Summer is in session and 24-year-old Ruti Olajugbagbe is in full bloom. You may recognise Ruti as The Voice UK contestant who, six years ago, belted her way to victory at the tender age of 18. Described by then-mentor Sir Tom Jones as a “wonderful, magical singer”, Ruti’s powerhouse contralto and rich, radiant tone instantly bring to mind the near-inimitable voice of London Grammar’s Hannah Reid .
Ruti’s breathtaking vocals will shine whatever their setting, but it’s clear from how their sound has shifted over the past few years that they’ve taken pause to steadily carve their own path, wisely evading the ready-made pop-factory mould that many a competition winner has succumbed to. Following the release of their latest offering, their evocative EP ‘Lungs’, we catch up with the burgeoning musician from within the four walls of their bright green bedroom in Essex – the sound of Ruti’s dad playing their track ‘Bubblehouse Bounce’ rebounding in the distance. We talk turning second-rate situationships into full-throated power ballads, neuro-diversity and its connection to creativity, their journey to self-confidence and iconic artists who serve as inspiration.
— — Hey Ruti! How’s the response been to your latest EP, and how are you feeling? The response has been incredible, actually. I was so excited about the music that I’ve been releasing because I was like, so, so proud of it. I kind of knew ‘Lungs’ was the big one because it’s a lot more.