Champ Ruby
Champ Ruby: A Journey of Musical Evolution and Unyielding Passion
Champ Ruby is a five-piece band hailing from the vibrant music scene of North-East Melbourne/Naarm. Formed in 2019, the band is made up of William Trigila (vocals, guitar), Julian Lauretta (bass guitar), Daniel Williamson (guitar, vocals), Damian Mangone (drums, vocals), and Sebastian Mangone (guitar, vocals). Their sound is a rich, evolving tapestry of post-punk, garage rock, and experimental influences, driven by a collective passion for creating original and dynamic music.
The Spark That Ignited the Flame
The origins of Champ Ruby’s musical journey trace back to their members' formative years.
Damo, the drummer, had his "lightbulb moment" in high school after hearing a Nirvana record, a moment that crystallised his desire to pursue music. William, on the other hand, was drawn to the guitar after listening to The Beatles, sparking a lifelong journey of creating music. For Daniel, music was a part of life from an early age, influenced by his parents’ love for the craft and regular visits to concerts and record stores. Sebastian’s journey began when his dad introduced him to Led Zeppelin, igniting an obsession that led him to learn the guitar. Julian's path to music was more serendipitous; when his brother wanted a drum kit, his dad bought him an acoustic guitar, and thus began Julian’s self-taught journey into the world of music.
Evolving Influences and Sound
When it comes to musical influences, Champ Ruby’s tastes are as diverse as their journey. As a band, they share common ground in their admiration for legendary acts like Nirvana, Radiohead, and The Strokes, which shaped their early sound. However, over time, their evolving musical tastes have led them to embrace a more eclectic mix of garage and post-punk influences, including bands like Preoccupations, Women, and The Black Lips. Their music transcends genre, focusing instead on what resonates deeply, saying, “Good music is good music. Who cares about genre?”
Their sound has constantly morphed as they explore new creative territories. According to Will, the band’s evolution stems from their musical growth: “We are always trying to rip off something, so it depends on what we’re influenced by at that time. Usually, we miss the mark enough that we end up with something original.” It’s this organic approach to their sound that keeps Champ Ruby’s music feeling fresh and unpredictable.
2025: A Year of Momentum
The year 2025 has already been a thrilling one for Champ Ruby, filled with recording sessions, upcoming releases, and an ever-growing list of shows. The band is looking forward to releasing new singles, an EP, or even an album, depending on how much material they complete. They’ve been playing a number of gigs, with many more on the horizon, and they’re excited to stay busy as they share their evolving sound with their fans.
A major highlight for the band this year is their headline show on April 4th at The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy, featuring UGLIEBOY, Grazer, and Nonchalant. It’s a testament to their growing reputation in the Melbourne/Naarm live music scene. They’re also thrilled to announce that they’ll be opening for Oasis later this year, an experience they describe as a "cultural moment."
The Gig Life: Triumphs and Challenges
Like most bands, Champ Ruby has faced their fair share of highs and lows in the live music arena. One memorable experience was playing a bushfire fundraiser at The Workers' Club, where things took a dramatic turn when they blew the PA system, and they ended up using all the raised funds to cover the damage. Despite the chaos, they remain undeterred, with the band saying, “We still haven’t had our best gig, but all our headline shows have been great.”
Their creative process is rooted in collaboration. Will shares that songs usually start as small ideas he demos on GarageBand before bringing them to practice to flesh out with the band. Sometimes, new songs emerge organically from jam sessions, evolving in real time as the band harmonies their individual contributions. This fluid approach is reflective of the band’s willingness to experiment and explore new musical landscapes.
The State of the Industry and Their Message to Fans
When it comes to the current music industry, Champ Ruby has some strong opinions. They lament the pressure on artists to create content beyond just their music, particularly with the rise of platforms like TikTok. "Being a personality has almost become more important than making good music," they note. The band is also outspoken about the traditional gatekeepers, saying, "Triple J sucks, and we wish upcoming bands didn’t have to suck up to them so much." Despite these frustrations, they remain hopeful about the internet’s role in helping artists get discovered, recognising that it’s opened up avenues for many musicians who would have otherwise remained unheard.
To their fans, Champ Ruby offers a heartfelt message of gratitude: “Thank you for being patient. Our music is a lock, and 2025 is the key.” They understand the anticipation around their music and are eager to release new material that reflects their growth as artists and individuals.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Champ Ruby is poised for a year of new music and exciting live performances. With their sound ever-evolving and a dedicated fanbase supporting them, they’re excited about the future. While they’re keeping their plans for an album or EP under wraps for now, they’re committed to showcasing their growth and evolution as a band. Their dedication to crafting memorable music and putting on high-energy performances means they’re ready to take on whatever the music world throws their way.
So, if you’re in Melbourne or Naarm, be sure to check out their upcoming show and keep an ear out for their new releases. Champ Ruby is a band that’s just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
