Ruth B.: The Soulful Voice of Modern Pop
Ruth B. is a Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame through the social media platform Vine before establishing herself as a genuine pop force. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, her major achievement came with the platinum-certified single "Lost Boy," which propelled her debut album to a top 20 position on the Billboard 200 chart.
Early career
Born Ruth Berhe in 1995, she began posting short song clips on Vine as a teenager. Her organic online following grew rapidly, setting the stage for a more serious musical pursuit. This early digital presence caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her first record deal.
Breakthrough
Ruth B.'s breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the viral success of her self-written song "Lost Boy," inspired by the character Peter Pan. The track's popularity on Vine translated to major streaming numbers, leading to a recording contract with Columbia Records. "Lost Boy" eventually reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-platinum in both the United States and Canada.
Key tracks
Lost Boy — This platinum-selling viral hit defined her early career and established her melancholic, story-driven songwriting style.
Superficial Love — A track from her debut album that showcased a more soulful, R&B-influenced side of her artistry.
Dandelions — The lead single from her second studio album, it presented a more mature and polished pop sound.
Slow Fade — This song highlights her skill at crafting emotive ballads with intimate, confessional lyrics.
Establishing a catalog
Her debut album, 2017's "Safe Haven," debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200, confirming her transition from internet sensation to album artist. She followed this with the 2020 EP "Maybe I'll Find You" and her second full-length album, "Moments in Between," in 2021. These releases demonstrated a consistent evolution in her pop and soul-inflected sound.
Ruth B. has collaborated with artists like Canadian producer Tobias Jesso Jr. and appeared on tracks with fellow Vine-star-turned-musician Shawn Mendes. Her work maintains a focus on piano-driven melodies and lyrical honesty, carving a distinct space within the pop genre.
Fans of Ruth B.'s introspective pop style may also enjoy the music of Alessia Cara, another Canadian artist known for her relatable, lyric-focused songs. The soulful delivery of H.E.R. shares a similar emotional depth and R&B influence. Listeners might also appreciate the narrative songwriting of Mitski, who crafts powerful indie pop with raw vulnerability.
Ruth B.'s music is a staple on modern pop and adult contemporary radio stations featured on this website. Her hits receive regular airplay on channels dedicated to current chart music and singer-songwriter formats, connecting her stories with a broad audience of listeners.
You can hear the music of Ruth B. on various radio stations available through onairium.com, where her soulful pop tracks are regularly featured in rotation for listeners to discover and enjoy.
