Ruth Patterson debuts new single, Sink or Swim
Ruth Patterson’s debut single ‘Sink or Swim’ marks the launch of her solo career which has come to fruition during her time as The Glasshouse International Centre for Music Artist in Residence. The single is due out on the 26th June, the same weekend Ruth should have been performing at The Glasshouse
The concert has had to be postponed until February 2021 but Ruth is determined to continue with her plans to release the single.
“I was so disappointed when my chance to perform as Artist in Residence was postponed, and when I finally do get to play in Sage Two, it will be a dream come true. Yet it feels right to still mark the end of the residency and the culmination of what I’ve been able to achieve, with the launch of the single. It feels like something positive to shout about in uncertain and scary times!”
Ruth was selected, along with Holly Clarke and Paul Edis, as one of 2019/20’s Artists in Residence. The Glasshouse Artists in Residence placement is a 10-month artist-led programme for musicians who wish to develop an ambitious creative project and applications for 2020/21 are now open.
During Ruth’s time with The Glasshouse she has been mentored by the likes of composer and arranger Fiona Brice as well as The Glasshouse’s creative team.
“I was really, really lucky to be able to meet Fiona Brice; I’ve always been a massive fan of hers and so it was an amazing experience to have a masterclass day where I could work on my string and clarinet scores with Fiona.”
As well as developing her discipline as a writer and musician, exploring her style and identity, Ruth has written and recorded two singles primed for release, the first one being ‘Sink or Swim’.
“Sink or Swim is about living with mental instability and the battle to keep our heads above water” Ruth states. “It’s written about a panic attack I had last year and I really felt like I was drowning… the loss of control, disappearing reality, not knowing when it will end.
“I guess this song is me sharing my own experiences and hopefully it will connect with other people that maybe feel the same way. It seems with everything that’s going on, the whole world is living in a state of anxiety. We’ve all lost a sense of control as our reality is so rapidly changing.”
The Glasshouse’s building is currently closed but their artist development work continues online and they will deliver next year’s residency programme with the hope that it will culminate with a final performance held inside the venue.
Emily Jones, Senior Producer at The Glasshouse said: “We are looking for four artists across a range of genres who are at a ‘pivotal point’ in their career where an ambitious project will open up new possibilities and move their work forward.
As one of our Artists in Residence, musicians will have access to funding, a residential retreat, rehearsal space, one to one advice and support and will be expected to showcase their work in one of The Glasshouse’s halls.”
Ruth is continuing to write material for her debut album and wants to use her remaining residency time to be able to officially launch her career, adding “As my residency finishes, it is the start not the end of an exciting journey.”
Ruth’s single, Sink or Swim is out on the 26th June 2020. To find out more visit https://www.ruthpattersonmusic.com/