Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Ruben.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Chris Ruben is a Suffolk County, New York native who has spent his life rooted in the local community. As the songwriter and frontman of The Chris Ruben Band, he has been a driving creative force since the group’s formation in 2014, leading the release of two full-length albums along with a collection of singles and live recordings that showcase the band’s evolving sound.
Beyond the stage, Ruben brings the same passion to his culinary venture, Chris Ruben’s Food, a mobile concept that pairs seamlessly with his music or stands strong on its own. Known for its honest, home-style approach, the menu spans from classic barbecue to Italian steakhouse favorites, reflecting both versatility and a commitment to quality. Balancing life as a musician, entrepreneur, and full-time restaurant professional, Ruben somehow keeps all plates spinning—alongside a busy personal life that includes his fiancée and three dogs. How he manages it all remains something of a mystery; perhaps it is best not to question the momentum that keeps it going.
All of this started as boys playing music in basements, families cooking together, a truly isolated, troubled adolescence and the drive to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finances for an independent artist/entrepreneur are ultimately the make or break. We haven’t exactly been the luckiest but the pandemic slammed the brakes on performing music for two years. Thankfully we were recording but bringing money in required all of us to do something different in order to keep things going. It changed everything about the way we function as a unit to this day and it definitely slows things down.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a songwriter, musician, engineer and producer. I compose and produce my own music as well as write and produce with other artists. I am most proud of my work with my band the CRB. I think that at the very least in our community staying together and remaining the same band after 12 years while remaining as consistent as we can to keep working together and making new things is what stands out the most.
How do you define success?
That’s a tough one because it could be so many things. On the short term it’s when something goes as planned without any issues. For me, long term has been seeing the progress. We have achieved success even if it’s not on a career level where we can support our families. We always bring a crowd, we always get paid, our absolute worst performance is still light years beyond our first performance and for that, I feel successful in this endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zOwdjMBJoj7gwne3QS1nJ
- Instagram: @thechrisrubenband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechrisrubenband
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-chris-ruben-band/1351435531
