These days, there are several upcoming female country artists in the country music scene and singer/songwriter, Ruthie Collins hailing from Fredonia, NY, is definitely no exception.

The country singer recently chatted with me about some things close to her including musical influences, her latest released music, shares tips for DIY ideas, and talks about her goals for 2018.

If you asked Collins what her favorite artists are, she would tell you that it’s singer/songwriters and they range from a wide variety. “My favorite artists are singer/songwriters. Artists who are passionate about songwriting and really care for the music.” said Collins. “Some of my favorites include Tom Petty, Emmylou Harris, Ryan Adams, Dolly Parton, and Patty Griffin. I’d say Patty Griffin probably influences me the most from that list. Her songs make me feel all the deep feels and that’s what I try to do through my music as well.”

It just so happens, that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, when it comes to performing, writing, and being a singer/songwriter, explains Collins, “My mom is a musician, a piano teacher, church organist and such a creative person. And my father is a teacher and a creative writer. So it’s always been in my blood to perform and to write.”

You can tell by listening to Collins’ debut album, Get Drunk And Cry, that the record definitely showcases the singer’s songwriting abilities. I asked the artist which song off the project is her favorite, along with which one she thinks is a fan favorite. “So hard to pick one song! My favorite might be ‘Me and Emmylou’ because it’s just a fun upbeat driving song, which I love. Also my dog is on the track! I think ‘GDAC’ is the fan favorite because so many people relate to it!” says Collins.

Click the image to download the album on iTunes

Some fans may not know, that the singer/songwriter actually made Get Drunk And Cry: The Short Film, a small film featuring a brief storyline lightly based on things that happened to the artist herself, and including a few songs from her latest album. Collins did admit that she would consider doing more acting in the future! “Making the film was amazing but a lot of hard work.” says Collins. “The idea for the film was just me and the director/producer sitting in a coffee house writing it all out! We came up with the storyline, loosely based on my personal experiences and went from there! I would love to do more acting in the future although it is scary!” continued Collins.

Along with performing, singing and songwriting, Collins also grew up playing a couple instruments. “I started playing piano and violin at age 3 and picked up the guitar in middle school.” says Collins. “I play guitar the most and love it but when it’s 2 am after a few glasses of wine and I’m to inspired to go to bed, I love sitting down at the piano to write.”

Every singer/songwriter always has a distinctive sound to them. When asking Collins, which one song her fans should listen to, to describe her musical style or herself, she said it would definitely be the title track from her latest album, Get Drunk And Cry. Collins says, “It’s me at my most vulnerable but that’s something I’m striving to do more of. I also think it’s a classic country sound that I love.”

Besides music, Collins has a love for the DIY (Do It Yourself) crafts! She started making DIY videos on YouTube, which helped the artist to begin hosting a new series on AETV, called Home.Made., showing how to make different DIY ideas and tips for them! Collins talked about a DIY idea she loves to make and a tip for all DIY ideas! “My tip for people doing DIY’s is just to go for it and not to freak out if you mess up! You can always redo. Just to not try to be too perfect. My favorite project is definitely SHIPLAP!” says Collins.

We just entered a new year not long ago, and this singer/songwriter already has intriguing ambitions she would like to focus on in 2018, changing the game for female country music artists. “My goal is to get out to country radio.” continues Collins, “It’s still so hard for female’s in country right now but I’m making it a priority to band with my female artist and songwriter friends to rally together, build each other up and really start to change things for ourselves.”

It’s not often that you find an artist that is unique, but Ruthie Collins certainly has something special. To the genuineness and positivity from her personality that shows through her music, this singer/songwriter will sure to become your next favorite artist. Everyone has their chance to shine, so this is just the beginning for Ruthie Collins on her journey.

Be sure to follow Ruthie Collins on her social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at her website, ruthiecollinsmusic.com.

What do you think of our Exclusive Interview with Ruthie Collins? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment below or on social media!