RUTH KOLEVA

In this exclusive interview, learn more about the Bulgarian-born New York City based singer-songwriter RUTH KOLEVA on her new song “Moving On.”

The interview also delved on how the time of Covid helped her music evolve and how reconnecting with the music of the recent past decades could ground you and help you create better music. 

Koleva is always excited to start something new. During the early 90s, in hardship of post-Communist Eastern Europe, Bulgaria underwent extreme financial collapse and so Ruth’s father, who is an Olympian and twice World weightlifting champion left for the Far East to seek new opportunities.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Ruth Koleva I’m a Bulgarian born New York-based singer and songwriter. Since last year I also run a festival back in my home country called Sofia Live Festival and I started an initiative for the first major Bulgarian music conference scheduled for next year called So Alive music conference. I started doing music as a child to cope with the break up of my family and music basically saved my life, now I wanna create something that can change the environment of the community of artists and I’m very passionate about building a better ecosystem for artists.

Tell us more about “MOVING ON”

Moving on is a very special song which I dedicate to the fresh starts many of us experience after two years of Covid. A lot changed in my life and perception during the two years of restrictions and my values have shifted a lot. This song is my personal summer anthem about starting anew, in both my personal and professional life.

How would you describe your music?

My music is a mixture of genres since when I started doing music I was involved in the local hip-hop and Drum and bass scene, I have been influenced by a lot of jazz an American black culture, so in few words I can describe it as an eclectic mix of pop soulfulness and beats with a mixture of epic string arrangements.

What’s the most challenging aspect of creating this music?

It was very challenging to create music during Covid in general but trying to create something well not being influenced by trends and only by your personal perception is what I aim at all times.

How did you rise above these challenges?

I tend to listen to a lot of music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s so avoiding all the consumerism of our digital time is how I strive to stay authentic.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

There are many but probably creating and executing my own festival since last year is one of the most interesting things I have ever done. The first addition of the festival was an instant success and it gave me so much hope and inspiration about the young generation of artists.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by a lot of things the most. I tend to dive in emotions and I try to channel them in music.

What scares you?

I’m not easily scared but I am scared about where our world is going.

Guilty pleasure?

Wine and sex.

Last song that got stuck in your head

Into my arms by Nick Cave

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My Olympic winning father once told me that many people Will want to be around you when you’re at your best and very few when you’re at your lowest. That helps me have a clear mindset about who I surround myself with.

What’s your ultimate goal?

I want to be part of a change.

What are your dream projects?

I currently manage a very talented young artist who is only 18 years old and she’s incredible and one of my biggest dreams is seeing her succeed.

Is there a skill / talent that a lot of people don’t know about you?

There are probably many but my favorite one is that I’m a great chef