The Baltimore Sun describes Ruut as an artist possessing, “a pure voice that doesn’t rely on histrionics.” Now, the Finnish-born Baltimore native has signed with Meridian (ECR Music Group) for a series of remastered special-edition reissues in advance of her forthcoming new record, Motherland, out later this year. The first of these reissues is Ruut’s acclaimed Steinway Sessions, a striking collection of impeccable solo performances by the artist. Painstakingly remastered by producer and ECR President Blake Morgan, this collection provides the perfect introduction to those who are just discovering Ruut’s artistry now—and for those who have cherished this record previously and in its original form, this special edition provides the revelatory, detailed re-boot this album has always deserved.

“This special edition of Steinway Sessions revisits the songs I wrote and recorded in 2010 inside a Steinway atelier, guided by mentors who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself,” says Ruut. “These intimate piano-vocal recordings capture a time of searching, growth, and new motherhood… they’re songs I’ve carried with me and shared on stages across the country for years. Returning to them feels like coming home to the piano, the place where I first found my voice, my grounding, and my sense of self.”

Born in Kuopio, Finland—the third of four daughters to young Sibelius Academy students—Ruut was immersed in music and film from childhood, playing piano by ear and writing songs by the age of seven. A turbulent family life led to her parents split and a move to Budapest when she was 12, where her love of music and desire to pursue it cemented—albeit secretly—while learning English and devouring American gospel music. Three years later, she arrived in Baltimore with her mother, living in a double-wide trailer off a truck route, while singing regularly in church in front of thousands.

Despite being discouraged by church leadership from pursuing secular music education opportunities—including a scholarship to Berklee College of Music—Ruut would not be deterred. She left the church in her early twenties and embarked on a relentless path of self-determination and agency which has rendered a string of independent releases, a deeply-connected following, and her arrival at this tipping-point moment in 2026: her signing with Meridian for a full catalog rejuvenation, and being awarded as the Finlandia Foundation 2026 Performer of the Year.

The special-edition reissue of Steinway Sessions launches this rejuvenation—and of its lead track, “Life Is Beautiful,” Ruut offers this fitting insight: “The song describes the moment of waking up to where you are—imperfect, present, and enough—and realizing that sometimes not getting what we want leads you to exactly where you need to be.”

Ruut’s series of remastered special-edition reissues begins March 27th with the release of Steinway Sessions, on Meridian (ECR Music Group).

“Ruut’s vocals are ethereal and achingly beautiful.”
—Lost In The Manor

“Ruut not only revisits a pivotal body of work but also sets the stage for what comes next, reinforcing her artistic identity while introducing her music to a broader audience.”
—Illustrate Magazine

“In a world that constantly pushes us towards artificial perfection, Ruut reminds us that true beauty lies in being present, even when we are ‘imperfect.’ Ruut is not only republishing her records; she is claiming her place among the great authors of our time.”
—Frequenze Musicali

“This remastered edition reframes Ruut's earlier work with a clarity that feels almost disarming, as if the songs had been waiting for the right moment to reveal their full dimension.”
—Parkett

“Intense, honest, and a little unsettling. There’s a quiet kind of honesty in Steinway Sessions…[a] mix of struggle and quiet acceptance, like someone talking themselves through a hard truth and finally making peace with it.”
—NuvaPulse

“Substantive songwriting. With remarkable dynamics, moving melodies, and ballad-like moments, [Ruut] creates a deeply intimate atmosphere. Her remarkably expressive flair, virtuosity at the keys, and delightful exuberance are sure to make the hearts of fans of sophisticated pop music beat a good deal faster.”
—New Indie Radar