Last month, NYC’s Bulgaria-born soul-pop artist Ruth Koleva shared her PRIDE-dedicated single “Candy Coated.”  The musician, model, and activist received praise for work by Harper’s BAZAAR, PRIDE.com, Blackbook and more. 

The artist has now returned with her latest single “On My Way.”  Focusing on bringing awareness and support to those who are victims of domestic violence, “On My Way” centers on finding courage.  “Nothing feels more paralyzing than when you’re in a toxic relationship and you can’t figure out how to break free from it,” says Koleva.  “No one should ever be allowed to make others feel small and scared. For me, this song represents that moment when your inner voice of strength realizes it’s time to take action and free yourself.”

Going with the single is an accompanying lyric video that conceptually visualizes how one’s mind begins to reveal the chaos, confront it and ultimately gain the strength to leave. 

Elements of Ruth’s struggles as well as causes she champions such as LGBTQ+ rights, domestic violence and mental illness are an integral part of her life as a musician. She is an advisory board member for Single Step, an organization that gives support for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, friends and allies. She has also decided to donate a portion of proceeds from “On My Way” to RAINN.org.

Effortlessly blending soul, drum and bass, R&B and indie-pop, Ruth has graced the covers of Bulgarian Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, shared stages with Bobby McFerrin, Lianne La Havas, Redman, Method Man & Little Dragon and quickly found a fan in Mark Ronson. Fans may also recognize her from ads campaigns for Adidas, Ford, Kia Volvo, H&M + more. As she embarks on her new life in New York City amidst a global pandemic, she’s more focused these days on “what lies in the shadows, rather than on the spotlights.”