Ruti’s (They/She) latest single, “Break My Own Heart,” is a music rollercoaster that’ll leave you feeling both bittersweet and empowered. It’s a breakup anthem with a twist of electronic magic and Ruti’s signature raw vocals. Ruti’s got that knack for turning personal struggles into pop gold, and “Break My Own Heart” is no exception.
Building on the success of her EP “Lungs,“ Ruti’s new single is proof of her growing talent and ability to connect with her fans on a deep emotional level. It’s a perfect blend of heartfelt lyrics and explosive beats that’ll have you hitting replay.
For an in-depth look into Ruti’s latest single and their personal journey, don’t miss their exclusive interview below. Ruti shares candid insights into the inspiration behind “Break My Own Heart,” their creative process, and the emotions that fueled this powerful track.
Congratulations on your new single, “Break My Own Heart.” Can you elaborate on the personal experiences that inspired the song?
I wrote this song at a time when I was starting to date again after a breakup. I was meeting a lot of people that I was interested in, but I would get into my own head about where things were leading and the future. I was feeling quite insecure because I’ve never really done the dating thing. I felt like things were over before they even started, if you know what I mean. I was in a mindset of like, “They’re not going to like me by the second date” or “They’ve already lost interest, and we’ve barely started dating.” I tend to be an overthinker anyway, so this song is like a talking to myself in the mirror moment. In the song, there are two Rutis, one of them is making life very difficult. So what I’m trying to say is the only person I’m hurting is me, myself, and I.
How did you balance the emotional rawness of the lyrics with the vibrant, glitchy production?
I don’t think we overthought it. I knew I wanted it to sound quite anthemic and ethereal, of course, but to also have a kind of pop-punk chorus as well. Lyrically, I was just being honest and giving myself a talk, and both Congee and Marlon were very welcoming to my production input. So it really feels like this song is expressing exactly who I am at that moment.
How do you think the song’s message resonates with your audience, especially given the prevalence of mental health discussions?
I really feel like the subject of overthinking is universally relatable. A lot of people in my Instagram comments have already been telling me they can relate to the snippets I’ve posted. And not in romantic situations exclusively. Overthinking really gets in people’s ways and makes us live and react out of insecurity. I think it is hard to confront yourself when it comes to destructive habits, and even harder to think you can change those thought patterns.
What was the creative process like working with Marlon Roudette and Congee on “Break My Own Heart”?
This song actually came out of the first session we ever had as a trio. We basically wrote the whole song that day! The connection with both of them was instant, and we’ve really enjoyed working with each other since then.
I can’t remember exactly how it happened, but Congee played like two notes, and I was like, “Wait!” And then sang that piano baseline that you hear from the beginning of the song. We recorded it, and that was that! It just kind of unraveled quite quickly from that moment on.
“Break My Own Heart” is the follow-up track to your widely acclaimed EP, “Lungs.” Can you elaborate on the creative process behind “Lungs” and the emotions and experiences that inspired it?
It’s so funny to me thinking about how I wrote lungs and what kind of headspace I was in at the time. I was in a writing session 5 years ago with Emily Philips and Wayne Wilkins. It was our third session together. I was just talking quite frankly about this guy who was making me feel a lot of different things. I felt like I liked him, and I felt like I was desperately scrambling for his attention, which also made me feel insecure and confused because I was so anxious at the time. I was having panic attacks quite frequently about various different things, but the feeling of inadequacy in that situation just topped it all off. I’ve grown a lot since then. I genuinely wrote in a note on my phone on the way to the session “You might as well Take my lungs, one day maybe I’ll be able to breathe around you”. And then it all went from there. We dramatized a touch of it for the plot, but there is a true yearning and desperation for answers behind the lyrics.
Now that “Break My Own Heart” is out, are you already working on new music? Can you give us a hint about what we can expect next?
I’m always working on new music! You can expect a lot of different things from me, as per usual, I can’t stick to one thing! You can definitely expect one more single before the end of the year and a few extra special remixes, etcetera. I have a few more vulnerable songs coming, too. Some that I’ve actually performed live and have gone down a treat!
Who are your biggest musical heroes and role models? Are there any specific bands or musicians that have significantly influenced your work?
My biggest musical heroes, I’m just gonna list:
My favourite songwriter is Labi Siffre, I literally make everyone I possibly meet listen to him. I’m pretty sure a few producers that I’ve worked with recently can vouch for that.
I love Laura Mvula, and I’ve mentioned her in every interview I’ve done since I was 18, I’m pretty sure. She’s had such a big influence on me. I’m really a big fan of Gabriel as well. I love Jacob Lusk’s voice so flipping much! Potentially one of my favourite voices of all time.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to find their unique voice?
Honestly, take your time, please! I’ve been in the industry for only six years, which feels really long but also short at the same time. It’s been a gradual process. There’s literally no rush at all! I am expecting it to be several more years before people see me as what they think success looks like, if that makes sense.
Try everything but you want to try. Also, recently for myself, I’ve been saying yes to things that I’ve always wanted to do but have no experience in whatsoever, and I’m kind of freaking myself out. I guess I’m just trying to overthink less. So maybe scare yourself once in a while to make sure you’re awake!!