Chatting with Ruthie Collins
Hey Ruthie, how the heck are you?
Hello!!! I’m so so well. SO grateful to be back in the UK!
Hopefully a softball question to start…where are you right now, and what are you up to today?
Right now I am currently in an Airbnb looking over the Newcastle Quayside! Just got in about an hour ago after a really beautiful weekend in the Lake District. It’s been absolutely amazing finally being able to explore the UK! Third trip is the charm I guess!
What were you up to while you were in the UK?
I played the Millport Country Music festival, and then Nashville Meets London. Millport was unbelievable, easily the prettiest country festival I’ve ever played. The island was gorgeous and I though the festival was so well run and the perfect size!
Nashville meets London was great as well, another awesome lineup and looking out across the Trinity Bouy Wharf, another amazing location. And of course I was so thrilled to be playing to the incomparable UK audiences again. I played a 30 minute set at each show, just me and my guitar and my loop pedal!
You’ve been to the UK before, what was your favourite experience so far?
YES! Last spring I was here opening up for Sam Outlaw, which was honestly so so far and rewarding. I’m a big fan of Sam’s so it was so special to not only open up for him but to also be able to play and sing in his band. But I’d have to say playing C2C. That was a huge bucket list moment for sure and I sure hope to come back and do it again next spring!
And what new thing were you looking forward to doing this time?
I’m looking forward to exploring and doing a good bit of traveling this time! During my first trip the whole country locked down, and on the second trip I was too busy on tour for much sightseeing. But this trip I’m going to see a good bit of Scotland and England and I’m even flying my Mom over to spend a week with me! I’m obsessed with British culture and history so It’s gonna be the most fun.
You released an extended version of Cold Comfort, what can you tell me about the additional songs?
The new songs are three stripped down versions of songs from Cold Comfort that I recorded on my Mom’s farm during lockdown and my latest single to country radio called Hypocrite. I felt like ‘Hypocrite’ felt like it could’ve been on the original Cold Comfort, and was the perfect bridge to the next batch of recordings to be released.
How was making the video for ‘Hypocrite’? It looks like you might have been freezing at some points, drenched in water. Was that fun or just plain hard work?
Shooting ‘Hypocrite’ was fun and I was pretty nervous at times, because I was REALLY stepping out of my comfort zone but I wouldn’t call it hard work - although the hours were long and you had to be on your game. We shot the video in early July and the water was warm so I wasn’t cold, just a bit uncomfortable being in so little clothes in front of a room full of strangers!!! Overall it was a great experience, and I’m really proud of the video. I think it perfectly matches the vibe of the song.
You’ve been out touring again this year, what did you miss most about touring over the “lost” years?
Ohhh the lost years. I missed the connection with fans the most. I love sharing my stories during the shows and giving the audience the behind the scenes versions of all my songs, and I also really love hearing their stories and connecting on a human level during the meet and greets. So just not being with people. Whether that was in the studio, with my band, or with my community. It was just so tough and I’m so so grateful those times are behind us.
And what’s the one thing you really didn’t miss about being on the road?
Early lobby calls!!!!! I feel like I’ve had enough 3 am wake up calls in 2022 to last me a long time. But being back on the road makes it a million percent worth it.
What’s your favourite venue you’ve played in so far? And where is a dream venue to play?
I think my favorite venue I’ve ever played (and this is a HARD question) would have to be the Fredonia Opera House because it’s my hometown venue. I shot a music video there for my song ‘Dear Dolly’ a few years back and it was one of the most special experiences I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve still never played the Opry or the Ryman so those are my big two! Hopefully looking forward to crossing those off very soon!
What do you get up to when you’re not making music or touring?
Honestly not much. It’s pretty much a 100% full time job and I love songwriting so much that that’s what I do for fun. I’m very active and I workout a lot, and I’m super into health and wellness as a lifestyle. I love hanging out with my dog Hazel, reading, and being outdoors, especially if it’s warm and sunny.
With the poor $ numbers from streaming, what’s the best way for people to support you and your music?
I’d say buying a ticket to a live show, buying some merch and joining my Patreon page! Also follow me on Instagram and tik tok, even though I don’t make money from that, it helps my label stay excited about me and helps me to be able to keep releasing music.
What else have you got on in 2022?
For the rest of the year it’s just writing writing writing, and then recording the next record!
If you could recommend one artist to listen to this week, who would it be?
This week? It would be my best friend Nikita Karmen. She’s got a new single out called ‘Get Even’ produced by Walker Hayes and it’s a total jam.
What’s the question I should have asked you today but haven’t?
Oh I thought these were great questions! Hmmmm maybe tell me about the last song you wrote? And the answer would be: I started a song about the Lake District last night, it’s about being somewhere so beautiful and so inspiring that you never want to leave, but somehow also being content knowing that something even better is just around the corner. It’s a very sweet hopeful song, which is how I’m feeling about life right now.
Finally, how do you take your coffee?
An important question, and very timely because I’m in the UK and finding this very difficult. I take my coffee with heavy cream. And you can’t find that anywhere here and skimmed milk is NOT cutting it ha ha. I’ve been buying a big tub of “double cream” at the grocery store and trying to find ways to carry it around everywhere with me!
To find out more about Ruthie including where she’s touring then go see her official website. You can also check out what she’s up to on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
