Since his debut single “Evil” under the Paul Institute, Ruthven has steadily carved out a niche for himself in the music industry. Known for his unique take on modern R&B, Ruthven’s music blends various influences, from jazz to funk, and draws inspiration from the likes of Prince and Michael McDonald. With a series of singles released over the past few years, he has captivated audiences with his smooth vocals and distinctive sound. Last month, he collaborated with the dance duo Overmono on their single “Gem Lingo (ovr now),” further showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Today, Ruthven announced the upcoming release of his debut LP, “Rough & Ready,” slated for this fall. The album will follow the recent release of Fabiana Palladino’s self-titled album, which has already received acclaim. Ruthven’s “Rough & Ready” will include previously released tracks like “123 Days” and “Don’t Keep It To Yourself,” alongside brand-new songs such as “I Can’t Go There.” This new track, described as a “slight, satisfying jam,” offers a glimpse into the playful yet introspective nature of the album.
Ruthven has shared that a central theme of “Rough & Ready” is playfulness, a characteristic that permeates both the music and the creative process behind the album. He describes the album as being partly jazz-influenced, heavily inspired by Prince, and touched by the smooth, polished sounds of yacht rock legends like Michael McDonald and Steely Dan. “I admired their songwriting and musicianship, which seemed universally recognized as exceptional,” Ruthven explains.
Having spent time as a wedding-band musician, Ruthven has a deep appreciation for music that has a timeless quality, a trait he sought to capture in his own work. “I always wondered how their music had a timelessness to it, and that’s what I tried to capture here,” he says.
Interestingly, Ruthven’s journey to this debut album began while he was still working as a firefighter. He created many of the early sketches for “Rough & Ready” during this time, with tracks like “Don’t Keep It To Yourself” evolving from an initial upbeat funk tune to the more refined version fans will hear on the album. Unfortunately, much of his early material was lost, a setback that pushed him to create even stronger work.
Collaborating with Anup (A.K. Paul) proved to be a turning point in the album’s development. The two found a great deal of joy in their studio sessions, often laughing over musical decisions and creative flourishes. This infectious, fun energy became a core component of the album, reminding Ruthven that “music should always be fun.”
One of the standout tracks on the album, “I Can’t Go There,” presents a “will they, won’t they” love story. The song features a lively, upbeat tune but is underscored by a slightly colder message in its lyrics, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. Ruthven wanted the music video for this track to reflect this contrast, and he worked closely with his wife, Francesca Nelson, to bring his vision to life.
This collaboration marked the first time Ruthven and Francesca worked together on a creative project, and it proved to be a rewarding experience. “Amazing collaborative energy throughout,” Ruthven remarks. “I became nearly as obsessive with putting this video together as I do when I’m creating music.” The video, directed by the couple, adds another layer of depth to the song, highlighting Ruthven’s commitment to his craft and his ability to convey complex emotions through both music and visuals.
With “Rough & Ready,” Ruthven is set to make a significant impact in the music world. The album promises to be a rich tapestry of sounds and influences, reflecting the artist’s varied background and deep love for music. Fans can look forward to a collection of songs that are as playful as they are profound, capturing the essence of Ruthven’s unique approach to modern R&B. As we await the release of his debut LP, one thing is clear: Ruthven is an artist who is not afraid to push boundaries and explore new territory, making “Rough & Ready” one of the most anticipated albums of the year.
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