Words by Rachel June
Emerging out of lockdown, Alex and Ruben, AKA ‘remote’ are best friends writing songs for their generation. Their new EP ‘I Need More Time’ is out now, and you can listen to it here. Beautiful piano elements and bass play over relatable velvety vocals, like in the song ‘I’ll Be Fine”. Alex candidly admits that “the song is for ourselves too, to remind us that everything will always be okay in the end.”
‘I Need More Time’ speaks to the importance of appreciating life at your own pace and not to feel conditioned into what others want you to do. The underlying message of: It’s okay to not know where you want to be. It’s okay to take it day by day. Alex and Ruben see the beauty in the unknown, enjoying the journey and not having all the answers. Alex wants to “be gigging, touring and writing full time, but the reality is we have to have 9-5’s right now.” He adds that this EP “understands the struggles of pursuing a passion and making a living”.
remote love writing and creating together, their lyrics are born through their own thoughts, feelings, and struggles growing up in the 2020’s. Ruben speaks on this, saying “we want to speak to other versions of us, and our challenge has been how to convey that message.” He adds that “we want to reassure the same peers as us, without sounding either cringe or weirdly patronising.”
Alex, remote’s lead vocalist, has always felt drawn to singing/ songwriting. Starting out in theatre productions at school, then playing in a band, he found his passion in music and song-writing. Thanking the “amazing music teachers that were so supportive” who made it possible for them to release the EP – they both hope to “make music forever”. Their EP has been knitted together so neatly, which was “the best part”, with the pair realising that “over time, all the tracks on the EP pieced together effortlessly”, Ruben adding that “with some hard work and graft, everything just fell into place.”
Alex advises aspiring musicians to “stick at something because it gives you joy”.“Always make sure you have passion and enjoyment for the art you are making. That warm feeling you get in your chest is the sign telling you you’re headed in the right direction”. Rubens’ approach is more straightforward, “care less, do more”.
For 2025 they can’t wait to connect with their audiences more, and collaborate with some of their favourite artists, whilst continuing to make music and perform.
remotes musical inspirations: FINNEAS, Billie Eilish, Still Woozy, Remi Wolf
Alex’s song on repeat: Always Been You – Club House
Alex’s favourite track: The Less I Know The Better – Tame Impala
Ruben’s song on repeat: Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas
Ruben’s favourite track: Cheesin’ Still Woozy – Hxns, Sophie Meiers, Melanie Faye, Cautious Clay, Claud, Still Woozy, Remi Wolf
