Ruut has had rather an interesting life, from writing songs as a child in Finland to navigating Budapest and eventually building a life in Baltimore. Her latest release Unbeatable was featured in our recent Monthly Favourites review, and I couldn’t help but jump at the chance to speak to the woman herself.

By Jane Howkins

How has your 2026 been so far?

In between signing with Meridian/ECR and touring as Finlandia Foundation’s Performer of the Year, it’s been a year of new beginnings and new horizons. It’s also been a year of digging deeper into my artistry. This series of remastered re-releases, now underway, is incredibly meaningful to me.

You’ve just released a new single titled Unbeatable. What can you tell us about the song and how has the reception been so far? We love it!

Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad the song is landing with listeners, because it talks about something I’ve only recently started to learn. I’ve always set high expectations on myself – I guess you could say I’m a bit of a perfectionist – and in the past few years, I’ve learned the value of surrendering and staying vulnerable. The most incredible and powerful moments I’ve shared with people have been through softness and openness rather than perfect performance. We act like we’ve got it figured out, but if we’re honest, life is just a process of ups and downs until the very end. We can’t possibly win all the time. I want to learn to be more okay with this reality.

You worked with Grant Cornish and Blake Morgan on the track. How was the collaboration and would you like to work with them again?

Yes, I love working with Grant Cornish and Blake Morgan. We make such a good team. Grant and I have collaborated for 12 years already on many projects. But I have to say that we’ve just found our groove with the new music, and now with Blake mastering the songs, I couldn’t be happier. It’s amazing when you find people who really get your vision and know exactly how to bring it to life.

Are there any more singles due for release soon?

We have some exciting stuff coming up soon! I’m so proud of the new music I’ve been making, and I can’t wait to release it. Singles, albums, special editions – it’s all coming. Stay tuned.

Your last album release was 2020’s Soliloquy. What can you tell us about that record and do you think your songwriting has changed much since then?

Soliloquy is an album I wasn’t sure I’d ever release. It was a collection of poetic musings on the piano, and if the songs had lyrics, they would’ve been like secret prayers not intended for anyone else to hear. I guess that’s why I chose that title, Soliloquy – because it was a private rumination, I was just playing and singing to myself.

What’s changed about my songwriting is that I’m not as timid about sharing those private prayers now. I write songs about things that matter to me. I’m older. I’m less afraid of being judged. I’ve also discovered that the things that felt so private, so huge, and like such unique challenges to me alone, are actually pretty common. The private prayers we want to keep secret are the common thread among human souls. We all have those experiences. The specifics may vary, but human experience – at its deepest level – is unifying. We have to go there. We have to be willing to share it.

I hear you have a new album out next year? What can you tell us about it and when is it set for release?

I’ll say this: I’m the most excited about this new music than anything I’ve made so far. I’m exploring new sounds and using my voice in new ways. We’re still finishing the album. It’s so nice to know people are excited to hear it.

You’ve also signed with signed with Meridian (ECR Music Group) for a series of remastered special-edition reissues. Why did you decide to release these reissues and what can you tell us about the project?

I mentioned before about digging deeper into my artistry. This project is exactly that. When Meridian/ECR expressed interest in revisiting my existing catalogue, I jumped at the opportunity. Being able to re-imagine my old music through a new lens has actually broadened my horizons for what could be possible with my music. It’s like having a deeper conversation with my younger artist self, helping her come out of her shell, letting her know she’s cool to break out and go a little wild. Dream bigger.

Make the music that’s always rung loud in her soul that just never got the chance to come out. I’m revisiting old songs and widening my sonic landscape. Giving layers of new meaning to old songs. I’m having the best time with this project.

You used to be quite heavily involved in the church, before leaving in your early twenties. Do you still have any form of belief or spirituality? I also left the church as a teenager so I always find it interesting to hear what people in similar positions believe in now.

Wow, a teenager. It can be a huge step for anyone, let alone young people. It’s like carving out space in the world for your own voice. Following something that goes against the grain. It’s not easy. This is such a huge part of my story and I’m sure it is for you also. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if I hadn’t listened to the voice I heard in my own head.At the end of the day we are alone with ourselves. It’s important to know we did what felt like truth to us. It’s also a privilege, I realise this kind of freedom isn’t always easy or possible. Music is such a huge spiritual outlet for me. Music has saved me, over and over.

Do you tour much? Are there any plans to tour in the UK?

I’m just getting ready to do a handful of performances with the cultural foundation that selected me as their Performer of the Year. It’s a special tour that highlights my Finnish connection. Next year, when the new album comes out, we’ll announce dates and I would absolutely love to come to the UK. It’s been so long since I last performed there (I played in Leeds, Dublin, and Edinburgh in my teens).

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you so much for listening to my new (and re-imagined) music. It means so much that the songs I write matter to you. Please reach out. I love to hear from everyone.

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