RUTH BOOTSMA

Meet Ruth Bootsma

At the age of 13 I heard Within Temptation's single 'Mother Earth' for the first time, and it sparked my interest in music and singing. But it wasn't until 13 years later that I decided I wanted more than just listening to music and singing along.

After graduation I was given the opportunity to guide students in creating musical theater performances. And I wanted to do that well. So, that's why I started delving into composing, music theory, singing technique, etc.

From that moment on I noticed that music always meant more to me than I thought at that time. Ever since I was little, music has been a way to withdraw into my own world, and to be fully me. Music offers me an opportunity to wander into another world for a moment, to process everything I experience. And that's why I started writing songs myself.
 

Songwriting

I want the listener to be able to escape from the daily worries of life for a while. Therefore, I like to transport the listener to a (dream) world, where there is always a bright spot, no matter how dark the situation being sung about is or seems. My music also often contains a message for the listener - I am convinced that music can encourage people to take action, and how wonderful is it if I can contribute to that?

Many of the songs I write are about mental health, and are inspired by situations from my own life or stories I hear from others. I strongly believe in "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." I know that you can always overcome anything, even if it is hard and takes time. Everyone has the strength within them to continue, to (learn to) see the light. And that is what I want to emphasize with my music.

I do not commit myself to a specific genre. I like to listen to various types of music (often depending on my mood) and I am inspired by various types of music as well. I am not inspired by music only though; I usually find inspiration in nature. Because just like music, I can't live without nature around me. Nature is life, and for me it is also a way to get rid of my thoughts, process emotions and really relax.

I write Dutch and English easy listening songs in the style of Fia and Meau and English symphonic and gothic metal. I am inspired by bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation and Blackbriar, but also by musical legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, and by the great composers Mozart and Bach.

My own personal musical preference lies in symphonic metal: a combination of heavy beats, classical lines and a powerful soprano. That music fits me like a glove. What appeals to me is the way in which stories are told: the text and the composition are one. The lead singer has a powerful voice that tells a story that stands up among all the musical violence. The music is often complex, but feels comfortable and takes you to another world. And that's exactly what I want to achieve with my music.

Why then those other songs? I would like to reach a wider audience, because I have a story to share that more people might want to hear. And I reach that broader audience not only in the metal world, but also in the world of singer-songwriters.