Ruarri Joseph

Joseph is currently continuing his musical career on his own label, Pip Productions, after deciding to leave Atlantic in early 2008.

[2] In Cornwall, Joseph continued his career in music and played in a variety of bands such as Eli Bowen and The Rhythm Doctors.

In mid-February 2008, Joseph announced on his Myspace page that he had opted to leave Atlantic Records, citing differences in opinion for the release of his second studio album, as the main motivation behind the decision.

Joseph's criticism of the attitude fostered by major record labels was vehement, stating that he had been perceived as 'an asset, basically like a car tyre, and if they wanted to, they could melt me down and turn me into condoms!'.

Joseph started work on his third studio album in late 2009 and released early demos of potential tracks through his Myspace page.

In October of the same year, Joseph secured a management deal with ACP Recordings, who also handle David Gray, Spiritualized, and Damien Rice.

[10] A single mix of 'Orchard for an Apple', featuring new backing vocals and instrumentation, was played on BBC Radio 2 by Alex Lester.

Joseph embarked on an extensive tour of Shoulder to the Wheel throughout 2011 and early 2012, playing at various venues across the UK including a gig at the Union Chapel, Islington, supporting Foy Vance.

Joseph started work on his fourth studio album shortly after losing a close friend in 2010; he credits this loss as a great influence on the making of the record in a YouTube video released in June 2012.

[16] Joseph's current project is a three piece band called 'William the Conqueror', alongside friends and previous collaborators Harry Harding (drums) and Naomi Holmes (bass).

The second William the Conqueror album, Bleeding on the Soundtrack, was released in 2019, followed by a UK tour in May 2019, which included a live session for Ricky Ross on his BBC Radio Scotland programme, Another Country.

[19] Matt Clutton of online music magazine Gigwise.com praised Joseph's "uniquely husky, gravely vocals" and "expertly orchestrated acoustics" in his review of the single Blankets.

Comfortcomes.com said Joseph "combines poetry, a serious edge and a soothing acoustic touch to impressive effect throughout", whilst Entertainment Focus described Ruarri as "an interesting and exciting talent" in their review for 'Orchard for an Apple'.

Entertainment-Focus gave the album a glowing five-star review, calling the record "hugely rewarding" and a "gorgeous, understated collection of songs".

Giving the album three stars, the review stated that the LP "does have major failures", although he praised lead single 'Orchard for an Apple' and described the opening songs as "beautiful" and "haunting".

William the Conqueror at Orange Blossom Special Festival , Germany 2024