A voice emerged from Edmonton, cutting through the noise of social media. It belonged to a young artist who landed a record deal before finishing university. Her journey started not in a studio, but with six-second song clips.
Born to Ethiopian immigrant parents, she balanced work at a local store with posting online. She describes herself as an introvert who never chased the party scene. Instead, she built a following through raw, honest vocal snippets.
Her stage name is simple, while her full name connects her to her heritage. By 2024, her catalog had gathered over 2.5 billion streams globally. This proves that authenticity and melody still matter deeply.
Her rise reflects a generation of artists who bypassed traditional gatekeepers. Using platforms like Vine, she reached listeners directly. She plays piano, writes her own material, and produces with a storyteller’s instinct.
Her career launched with a fragment of a song inspired by a TV show. A moment of creativity transformed into a multi-platinum international hit. It’s a story built on truth, not hype.
Charting a Viral Journey and Breakthrough Moments
A six-second video clip, born from a television show’s fantasy, ignited a musical phenomenon. The artist began posting on Vine in 2013, drawn to its simplicity. She built an audience with raw vocal snippets between shifts at a retail job.
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Her teenage years were a balance of ordinary work and quiet online creation. This foundation was built on genuine connection, not industry pursuit.
The Vine Era and the Birth of “Lost Boy”
In late 2014, a clip inspired by Once Upon a Time amassed 84,000 likes in a week. Fan demand pushed her to expand the fragment into a full song. She uploaded the complete “Lost Boy” to YouTube in January 2015.
The track’s organic growth was staggering. It became a genuine hit, crossing borders and climbing major charts.
| Release | Canadian Chart Peak | Billboard Chart Peak | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Lost Boy” (Single) | No. 14 (Hot 100) | No. 24 (Hot 100) | 6x Platinum (Canada), 4x Platinum (U.S.) |
| “The Intro” (EP) | No. 20 (Albums) | No. 52 (200) | N/A |
| “Safe Haven” (Album) | No. 17 (Albums) | N/A | Gold (Canada), Platinum (U.S.) |
Debut EP “The Intro” and Album “Safe Haven”
Following the single’s success, a major label deal led to her debut EP, “The Intro,” in late 2015. Her first full-length album, “Safe Haven,” arrived in 2017. It solidified her status beyond a one-hit wonder, earning strong certifications.
The journey from a viral video to a charting album was remarkably fast. It proved the power of a resonant song in the digital age.
Recognitions, Awards, and Industry Impact
Critical acclaim arrived swiftly, confirming that a viral sensation had true staying power. The music industry recognized her talent with major awards and nominations.
Juno Award Success and Critical Accolades
She won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2017 Juno Awards. This important award year celebrated her rapid rise from online platforms to mainstream success.
The same ceremony brought a Songwriter of the Year nomination. She competed against established Canadian talent, showing respect for her craft.
In 2018, she earned three more Juno nominations. These included Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her debut album.
Chart-Topping Hits and Streaming Milestones
Her song “Dandelions” became a global sleeper hit in 2022. TikTok users discovered the track five years after its initial release.
The song charted internationally in countries like India, Brazil, and Germany. It accumulated over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone.
By April 2025, her YouTube channel surpassed 900 million views. “Lost Boy” generated over 850 million Spotify streams, demonstrating lasting appeal.
Her catalog reached more than 2.5 billion streams worldwide by June 2024. This milestone shows rare longevity for a debut artist.
The Artistry of Ruth B: Singer-Songwriter Insights
Beyond viral success lies a carefully crafted artistic identity built on piano-driven melodies and honest lyrics. This singer songwriter approach defines her entire catalog.
Musical Influences and Storytelling Approach
She draws inspiration from narrative masters like Lauryn Hill and Carole King. Each song functions as a complete story with emotional truth at its core.
This storytelling philosophy connects all her favorite artists. She weaves this principle into every composition she creates.
Exploring Hit Singles and Album Highlights
Her debut album “Safe Haven” introduced powerful tracks like “Superficial Love.” These songs showcase her confessional piano style.
The EP “Maybe I’ll Find You Again” marked an introspective shift in 2019. “Slow Fade” became a fan favorite for its raw vulnerability.
| Release | Year | Notable Tracks | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Safe Haven” (debut album) | 2017 | “Lost Boy,” “Superficial Love” | Established piano-driven confessional style |
| “Maybe I’ll Find You Again” (EP) | 2019 | “Slow Fade” | Introspective production shift |
| “Moments in Between” (album) | 2021 | Various | Expanded sonic palette |
| “Paper Airplanes” (single) | 2022 | “Paper Airplanes” | Featured in Netflix film |
Collaborations and Impact on Pop Culture
She collaborated with Dean Lewis on the 2023 single “28.” Their voices blend in a poignant duet about reflection.
Rod Wave sampled her song “Mixed Signals” on his hit “Street Runner.” This demonstrates cross-genre respect for her work.
Her music continues to influence pop culture beyond chart positions. She maintains creative control over her distinctive sound.
Bringing It All Together for Future Music Lovers
Sometimes the most enduring careers begin with the smallest moments of inspiration. A six-second idea grew into a multi-platinum song, proving that honesty outlasts hype.
Her journey offers a blueprint for artists navigating social media. It shows how to build a career without losing your authentic voice.
Industry respect came through consistent songwriting and quiet confidence. Not through celebrity noise or overselling her craft.
Her catalog continues to expand with billions of streams. New collaborations reach wider audiences while keeping her distinctive sound intact.
For future music lovers, Ruth B represents possibility. A moment of inspiration, captured and believed in, can become lasting work.
The best songs often start small. In bedrooms and brief clips, before finding the ears that need them most.
