COOL AS LEICESTER

This week saw the passing of someone who has undoubtedly had an enormous impact on the local music scene. Ruth Miller not only performed, but she inspired. She had been part of the local music scene for decades, both with her band, Po!, performing as a solo artist, and most recently for her role in creating the Unglamorous Project – something which sees her leave an incredible legacy behind.

With her band Po! they gathered a strong following in the late 80s. Picked up by Radio 1 they later recorded a Peel session and had an NME ‘Single of the Week’ to their name. It was many years later, in the midst of the pandemic, that Ruth would come to set up the Unglamorous Project. The idea was simple, to inspire women, any women, to have some fun through music. Whilst there was a focus on punk music, women came from all ages and backgrounds, as Ruth inspired them to pick up an instrument for the first time, turn their emotions into lyrics, and simply just have some fun.

The project was picked up by everyone from The Guardian to Channel 5, as women from 27 – 70 picked up drumsticks and guitars and came together through music. In an article by The Guardian, Ruth commented, “There is a very limited range of hobbies that are acceptable as an older woman,” said Miller. “If you like music, for example, then you’re expected to join a choir.

“The genius of punk is that you don’t need to have played an instrument before starting. The main thing is your lyrics,” she added. “Most bands are young, white men aged 19 to 23 and their lyrics are about their experiences. But put together women whose ages range from late 20s to early 70s, and their experience of life, their humour, their anger – these songs are absolutely brilliant.”

Over 12 bands were formed, who have gone on to perform live shows in venues across Leicestershire, including outdoor gigs and at the O2 Academy.

Abi Masih is part of the band, The Wonky Portraits, and in an interview we did with her earlier this year, she commented, “I met Ruth Miller at a record fair on a cold January weekend. At the stall she said to me,”You look like someone who could be in a punk band.” But I couldn’t play any instruments! Ruth showed me some videos and it was really inspiring. I have teenagers at home who play instruments, so I knew I had to pick something different to them, and I picked the drums. I started going to meet the others for rehearsals at Frog Island every Sunday and it’s just great fun. I went from never playing an instrument to now performing live with a band. It’s been a wonderful way to make new friends as well.

“It takes me away from my everyday life as a teacher. I get to be completely myself and just have so much fun. I think we’re all at our most creative when we’re having fun so it’s wonderful to experience that.”

We’ve gathered together some more tributes to Ruth from those who knew her.

“This woman was possibly the most incredible woman I’d ever met and the most selfless… I found myself completely low and lost when I was trying to untangle myself from a damaging relationship, and she gave me not just kindness, but far more than that. She had faith in me that I would feel found and happy and strong enough to untangle myself. She ended up getting me onto the music scene with my band, having never touched a musical instrument before. There is absolutely no doubt and no need for me to explain to anyone who knew her that she was far more than what she gave to others – but despite her being gone, this is how she will remain in such a powerful and meaningful way.  Every gig that takes place because of her, every show that she wrote, all the people she inspired by meeting them and all of the people she inspired from her actions, the many introductions she made between friends – that is how she is going to remain with us. Genuinely I see her as living a life that I will do my best to emulate. I feel incredibly lucky to have been in her life and known her.” Scarlett Bliss

“I am absolutely gutted by the news. Ruth made my 2023. She gave me the sticks to have a go at the drums and encouraged me to not stick to the norm in terms of song writing. She brought opportunities to so many women in Leicester and was so modest whilst doing it. I am so saddened but so grateful – her legacy will live on for a very long time.” Kel, Drummer for Pretty Dirty Rats formed by Unglamorous Jan 2023

“When Ruth invited us along to have a go at playing instruments after lockdown, we had no idea what craziness would follow! Within two weeks we were in a band and 6 weeks later we played our first gig! She had loads more faith in us than we did and built a great community to make it easy for us to flourish. She put all her soul into enabling women (and yes us older women) to get into a male dominated scene.

“She didn’t like the fuss we gave her, giving her the credit for doing so much, but she deserved it! She gained global attention and was fantastic  at talking about what was happening with Unglam. The Wonky Portraits want to thank her for enabling us and believing in us, we will miss her deeply x” Sally-Anne Scrivener

“Unglamorous is a force for good, a community, the source of new bands and new music in Leicester, and Ruth has been tireless in instigating, growing and nurturing it and all of us lucky women who are in Unglam bands. She made We Are Boilers happen and I’ll be forever grateful.” Lucy Phillips (via Facebook)

“We are heartbroken at the death of our dear friend and colleague Ruth Miller. These past two years we have spent working with her were the best we ever had. Along with her amazing project Unglamorous, she showed us how to have fun, she pushed us and supported us and we will always be grateful for the lasting effect she has had on Stayfree and the Leicester Music Scene. Where ever she went she shone a light.”  Stayfree Music (via Facebook)

“The music scene in Leicester has always overwhelmed us – the remarkable talents that reside here!!! None – and I mean none – more so than the crazy ass punk queen that was Ruth Miller. Her dedication to opening doors for other crazy ass wanna be punk queens and her unmoving belief that music was for everyone will live on as the long lived legacy that will stand as a testimony to her. We consider ourselves honoured to have been a small part of that. Thank you Ruth – we are all better for knowing you.”  Duffy’s Bar (via Facebook)