Stories, struggles, and strategies from a songwriter who’s crafted hits, navigated bias, and stayed true to her voice.
RuthAnne was just 19 when she got her big break. Collaborating with singer-songwriter heavyweights Billy Steinberg and Josh Alexander, she wrote Too Little Too Late, which then sold to JoJo and became a smash hit. She never expected to then write for the likes of Britney Spears, Martin Garrix, and One Direction, as well as successfully releasing music under her own name.
Now, the Irish musician has compiled her 20 years of experience into a 257-page novel – It’s Not Just a Song. With insights from legendary musicians Amy Allen, Steph Jones, and John Legend, it’s jam-packed with stories of success, tales of hard times, and nuggets of advice for like-minded budding artists.
“It’s been an amazing reaction,” she says after her book release on 25th September. It’s already received sparkling reviews from the likes of Glamour UK and Songwriting Magazine. “I’ve been overwhelmed with how well received the book has been, and I’m just so happy to have it out there.
“[Writing the book] took me about two years. I wrote it in two- to three-week spurts throughout, and a lot of it when I was pregnant with my little girl. It really is the book I wish I had when I was first breaking into the music industry.”
As well as being created for new faces, the book’s also made for long-term industry professionals to validate their existing experiences. “I think everyone in the music industry goes through the same things in varying degrees. It’s a very tough business to navigate, which is why I wanted to interview the biggest songwriters in the world. Really, to have their insights and experiences in the book as well as my own.”
Part of the reason why it might have been so helpful is her insight into being a woman within the sector. It undoubtedly made a significant change to how she was treated, perceived, and rewarded. It’s Not Just a Song details this in a dedicated chapter, with RuthAnne showing that it wasn’t just men contributing to this culture. She writes: A female who worked in the industry came up to me and said, ‘You need to use your sexuality more, you need to flirt more with A&Rs [talent scouts] and producers, artists and writers.’
“The ‘boys club’ exists. And has existed in every industry forever,” she says. While UK initiatives like Donne UK and She:Music help to uplift new female talent, the industry still has significant gender-based issues – ones that RuthAnne feels she can offer her personal advice on.
“[The industry has] changed a lot, and is definitely getting better,” she remarks. “There are still challenges that I face as a woman, but I do see the dial moving in the right direction, and I want to help with that. I’m hoping the book will help female creatives know how to navigate any challenges like that, and also that male creatives can read it and understand the female perspective and experience, and be aware and mindful of that.”
It’s not just cultural shifts that have affected the industry. We’re all aware that the way music is created, promoted, and released has experienced a seismic shift, and it’s no longer solely controlled by conglomerates and established record labels. Now, we’re seeing key players come up the ranks through the likes of TikTok and Instagram.
“I think it’s created an industry where everyone gets a shot,” she continues. “There are no gatekeepers any more. Record labels don’t decide who stars are – the people do. I think it’s a great time to be an independent artist. I guess the biggest shift I [personally] experienced was the beginning of streaming. I had my first hit when CDs and physical music were still being sold. Streaming came in and threw the industry into chaos. But I’m glad to see vinyls and physical copies of music making a comeback.”
Perhaps not by surprise, RuthAnne encourages those who are making their way in the music industry to read her book. She also adds, “I think to stand out is really finding the thing that makes you unique and leaning into that, being authentic, and just never giving up. Keep going.”
Our conversation ends with RuthAnne’s three key takeaways from It’s Not Just a Song, showcasing the time and thought she poured into her work.
“Preparation plus opportunity equals success. Be prepared for when the lucky break comes knocking, and that’s how you’ll be successful. Trust the process, everyone is on their own journey, so don’t compare yourself – just trust in your journey. And finally, feel the fear and do it anyway.”
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