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).