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Bike journey in India sparks creative process for Born Ruffians' newest LP

Toronto indie rock band leader, Luke Lalonde, discusses Beauty's Pride, fatherhood, and the band's latest sonic shift.

A cycling journey in India served as the catalyst for the creation of Born Ruffians' most recent...
A cycling journey in India served as the catalyst for the creation of Born Ruffians' most recent album

Bike journey in India sparks creative process for Born Ruffians' newest LP

On the 8th of November, 2025, World Cafe featured an episode with the indie rock band Born Ruffians, discussing their latest album, Beauty's Pride. Chris Williams, the engineer, and Will Loftus, the line producer, were instrumental in bringing this episode to life. Kimberly Junod, the senior producer, and Chelsea Johnson, the programming and booking coordinator, ensured the smooth running of the show. Miguel Perez, the producer and editor, polished the final product.

The album, Beauty's Pride, is a testament to the band's growth after nearly two decades in the music industry. It was primarily inspired by frontman Luke Lalonde's trip to India and his preparation for becoming a father. The phrase "Beauty's Pride" caught his attention during his visit, when he borrowed a purple children's bike with this phrase on it.

The album's themes and sound are a reflection of these personal experiences. Much of the album was written during this transitional period in Lalonde's life, and his new child even appears on one of the tracks. The album's title, Beauty's Pride, symbolises the beauty and pride Lalonde felt during this time.

The album represents a new sonic direction for Born Ruffians. It blends indie rock with emotional depth, reflecting Lalonde’s life changes and international experiences. The band's connection to India extended beyond inspiration to a rescue story of street dogs, emphasising themes of compassion and transformation that subtly influence the album’s ethos.

In the World Cafe episode, Lalonde discusses the making of Beauty's Pride, sharing the personal experiences that shaped the album. The episode playlist includes a discussion about the album and songs from Born Ruffians, such as "Athena", "Mean Time", and "Supersonic Man".

Beauty’s Pride revolves around themes of personal growth, impending parenthood, and the cultural and emotional impressions from India, marking an evolved and mature sound for Born Ruffians.

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