Folk/roots duo Rube & Rake have cultivated a reputation as one of this province’s most immersive and must-see live acts.

The duo of Andrew Laite and Josh Sandu release their long-awaited debut album Back and Forth at The Ship Pub on November 18th.

But who are Rube & Rake? They’re talented, yes – in fact they have some of the best harmonies in the business. We asked Laite and Sandu to sum up who they are artistically and musically, ahead of the anticipated album launch.

“I would say that we are, for the most part, a stripped down roots act,” says Sandu. 

“Roots being trying to emulate the root of music,” adds Laite. “That’s how we apply the writing and our style, very stripped down and minimalistic. Just kind of two people, one sound, folk music in its essence.”

Avoiding oversaturation, the duo endeavour to spread out live performances in St. John’s over a lengthy period, so fans best jump at the chance to see Rube & Rake when they kickoff their debut album on November 18th.

“We try to make our shows in St. John’s count,” says Laite. “You won’t see Rube & Rake playing 20 St. John’s shows a year – we just don’t do it that way. We are also really behind live performance as something where we really want to captivate and capture audiences while they’re in our presence.”

Tickets for the album launch with special guest Katie Baggs are available at Fred’s Records and at The Ship Pub and Kitchen. For more information visit rubeandrake.com and visit the band on Facebook.

Stay tuned to The Newfoundland Herald for our full Q&A with Andrew Laite and Josh Sandu in the coming weeks.