The Finnish-born, Baltimore-based Ruut has signed with Meridian (ECR Music Group) for a series of remastered special-edition reissues in advance of her forthcoming new record, Motherland, out later this year. The first of these reissues is Ruut’s acclaimed Steinway Sessions, a striking collection of impeccable solo performances by the artist. Painstakingly remastered by producer and ECR President Blake Morgan, this collection provides the perfect introduction to those who are just discovering Ruut’s artistry now—and for those who have cherished this record previously and in its original form, this special edition provides the revelatory, detailed re-boot this album has always deserved.
With Steinway Sessions (Special Edition) out now, we took some time to hear from Ruut. Read below to learn more about Ruut, the story behind Steinway Sessions (Special Edition), and what’s to come.
Hi Ruut! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Ruut is actually my real first name. It’s Finnish for Ruth, an old-fashioned name. My mother gave us all Biblical names, and growing up, I used to hate how different it was. When I moved to America, people misspelled and mispronounced it a lot. So, it’s a perfect artist name. It’s the real me, and it’s what’s weird about me too.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born in Kuopio, then grew up in Helsinki, Finland. I lived in Budapest, Hungary in my teens, then moved to the States. I’m now based in Baltimore, Maryland. I’ve lived in Baltimore for 30 years, so it feels like home, though I visit Finland every year.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
Music has been my pursuit ever since I was very young. I wrote my first song at age seven. I was 23 when I made my first “career move” and signed a management deal. As a result, I got to work with some established producers and writers in New York, Nashville, and LA, and to perform with some amazing artists whom I’d admired for a long time.
How would you describe your sound?
My music is inseparable from my relationship with the piano. Ever since I was young, I found refuge and stillness by playing the piano and singing at the same time, and that has never changed. Steinway Sessions is sort of the ultimate example of this. It’s just my voice, and the piano. Beyond Steinway Sessions, my sound is often defined by rich vocal and spacious sonic landscapes. But, the piano is always present.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
My daily work revolves around sustaining artistry. Besides my own creative habits beyond songwriting and performing (which includes writing fiction, art journaling, and meandering through the woods), I also run an organization that supports other artists to develop and nurture their own artistic practices. I believe with my whole being that when we commit to our creative endeavors and practice them daily, we improve life for ourselves and for those around us.
What is one of your favorite venues that you’ve played?
I loved performing at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. It’s such an interesting and beautiful space with gorgeous acoustics. I’d love to play there again.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
As a young musician, I was influenced by Nordic and European folk and alternative artists, like Bjork, Enya, Sigur Ros, Kíla, and Värttinä. Jazz and gospel influenced the way I voice my piano chords, sing, and build harmonies. The fact that my parents were chamber musicians and because of my grandfather’s prominence as an opera composer, I was also heavily influenced by “Classical,” or traditional music. I love the cinematic works of composers like Andre Desplat and Philip Glass. And this answer wouldn’t be entirely complete if I didn’t emphasize how deeply Broadway has informed my musicianship. I love it when an album takes you on a complete journey, and you come out the other side, remembering the stories, and knowing you’ll never be quite the same.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I’ve learned to honor all the artistic seasons I’ve been through. Whether I was experimenting with a different sound, collaborating with someone new, or just taking creative risks, I’m so grateful that I always made more music. That I remained an artist. Truly, my proudest moments are every time I return to my studio or piano to continue making music, despite what barriers or circumstances life has set in front of me.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Life has many chapters. It’s important not to let each chapter divert you from your life’s big purpose, but instead, allow the core of your soul to be fed by them. I’ve spent chapters being sidetracked by shiny new opportunities, but life has always brought me back to my essence, my truth, which is to make my art. And, I’m grateful for that. Another great lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay for me to evolve. In fact, it’s important for younger generations to see us evolve with authenticity and passion. I think we only get better with time and experience; withholding our artistic evolution from the world is not only selfish, but it keeps us from reaching our full potential.
What would you tell an aspiring artist that is just getting started in music?
I would say be relentlessly authentic. Go deep, find out who you are, and share the aspects of your artistry that no one else can. There is only one you.
Now onto your release, Steinway Sessions (Special Edition). What inspired this album?
Back in that time, I would perform these songs to my close friends, in living rooms, surrounded by supportive community. I was new to the LA music scene, and I was definitely chasing after something. Limelight. A big break. But that night, I sat at the Steinway as a sort of escape from
that chase, a respite, a deep breath. Little did I know that by recording these songs, I was capturing an era of my life, one where I was being nurtured and guided by people who really saw me. Who heard and loved my true voice.
What is the overall theme of Steinway Sessions (Special Edition)?
To me, this album symbolizes a grounding, a steadiness in times of uncertainty. This theme is present in both the songs themselves and the circumstances under which they were recorded. During that time, I felt like a young, inexperienced songwriter bird, safeguarded within a nest of creativity. My mentors believed in me so much, I was brave enough to take a risk, to be vulnerable, to express something raw. I spread my wings and flew, because I felt steadied, supported, and safe.
How does this edition differ from the original?
This special edition has been restored and refurbished, with extensive remastering from artist, producer, and ECR President Blake Morgan. I’ve couldn’t be happier that this is now the definitive version of this record.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for Steinway Sessions (Special Edition)?
The photo is of me working in the studio. I love that photo, it was taken by a dear friend. It really captures the moments in a studio when time loses its meaning, the world fades away, and every syllable and note of every song is all that matters. I think it’s so fitting for Steinway Sessions.
What was the creative process like when making Steinway Sessions (Special Edition)?
I’ve always thought it was the most free and relaxed I felt recording an album, because I did what came so naturally to me. I just played my favorite songs the way they landed in that moment.
How long did it take to complete Steinway Sessions (Special Edition)?
It was much less time than other records I’ve made, though now I could say it took fifteen years because of the remastered Special Edition.
Is there a specific song on Steinway Sessions (Special Edition) that speaks to you the most? If so, why?
I love all the songs for different reasons. All of them are fun to perform. If I had to choose one favorite, I would probably say “Anchor.” That song holds a lot of meaning for me, and I love belting out the last chorus. That’s pure enjoyment for a singer, to get to a big note and just let go.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from Steinway Sessions (Special Edition) and your music in general?
I hope the songs speak to people exactly where and how they need them to. If it’s hope in a dark time, assurance in uncertainty, inspiration for the next moves, I hope these songs give folks a heartfelt soundtrack to life’s big and small moments. Overall, I do hope my music inspires people. Music has the power to destroy despair. I hope mine plays some part in that.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I am working on more back catalog projects, and we’ll share about those soon. And yes, there’s a lot more music coming this year, so stay tuned! My next set of shows will be May 3rd, in Chicago, and May 21st, near Baltimore, and more through the summer and fall as I’ll be touring
as the Performer of the Year for Finlandia Foundation. Check out ruutartist.com/live for dates and details.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://instagram.com/ruutartist
https://www.facebook.com/ruutartist
https://www.tiktok.com/@ruutartist
https://www.youtube.com/@ruutartist
https://x.com/ruutartist
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
