is the project’s debut album, a thirteen-track exploration into wholesome Americana and Folk territories.
What strikes us the most about the album is its intimacy. Written for guitar, vocals, and the occasional full-band counterpoint, ‘The Interpreter’ feels like an old, wise friend, a personal channel into Godfrey’s own experience and lyrical imagery. His nuanced vocals, jagged yet precise, deliver a great deal of nostalgic and soulful allure, as well as a critical look at one’s life storylines and their emotional resolve.
Delving into the creative ethos that propels the project, Ruffner explains: “These songs were written, recorded, and mixed by me at home. After years spent narrating other people’s stories for a living, now I’m finally telling my own. Ruffner is organic Americana from the Deep South.” In a way, Godfrey’s come full circle, taking artistic matters into his own hands. We must recognise his multi-talented figure, and we are confident this is only the beginning of a successful foray into music.
Recommended! Discover ‘The Interpreter’ now: