For multi-award winning singer/ songwriter, Ruth-Ann Brown, making Reggae music was hardly a choice; it was something she could not run from.

I understand that you recently won a pair of Reggae awards at the 15^th annual Washington DC Reggae Music Awards for your five-track EP, RUTH. Talk about that award show experience and winning such prominent distinctions.

The award show was celebrated by a FOX Network performance which I really enjoyed. Winning the awards was indeed a humbling experience. When you're recognized for doing what you love, it's truly rewarding. 

Listen 'Any Day Now

Let’s go back a bit to your early beginnings. You started singing and songwriting professionally in 2005 and got signed by Bran-Nu Entertainment in 2007. Talk about your early musical journey.

When I just started out, I didn't know much about the music business. I thought it was all about having a good time but the more I was exposed to it, the more I realized that it isn't easy. Back then in Jamaica, you had to compete with several artistes at a show to get two to three minutes on stage and it was virtually impossible to receive airplay without submitting to the payola system. My early days were all about learning valuable lessons.

You moved from Jamaica to Washington D.C. in 2007 to further your musical career. Why did you choose to do so?

The opportunity of working with Bran-Nu Entertainment, based in Washington D.C., presented itself so I took it. Working together proved to be more manageable being in the same vicinity. 

What have you learned about the Washington music scene since arriving there and how has their reception been to your music and Reggae in general over the years.

Washington, D.C. is a melting pot of different cultures and it has been quite receptive to the Reggae genre. There are various venues dedicated to showcasing Reggae acts and I've been blessed to perform at most if not all of them and always to a bubbling crowd. There are also festivals in the surrounding areas that allow patrons to interact with artistes and so far, the feedback has been quite positive. 

You’ve released several scintillating Reggae tracks such as Chilling With My Baby, Jamdown and Unfamiliar Feelings to rave reviews locally and internationally. Where does the inspiration for your songs stem from?

Inspiration usually comes from personal experiences or moments of reflection on society and life in general. Sometimes a conversation, a TV show or a magazine article will inspire a song.

''Inspiration usually comes from personal experiences or moments of reflection on society and life in general''

How do you feel about the current state of Reggae music and where it goes from here?

I have noticed that non-Jamaican artistes are becoming more and more dominant on the Reggae music scene. The Hawaiians, Germans and Italians are singing roots Reggae while many Jamaicans are infusing different genres like R&B into their music. We're allowing others to take over what belongs to us. It is great that the positive messages are spreading but we need to stop giving everything away.

''I have noticed that non-Jamaican artistes are becoming more and more dominant on the Reggae music scene. The Hawaiians, Germans and Italians are singing roots Reggae while many Jamaicans are infusing different genres like R&B into their music''

Talk about your latest single, Any Day Now which you performed at the recent ceremony.

'Any Day Now' celebrates returning to the place of one's peace, which is usually home. This can be a literal place or figurative. Personally, I had Jamaica on my mind when penning the lyrics. 

I also understand that you’ll be in New York for the island’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. Aside from that, what future projects/shows can we look forward to from you in the near future?

Performances are always being confirmed. The best way to keep up with those is to head on over to my Facebook fan page at www.fb.com/ruthannbrownmusic or that of Bran-Nu Entertainment at www.fb.com/brannuent where we post all my show dates. In addition to that, we'll be shooting a music video for 'Any Day Now' before too long so look out for it. 

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