The Artist Explains: Ruti - 'Closer To You'
Ruti makes a return with a fresh collection of intimate jams for our ears - starting with new single ‘Closer To You’. A net-soul delight that was produced by Wayne Wilkins - who has worked with the likes of Beyonce and Leona Lewis. Ruti took a moment to talk us through the visuals for the track.
So Ruti, how are you? How are you coping during this strange time for music?
I’m doing okay. This time has given me the opportunity to write a lot and develop my sound. Even learn new skills - you’d be surprised by the amount of video editing I’ve done over the past few months. I’m thankful that I have a space at home to work from and the means to communicate with my team easily.
How has the response been since you released your first single of 2020 - ‘Closer to You’?
It’s been amazing and I’ve been surprised! I keep checking my Spotify analytics, it’s had way more listens that I was expecting!
What is the track about?
Basically the track is about someone I had a small crush on around the time I wrote it. I wasn’t too invested but it was fun to think about the possibilities. FYI I no longer have a crush on them!
The song has a DIY homemade video that you did yourself, during lockdown. How was that experience?
It was mainly fun but the editing was a little stressful. Thankfully my sister was around to help me film everything - we spent several days out and about filming around our town. Eventually had to pick from the hours of content and what felts like millions of location and piece it all together which took about 3-4 days. It’s not exactly something I’ve done before but I have to say it kept me occupied and it was worth the time it took. I’d probably do it again!
It features a cat - does that belong to you? Does the cat have a name?
The cat is called Whisper (like the Chocolate). Unfortunately it’s not mine, although do have two cats. She belongs to a friend that let me use their garden for some filming.
There are some nice neo-soul vibes on your music, what are your key musical influences?
This is a one hard, but I think my main influences at the moment are Laura Mvula, Ella Fitzgerald, Lizzo and Lianne La Havas.
Now the track is out there, what next?
I’m currently working on releasing another single! And at the same time I’m getting a few tracks ready for an EP that I’m planning on releasing before the end of the year. It’s my second EP ever so I’m excited about it. I think that you can really see a growth and development from my first EP Racing Cars so I can’t wait for .