The latest release from Renee Ruth brings out an incredibly Lush and cinematic soundscape that is woven with much attention to detail but never without losing its heart as the songs flow in a bountiful and orchestral tonality, Ruth speaks of emotional impact and fiery inspiration.
The self-titled EP spans across four tracks but within that spectrum, she really manages to pull off giving so much character and persona that it's very hard to turn away from, and by the end you feel like you know her.
What's more is these songs are very relatable and come through with such a massive and anthemic feel at times that she manages to create an entirely new atmosphere for you to step into so the record is almost like a form of escapism in a way and it feels really good.
These songs are built with a pop-oriented mindset, but they are thinking outside the box in terms of songwriting and the production is absolutely pristine as you have all kinds of backing vocals, percussion elements, and surprises around the corners of the record.
You definitely get the feeling that this was produced with a certain know-how, but you also understand when listening to this, that these songs were each its own vision from the artist herself and I'm sure these came to fruition as close to they were in her head as she might have imagined.
These songs are intense and leave their mark as they definitely make you think and feel.
I think that's really important in terms of music in general. Having songs that make you feel something from them or think back on your own life because you felt those things before in the past or even now.
This kind of thing forms a connection between the listener and the artist, and she does such an amazing job of that plus delivering powerful vocals that give memorable melodies constantly.
There are definitely layers to be peeled back across the span of this EP and it's something that is endlessly fun to do.
As a matter of fact, this is the type of record that you listen to more than once and by the second time around, you were catching things that you missed the last time.
There are a lot of little details throughout the record that don't always jump out at you the first time around, but you notice them the next.
All of these songs absolutely come from someplace real, and this gives it a sort of genuine and authentic approach which really works in terms of getting you hooked.
And even though it does get you hooked; I think these songs were written to get things off of her chest.
It feels like these were songs that needed to happen, and it was most likely cathartic for her in a way. Or at least it would seem so.
Either way, we wanted to have a sit down with Ruth so that we could find out where this album actually did come from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the self-titled EP! This record had an excellent mix of styles that came through unique and powerful! How did this release come about?
I had written a few songs that I could hear what I wanted produced but didn't have the skills myself...I found a producer in 2019 and sent him one of my tracks - he sent back 30 seconds that by my estimation was nearly mind reading in terms of what I heard! That started a 3 year partnership and the compilation of nearly 30 songs! When we sat down to go over what the "Renee Ruth Sound" was supposed to be like, I told him I wanted my songs to take the listener on a journey; highs, lows, drops, EMOTION. John McLucas DELIVERED :)
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
I grew up in a musical family in Canada. I was on the church stage with my parents as a little kid and went on to sing in church my entire youth. I set out on my own for the first time the year after my mom passed away at my high school and put together a full show for my OAC Music credit to get into Universities in Canada. Losing my mom though, had my life take a turn and I lost the music for a while...lost a lot.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
LIFE. All life. My experiences, others experiences. I wrote "Here to Stay" for a brief looking for a love song and I was in the middle of my divorce...so I asked my producer to share how he met his (now) fiancee and he left me three 30 second voice messages and I wrote that entire song from those!
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some interesting approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
I think the EP does a fair job of representing how far my musical influences reach lol. I loved 90s hip hop and dance music, LOVED. I fell in love with EDM listening to BT's first album in the late 90s and obviously have the church/gospel background so there are some worship vibes in a lot of what I do too. I loved punk, top 40, the oldies, and GOOD LYRICS. I have always paid attention to those in music. Anything with a good beat had my attention but I equally loved ambient, dreamy music. Punk rock, pop rock, trip hop, sooo many genres. So when I go to write, I let the song decide what it's going to be, or the brief :)
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
The day job that still pays all the bills :) I'm a realtor and run a multi-million dollar real estate company in the tiny town I live in that currently funds the music!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Above and Beyond. Steady right now. I love how their music takes you on a soaring journey.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I am doing them monthly in preparation for the national tour I'm working towards - practicing weekly with my bandmate Fred Jackson and daily for myself to keep in shape as I keep the hustle going!
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
It's all home-studio right now!! I actually completed most of the 30 songs I've finished during the pandemic coast to coast with my producer rarely being in the same place at the same time. Writing and recording on the fly with the day job! I'd LOVE to get in a do a full album in a legit big studio one day soon though!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I've got 20 more songs to release, so if you love the vibe that's put out so far, there's more of that coming and dipping into a few other genres too :)
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you!! SO MUCH!! The deepest amount of gratitude to each and every person that has clicked to stream, shared a song, or seen me live. I wouldn't be here without you and I'm deeply grateful.