GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and artist RuthAnne Drops New Album “The Moment” and Debut Book “It’s Not Just A Song”

words by  Marios Stamos 

At 17 years old, RuthAnne penned JoJo’s explosive hit “Too Little Too Late” and was thrown headfirst into the music industry’s deep end with absolutely no roadmap. Two decades later, with over 12 billion streams across her songwriting catalogue, over 200 million for her own artist releases, and countless behind-the-scenes stories that would make your jaw drop, she’s finally written the book she wishes she’d had back then.

“It’s Not Just a Song” serves as an empowering guide to songwriting, surviving the music industry, and so much more. The book is sure to become a bible for aspiring songwriters and experienced industry heads alike.

“It’s Not Just a Song,” released on 25 September via Faber Music, is much more than a music memoir. It’s part survival guide, part masterclass, part insider tell-all—written by someone who’s spent 20 years shaping modern pop from behind the scenes, often as the only woman in the room. The GRAMMY- and BRIT-nominated Irish singer-songwriter has crafted what’s destined to become the bible for aspiring songwriters and industry veterans alike.

“I’ve always been asked throughout my career: how do you write a hit song? How do you break into the music industry? And I’ve always wanted to write a book about it because there’s just so much I have learned over the last twenty years being a professional songwriter. It’s truly the book I wish I had. I had a global hit at 19 years old and was thrust into a very complex industry with absolutely no knowledge. I realised when writing this book how much I’d taken in, experienced, and learned, and I want to pass that down. No matter what level of songwriting you’re at, this book is for you. It has all the insights and wisdom, not just from me but from the biggest and best songwriters, producers, and artists in the world today, and will really give you all the best tools and advice to make a long, successful career in music. It really is not JUST a song.”

But this isn’t just RuthAnne’s story. The book features exclusive interviews with some of the most culture-shaping songwriters of our time: Amy Allen (Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, Tate McRae, Selena Gomez, Halsey), Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, Blackpink), Dan Wilson (Adele, Dixie Chicks), John Ryan (Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction), Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello), Jon Shave (Charli XCX, Iggy Azalea, Lil Peep), and Emily Warren (Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers). Through these conversations, RuthAnne lifts the veil on the coveted world of professional songwriting while sharing unheard stories behind some of the biggest hits of the 21st century.

The book spans everything from navigating deals and difficult personalities to staying creative under pressure, packed with revealing anecdotes that range from heart-warming memories to harsh industry realities. It’s the insider knowledge that comes from two decades of experience, over 200 million streams on her own artist releases, and countless sessions where she had to prove herself in rooms full of sceptical industry heads.

RuthAnne launched the book with an intimate “Behind the Songs” event at Soho House, hosted by The Other Songs co-founder Al Webber, giving a room full of aspiring writers and industry professionals a glimpse into the craft that’s made her one of the industry’s most sought-after songwriters.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. RuthAnne also released her album The Moment on 10 October—a love letter to classic songwriting that draws inspiration from storytellers like Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, and Alicia Keys, and that was written in life’s most intimate corners: on the Tube, in the shower, while breastfeeding her newborn, even lying on an acupuncture table. The Moment captures those quiet moments of reflection where she began asking herself what she truly wanted to say as an artist.

The featured single is the beautiful “Words,” a tender yet significant reflection on how much impact our words can have, with its release on World Mental Health Day making the message feel even more meaningful.

“‘Words’ was written when I was reflecting on some of the narratives I had in my head about myself that were so negative and unnecessary—where they came from and how we can really absorb words and carry them with us throughout our teens and adulthood. The words people say can truly have such a bad influence and be so damaging. And the culture in the world of trolls and screen warriors saying the most hurtful words—so much hate, so much unkindness—and the mental health epidemic that we are seeing in front of our eyes, especially with young people all behind screens with such a lack of humanity. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, and I guess I want this song to remind people to use their words carefully and that one conversation can change someone’s life for the better or for the worse. That sounds extreme, but that’s the reality of how powerful our words can be.”

The album also includes several notable tracks: “Through It All,” an emotional ode to the people who support us through daily struggles; “The Best Is Yet to Come,” a heartfelt collaboration with singer-songwriter Patrick Droney; and a beautiful new version of June 2018’s single “The Vow” featuring Luke Burr. Originally, her debut solo release in 2018, “The Vow,” has developed a remarkable legacy of its own. In the years since, the song has become a recurring viral sensation, serving as the go-to soundtrack for weddings (including a viral video with over 5 million likes) and proposals (notably Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury’s engagement). The track has also achieved commercial success, entering the UK Top 40 and reaching number one in Ireland on two separate occasions.

She’s supporting the album with a two-date headline tour, hitting The Sugar Club in Dublin on 15 October and One Ninety Four in London on 23 October. After spending decades crafting hits for others, it’s time to tell her own story—both in song and on the page.

A mum of two and co-founder of Endo&Me, an educational initiative raising menstrual health awareness in Irish schools, RuthAnne is adding “published author” to an already inspiring résumé. In an industry that loves to keep its secrets, she’s chosen to share the wisdom instead.

photo credits: RuthAnne