La Ruda

Formed in Saumur in 1993 under the name La Ruda Salska, La Ruda initially belonged to the French alternative rock scene with a blend of ska, rock and Latin inflections, carried by an expanded lineup in which brass instruments played an important role. After a first demo released on compilations, the band stabilized in the mid‑1990s around singer Pierrot and released Le Prix du silence in 1996 and L’Art de la joie in 1999, two records that established a direct, fast and collective sound, extended on stage by an intensive touring schedule. With Passager du réel in 2001 the lyrics took on greater prominence, before a more decidedly rock turn on 24 images/seconde in 2004, a period during which La Ruda gradually abandoned the name La Ruda Salska and became simply La Ruda. This evolution continued with La Trajectoire de l’homme‑canon in 2006, while Les Bonnes Manières in 2007 explored an acoustic format based on reinterpretations of their own repertoire. That was followed by Grand Soir in 2009 and Odéon 10‑14 in 2011. Between live shows, changes of musicians and occasional returns to the stage after their 2012 hiatus, La Ruda has preserved an identity founded on the energy of rock, ensemble playing and the festive heritage of French ska.