Ruut Interview             Coffee East March 22nd, 2008

For Ruut, her opening slot in front of Naked Blue worked out the way it’s supposed to: she sold a ton of CD’s, won over Naked Blue’s fans and left people clamoring for a return visit. That wouldn’t come as any surprise to the number of critics who the singer-songwriter had already won over. “It only takes one listen,” says American Superstar Magazine, “With one live performance, anyone can see that Ruut lives and breathes music. The natural ability she has for grasping the human spirit with her earnest lyrics and rolling chords is apparent.” Saturday night, she makes her triumphant return to Coffee East with the amazing Jim Boggia.

MM: The Basics. Where are you from?

RT: I grew up in Finland, Hungary and the States. I'm a child of the world, I never had a "house I grew up in".

MM: For the people at home, how do you properly pronounce your name, and what nationality is it?

RT: Pronounced "root", Ruut is Finnish for Ruth. It's a rare and old-fashioned name, but not made-up.

MM: What instruments do you play? What will your configuration be Saturday night?

RT: Piano. I'm playing solo this weekend, which I really enjoy.

MM: Your first time in at Coffee East you really made a great impression on the audience, many of whom have asked for you to return. What do you remember about that show?

RT: An attentive crowd in an intimate setting, and that's ideal. Also, the food was kickin'.

MM: What other musicians have shaped you and become a part of your sound? Who would you point to as inspirations?

RT: I was mesmerized by Andrew Lloyd Webber's songs growing up... Theatre and opera were a big part of life, and somehow indirectly my grandfather influenced me much, being one of Europe's most affluent opera composers. I went through a Michael Jackson phase (not really over yet), which I think instilled in me my passion for production. Tori Amos seeped into my every teenage cell and became a part of everything I do. I also loved Carole King and Joni Mitchell.

MM: Your songs are powerful in that they deal with very personal matters. How hard is it to sing your songs, knowing that you may be revealing yourself emotionally to an audience? How many of your songs relate to or are drawn from your own personal moments and how many draw their source from something you have created?

RT: I think it's not something you can break down... Every song has some marks of life's experiences, some may be more a purging than others. A new song is like a painting - your hands directed the brush, but the colors are universal. It's a combination of writing what you feel, what you know and if you're good, it'll come together in a way that won't exclude anyone.

MM: How would you like to see your career evolve?

RT: I hope to be able to make music forever and not have to feel like I'm wasting my time. So far so good.

MM: I don't think I am breaking any new ground by saying that in addition to being a gifted musician you are also an attractive female. Other artists I have spoken to who fit that description have told me they sometimes are frustrated because they feel that their music is overlooked and is sometimes a secondary consideration to their looks, particularly on the business side of things. Would you say there is any credibility to those concerns?

RT: I think of myself as very average, really.. Especially without makeup and professional help. It's funny, but I think anyone who complains about how their appearance affects their work is spending too much time in front of the mirror and not enough behind their instrument... Music is a such a gift, and great music has its own weight outside of the person who brings it. It lasts longer than photos or even faces do.

MM: You have spent a lot of time playing with Jen and Scott Smith of Naked Blue. How would you describe your friendship with them?

RT: Insane and bordering sibling-hood. We'd do anything to make each other laugh.

MM: Do you know much about Jim Boggia, who you will be sharing the stage with Saturday?

RT: I enjoy his music very much! It'll be the evening of well-crafted songs and weird names.

FILL IN THE BLANK

1) A good day away from music for me is...

Rare, but usually with a good book or a sewing project.

2) When I think of "blues music" I think...

Writers and players who knew pain like the back of their hands.

3) If I was reading a book that was non-fictional, it would most likely be about..

Food, the food industry, vegetarianism, health, faults in the meat and medical industry... Don't get me going.

4) The most exciting thing about 2008 will be...

Summer. I HATE cold weather. It makes me sound like a crabby old woman.

5) I like Baltimore because....

You can go from a city cafe to a country-side winery in 20 minutes. I also love those sudden torrential rain-pours in the heat of summer, they make you stop and laugh, and everything fresh again.