Ruth Koleva – On My Way

By starrymag | October 11, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) A mix of soulfulness with a twist of pop and electronic sounds and a pinch of a eastern European vibe and folklore from where I come from.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love many different artists and am inspired by different crafts. Photography and art are a huge influence for me. I love the work of Vivienne Maier, Weegee, Garry Winogrand. I could stare at a Monet or Gustav Klimt paintings for hours and write lyrics coming from the obscurity of my imagination. In music I’ve always admired artists like Jimmy Hendrix, David Bowie. The trouble and broken souls of Amy Winehouse, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone. The soft, calm beauty of Ella Fitzgerald’s voice. The storytelling of Nat King Cole and the musicianship of D’angelo.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “On My Way.”

 

A) “On My Way” is about finding the strength to leave. To me, personally, is a story about suffering narcissistic abuse, feeling locked in a toxic bond and breaking free from it. Whoever has been through such experience, knows very well what I am talking about. I decided to dedicate a portion of the proceeds to RAINN.org since now after the intensity of the pandemic there’s a huge rise in domestic violence and with this song I want to shed light on the topic and raise awareness.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it’s the core message of empowerment and the way the song is presented.

 

Q) Why was it so important for you to show your support of domestic violence victims?

 

A) I come from a country where there’s a huge problem with domestic violence and even now it’s still widely a taboo topic. People prefer to “keep the problem in the family.” Police rarely interfere and institutions neglect victim reports. This is the second song I dedicate to this issue, the first being a song from my previous album called “What You Say to a Girl.”

 

Q) What advice or comfort would you offer someone suffering in silence?

 

A) There’s a way out. There’s life beyond this. It will be hard to leave, but each day will get better, you will get stronger and happier.

 

Q) A portion of the proceeds of the song goes to RAINN. How can fans get involved to support this strong cause?

 

A) Please go to their website and see their current programs. Even sharing their link online could help save someone’s life.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Sometimes I do. Sometimes I create the melody first and write on that. Sometimes I get “locked in” myself and write lyrics and poetry I could transform into music on a later stage. Usually I always have a melody in mind.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Depends on the song. I do try to follow the creative direction I have in my head with the producers/engineers I work with. I do trust my team though and am rarely “bossy” about the workflow.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love Paris, Prague, New York and Tokyo. Asia in general has a special place in my heart. The audience and symbiosis you have with it is something hard to put into words.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) There are many artists I’d love to work with, but really would LOVE to do a writing session with D’angelo and Mark Ronson. <3

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Quite a few to be honest. Right now, I am re-inventing George Michael, I love his production and songwriter. I also think he was a great human being. I am listening to new songs from Little Dragon, Jorja Smith, James Bay and Shy FX.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I grew to kind of dislike social media and the effects it has on real, meaningful relationships. That said, I feel as an artist you don’t really have a choice on that, since it is the only way to share/promote your music.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I want to thank them for supporting me and believing in what I do and I promise that the new music coming ahead is even better. [winks]