RUTH B INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS [FEATURE] BOLD ENGAGING INTERVIEW 2026
RUTH B INTERVIEW: Born in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised within a vibrant Ethiopian household, Ruth B. has spent the last decade transforming the transient nature of viral fame into a legacy of enduring, soulful artistry. While many first encountered her through the record-breaking success of Lost Boy—a track that blossomed from a six-second snippet on Vine into a multi-platinum global phenomenon—her journey is defined by a commitment to the craft of songwriting that began long before the cameras were turned on.
Influenced by the rich, melodic storytelling of her heritage and the timeless lyricism of icons like Lauryn Hill and Carole King, Ruth has carved out a unique space in the modern landscape of Hip Hop and alternative pop. With over 8.6 billion streams to her name, her work resonates through a signature blend of cinematic minimalism and raw, “diary-entry” intimacy. From the sleeper-hit resurgence of Dandelions to being sampled by Rod Wave on Mixed Signals, her evolution from a shy bedroom poet to a Juno Award-winning powerhouse has earned her the respect of industry heavyweights and tastemakers alike.
Now entering a new chapter of creative rebirth, Ruth B. continues to prove that genuine vulnerability is the most powerful tool in an artist’s arsenal, remains grounded in her Canadian roots while speaking to a global audience on her own terms. Get familiar
What five words define your sound?
Honest, raw, simple, complex, soft. That’s what I would say.
Tell me something unique about your creative process
Not sure what’s unique about my creative process. I know that most of my songs start at the piano in the past, but with this project, I got to work with such an amazing producer, Cole M.G.N. We actually started a lot of the songs together in the studio, whether it be guitar, piano, a beat, like whatever it was, it was really different. I really enjoyed that. I like to be comfy when I’m writing, so… I’ll usually be in sweatpants.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
Oh my gosh, like ever? I guess ‘Storm’ right now. ‘Storm’ is my single that was just released. I think it does such a good job of merging my past music and kind of this new era that I’m stepping into. I think it does a really good job of painting where I am right now as an artist.
What inspired you to make that song?
I would say just living life. I started it about 10 years ago. It was just a fun lyric I had. “Can you hear my voice through the storm?” I didn’t think much of it. And then, 10 years later, I actually found myself in quite the storm. And kind of going back to that lyric this all feels a lot more real and heavier now.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when making music?
I would say in the last two years, as I was working on a lot of new songs, I really just let myself feel everything that has been going on in my life, just letting it all go, and not being calculated at all. Like I just felt everything, and saw what was happening around me and within me.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
I’ve had a lot. I’ve had a lot of really great moments. I think I always say it’s so crazy being on that side – performing live. Because growing up, I’ve been to so many concerts, and even now, you know, you feel like you’re watching a real show of sorts. Also, when you’re on stage, it also feels like you are in a show of sorts as well, because you’re seeing all these people, they are singing these songs that you wrote, but you can tell that when they’re singing it, they’re picturing completely different faces and memories. It’s like such a trip, but it’s so amazing. I don’t even know, it’s such a rush knowing that we are all singing the same thing, but still being just incomplete, you know? Thinking about completely different personal things. It’s crazy, especially when you’re the one who wrote it.
What is your favourite song to perform?
I have to say, ‘Lost Boy’. That was my first song that I wrote. There was a time where I really hated singing it. But now that it’s been some years, I think I really appreciate it for what it is. I love the moment. I love what it makes me feel too now. It really connects me with a part of my youth and my childhood. I love that moment. I love how everybody sings together. It’s so much fun.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, that’s probably my all-time favourite album, and I think I remember listening to that so much, specifically a lot in high school, and I just was like, oh my gosh, I need to do this Like, I want to do this too.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
Maybe I’d be writing books. I love reading books so very much. I am always reading. I don’t know, but it would have to be something with words. Some sort of writing just because I love words.
What’s success to you?
Success is many things, of course, but I think to me, if I’ve made music that’s impacting people, making them feel less alone, bringing them some sort of comfort, I think to me that’s the ultimate success.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
I don’t really know if I’ve had in my career something that’s forced me. I think everything has been really organic and every turn or change that I’ve made, it kind of came when it was supposed to. I never felt like it forced me to change really. I think it was more just like, okay, now it’s time to evolve.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
You can find me on all social media, all streaming platforms, @ Ruth B. and through my mailing list sign up. I’m so excited for this new chapter ahead. I’ve got so much music that I’m incredibly proud of and I can’t wait for people to hear.
