Ruth Koleva

Intricate power vocalist Ruth Koleva has the ability to take anyone on an undeniably emotional ride. Hailing all the way from Bulgaria, she is now flossin her way all over Europe and Asia is slowly recognising her flair.We were fortunate enough to get her to share some of her memorable stories with us.

N-F : Was it expected of you to be an athlete since your dad was a weightlifting coach?

R-K: Hah, quite the opposite. He didn’t want me to get involved professionally with sports, even though I was quite good at athletics when I was around 11. He was always against it, and wanted me to have a job in the business sector, so he wasn’t quite satisfied when I got involved with music either. He has been very supportive since my career took off.

N-F :How did you know that music was ‘it’ for you?

R-K :When my parents divorced, music was my only escape from this really difficult time. It was the only thing that made me happy, I knew it was the thing I will be doing my whole life.

N-F:Any particular struggle stories you’d like to share with us? We all know success doesn’t happen overnight.

R-K: Hah, it never does. Well I have a lot, and still go through some. When I was 19, I had to work in a restaurant and a coffee shop in Amsterdam in order to pay the bills, even though my career was going well in Bulgaria. I just didn’t want to go back. It was really hard to not give up and just go back at that point.

N-F :What was it like to be chosen to open for Lauryn Hill?

R-K: It has been a blessing. I am a huge fan since I was a kid. I remember recording her performances from MTV on my VHS and re-playing them for hours when everyone was asleep.

N-F: Do you see yourself as a role model for all the young musicians in Bulgaria?

R-K: I hope so. If there’s anything they can learn and can help them out in their own paths, I’d be grateful for existing.

N-F: What should we pay attention to (musically) from Bulgaria? Anyone you’d like to recommend?

R-K: Sure. Dorothy Takev is a young, really talented lady which I totally adore (go check her new EP – Make Art Not Euro NOW!!!). Rachel Row is an amazing songwriter and singer, you should definitely check out. The beatboxer Skiller has been around, pretty much since I have been. Amazing dude.

N-F: Thanks Ruth! Will deffinitely check them out. Have a good tour!

Photo Credit : Vasil Germanov