Ruben Jai is a songwriter from and based in Chicago, Illinois. Influenced by the contemplative open tunings and lyricism of greats like Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Arthur Russell, their songs focus on place, ecology, memory, family, and the relationships between them.

Their newest single Dune Protector is a tribute to the Great Lakes Dune ecosystem and the wisdom, complexity, and beauty within it as a metaphor for embracing mystery and change.

Beyond their songwriting practice they have also studied and performed in various traditions from Turkish Classical to Klezmer. They hold a BA in Music/Ethnomusicology from Bennington College.

Ruben's music is available on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Photo by Xiao Ma (May 2025). Website by Jonathan Castro.