Ruth Rothwell turns a lifetime in music into a personal statement with The Empire Child.
The Empire Child marks a new chapter for Ruth Rothwell. After spending years behind the scenes helping shape the careers and creative visions of numerous artists, Rothwell now steps into the spotlight with a project that is deeply personal. More than just her latest venture, The Empire Child serves as a reflection of her lifelong relationship with music, transforming years of experience, passion, and storytelling into a work she can finally call her own.
She is now decades in the business, a former senior A&R manager at MCA/Universal. Additionally, she plays a significant role in the boom of 90s dance in the UK. She works across different companies like BCM Records and later MCA Publishing. Moreover, she helped develop artists like Zero 7, Basement Jaxx, and Air. She also nurtures songwriters behind famous hits like Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” and Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.”
But, despite those successes, songwriting will always be her go-to work. She shares her thoughts about it:
“Songwriting is really my calling and I could no longer ignore that fact.”
That motivates her to take the lead with The Empire Child, her most personal project to date.
The Empire Child details
Mariano Diaz, a Madrid-based jazz professor, produces the album. This roots in Ruth’s life story, shaping her beginnings in London and her mixed heritage. Furthermore, the album blends jazz, soul, and reggae influences. It tackles identity, resilience, and believing in oneself. Additionally, themes of leaving the past behind and having the courage to move forward.
Ruth Rothwell shares her thoughts on making the album:
“The music represents my culture growing up in London.”
“Music will always bring us back together.”
The project starts with the debut single “Trace the Race.” Specifically, an intimate reflection on ancestry and belonging. It gets inspiration from her Indo-Jamaican mother and her father from South Africa. Moreover, it is followed by “Negativity Be Gone.” This track is about reclaiming control over things that shape our lives. It fights self-doubt together with a clear sense of purpose.
Furthermore, the album’s main track, “Cut The Ties,” sharpens the story, going to something that is direct and freeing. The vibe is a breezy, jazz-leaning backdrop. Additionally, the song talks about knowing when to walk away from things that no longer suit you.
The writing for this album is set between London and Spain. It shares the experience of heritage, migration, healing, and growth. She shares additional thoughts on the creative process behind it:
“Music is my sanctuary, a way to deal with life on life’s terms.”
With The Empire Child, she is not just working behind the scenes anymore; she is now the voice that is ready to tell a story entirely on her own.
The Latest project by Ruth Rothwell, The Empire Child is available to stream here.
Press Release
