Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Runa! Together we discussed the possibility of their being multiple Runa’s, Jack Black, their upcoming single “Sad Eyes”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I’m pretty good actually! Thanks for having me.
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
Uhh, I grew up in a very small town in southern Italy, meaning the environment outside of my household was incredibly old and bigot, however I’m pretty sure my aunt, who also happens to be my best friend, raised me on house music. Then she showed me the Stones and the Zeppelin as soon as i was old enough to understand swear words and sex, and it never really stopped. To this day she still sends me messages full of music i should discover so it’s always been this incredibly funny and beautiful passion that i feel like it got passed onto me since i was a child.
3. According to your Instagram handle you are not Runa. Who is Mustard speaking too? Are there multiple Runa’s?
There might be more RUNAs but I’m probably the best one, to be honest.
4. Is there a song or album that had a significant impact on you?
If i had like 7 minutes left to live I would probably spend them listening to Stairway To Heaven and I don’t care how cliché it might sound. Or anything Stevie Nicks ever released.
5. Who (or what) influences you?
Definitely women, mostly. I’ve always been “the annoying feminist” in every group situation and to be honest I’m starting to take it as a compliment even when it’s not meant to feel like it. Women in my life, my mom and all that sentimental stuff; but also Florence Welch. There’s always space in my heart for Florence Welch.
6. Mustard has observed that it is not you making the rules but human celebrity and musician Jack Black. Could you share more about this development? Do you have a favorite Tenacious D song or album?
Hear me out, Jack Black and I would be amazing friends. We’d fight at times, cause still love One Direction but honestly, we’d get along pretty well. As to the song, can i go boring with Kickapoo? it’s like Jolene but better
7. If you had the pick of destiny how would you wield its power?
To be honest I’d use it for fame and success. I’m too much of a narcissist to pretend I’d do something else. I mean maybe with the fame and success I’ll use my platform to save the world, and to meet Jack Black…i guess?
8. You’re from Leeds, UK. Does the fuzz often come to citizens such as yourself looking for updates on ongoing investigations?
Yes, actually. Love when they stop for a tea. Well technically I’m not a UK citizen…yet. But they don’t mind about that.
9. For those who have not visited Leeds what you would recommend humans do there?
There’s a lot of ruins and half burned churches if you’re into druids and esoteric stuff, as I am, but other than that yeah probably drugs, Am i allowed to say that?
10. Last August saw the release of your debut single “Let You In.” What was the inspiration behind this single? Was the story told in the song based off true events?
You know, I knew this question was eventually gonna happen in my life, and I’m still not ready. Yes, the story is based off true events and the inspiration was this guy i dated for a bit a long time ago. A narcissist if i have to say so. It’s about feeling like you care about someone way more than they care about you and everyone keeps telling you but you just refuse to see it. His loss really. He probably will never read this, but i might send him it.
11. How did it feel to have “Let You In” played on BBC Introducing? For those unaware, what is BBC Introducing? How does it help artists such as yourself?
I mean I couldn’t really believe it. BBC Introducing is this radio show, usually on your regional BBC radio (in my case in West Yorkshire) where small and/or independent artists submit their tracks for a chance of it being played on air. It sounds more complicated than what it is but things like BBC Introducing represent so much for people like me. The show host for West Yorkshire, Emily Pilbeam, is constantly looking for new talent and you have no idea how much validation it gives to young, small artists to hear that there’s a platform that’s willing to believe in them. I probably wouldn’t even have continued with my music if it wasn’t for things such as BBC Introducing and the fact that the show itself is in danger really should break everyone’s heart. People need it.
12. What can fans expect from your upcoming single “Sad Eyes?”
My trigger warnings would be: Revenge. Spell casting, Probably anger, powerful vocals and one of those 70s rock Hammond organs.
13. You’re tasked to choose between Puss in Boot sad eyes or Disney sad eyes. Which do you choose and why?
I’d choose Antonio Banderas over everything so Puss in Boot.
14. What is next for Runa?
I’m gonna keep making music, I’m going to play shows, I have a lot of things i want to say, but I can’t really disclose much. 2023 is going to be a good year, that’s all.
15. Where can readers listen to your music?
Every single streaming platform you can think of, or at a show, orr through this link: Linktr.ee/_RUNA
or at my mom’s house, she’s always playing it.
Music Shelf With Mustard 