Miles of Soul: Ruthie Foster on Music, Identity, and the Journey Behind New Album, ‘Mileage’

Ruthie Foster has always had a way of weaving raw truth into every note she sings, and Mileage is no exception. Foster’s new album traces the emotional mileage accrued over years spent traveling, performing, and growing as an artist. Each track reflects the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way, offering a candid look at the cost and the rewards of a life spent chasing music.

As a Black, queer woman in a genre often slow to embrace change, Ruthie’s path has been anything but conventional. With Mileage, she boldly steps further into her own narrative, creating a unique blend of blues, country, and gospel that captures both the beauty and the struggle of her journey. The album was recorded at the iconic Sun Studios in Memphis, where Foster connects her sound to the rich history of Americana music, while also asserting her own place in that legacy. Collaborations with Tyler Bryant and the Lovell sisters of Larkin Poe add to the album’s vitality, giving it an energy and freedom that aligns perfectly with Foster’s personal and musical evolution.

In this interview, we delve into the stories behind the songs, the creative process, and the experiences that made Mileage a reflection of Ruthie Foster’s life — from the road to the studio, and everything in between.

Listen to the LP below:

Recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, Mileage feels like a love letter to the roots of Americana music. For Foster, the space is rich with history— it’s where icons like Elvis and Johnny Cash first made their mark — and stepping into that realm felt like a return to musical royalty. But this record isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about Ruthie’s continued evolution as an artist, as a woman, and as a trailblazer in an ever-changing world. With collaborations from Tyler Bryant and the Lovell sisters of Larkin Poe, Mileage pulses with the energy of creative freedom, a sound that speaks to the heart of the blues while staying true to Ruthie’s unique voice.

Foster’s Mileage is a deeply personal album, where every song speaks to the experiences that have shaped her life. Drawing on the full spectrum of joy, heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom, this collection is not just a reflection of her musical journey but an honest exploration of her identity. Ruthie’s distinctive voice and soulful storytelling shine throughout the album, inviting listeners to connect with the woman behind the songs.

The title track, “Mileage,” captures Ruthie’s evolving perspective on her career and the emotional toll of life on the road. Songs like “Rainbow” showcase her authenticity as a queer Black artist, offering a message of inclusivity and love to those who are often left out of the mainstream conversation. Ruthie’s voice is a powerful force in today’s music scene, and Mileage adds another layer to her rich legacy.

In this interview, we dive into the stories behind the songs, the creative process, and the experiences that made this album a true reflection of Ruthie Foster’s life.

Photo by Jody Domingue
Mileage seems to be a deeply personal reflection on your life experiences. Can you talk about how your conversations with Tyler Bryant and Rebecca Lovell influenced the songwriting process?

It was really quite organic how we came together to write about my life experiences. I felt comfortable talking to both of them about my road life and my home life, so it became more of a conversation that would turn into songs as we went.

The collaboration with Larkin Poe on the track “Done” is such a highlight. What was it like working with Rebecca and Megan Lovell, and how did their contributions shape the song?

I think what the Lovell sisters added to that particular song was exactly what it needed. The song carries an authentic sound, with Rebecca’s vocals and Megan’s slide added. I was thrilled to finally get to do something with both of them.

You’ve spoken about this album being both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Which track from Mileage do you feel captures that duality most, and why?

All of it. This album was about a year in the making, and I went through some major life changes that year. Heartbreak from a breakup, mourning the loss of a close friend, and even my own physical body showing signs from being on the road for 30-plus years. So, hopping a plane after a tour to Nashville to write—well, these songs poured out of me honestly and with a purpose.

I’ve always loved the song and favored Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s version.

Your cover of “That’s All Right” pays homage to Arthur Crudup, the original writer of the song. Why was it important for you to honor him specifically, and how did you approach putting your own spin on this blues classic?

Tyler (my producer) and I thought we’d try tracking scratch vocals to a groove he had been picking around with on guitar. I’ve always loved the song and favored Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s version. So, being a blues songwriter myself, I thought I’d see what I could do with it and hopefully carry the song back to a blues audience. Plus, it would give me an opportunity to re-introduce Arthur Crudup’s catalog of great blues songs to a new group of fans.

Sun Records has such a legendary history of fostering timeless voices. How did it feel to record with them, and in what ways do you see yourself adding to that legacy with Mileage?

I like to think that I’m making my own mark in the house of Sun Records! Also, finally getting an opportunity to walk into what Sam Phillips built with Sun Studios in Memphis, TN, felt like walking into a part of music history and amongst musical royalty. I look forward to seeing what happens with Mileage.

The title track, “Mileage,” reflects the journey of your career. How has your perspective on your career’s “mileage” evolved over time, and how does it feel to look back now through the lens of this song?

It’s validating to see my life and road experiences in a song like that and knowing that I’ve lived every word of it. I haven’t written a song like that in a while.

You’ve always stayed true to your artistic vision, even turning down major label offers early in your career. How do you think maintaining that autonomy has shaped your journey and this album in particular?

Yes, I’ve always tried to be true to my songs. It wasn’t the popular route to take early on while being approached by major labels then. Now, everybody’s recording on their own. It’s great to see and witness that change. Maintaining my autonomy with my music has brought me to a place where if something comes up as an opportunity but it doesn’t respect the song, or even myself, I can respectfully decline and not feel bad about it at all.

“Rainbow” delivers a powerful message of love and inclusivity. What inspired you to write this song, and what does it mean for you as a queer Black female artist in today’s music scene?

I didn’t have any songs that spoke about being out, so it was time. I love being in a time where so many people are rising up and declaring who they love—and even better—declaring and being acknowledged for who they identify as, gender-wise.

My Texas roots had everything to do with the album.

Your connection to rural Texas and memories of your upbringing are threaded through many of the songs on Mileage. How did your Texas roots influence the sound and themes of the album?

My Texas roots had everything to do with the album. I think that’s why Mileage feels so diverse to me. From growing up on the Brazos River in the backwoods of East and Central Texas to singing about coming off the road and needing to “Slow Down.” Some are memories, and some are just daily life facts.

This album marks your tenth studio release, a milestone in an already remarkable career. What does Mileage represent for you personally and professionally at this point in your journey?

I love the way this particular album recognizes my journey in all aspects of my life and hopefully anyone else who listens and can relate.

We are Guitar Girl Magazine, so we would love to know what guitars were used on this record and your favorite guitar to play live.

I play mostly a Godin 5th Avenue Gold Series Hollowbody electric onstage. Also, a Gibson acoustic. Tyler used Pinky, his darlin’ Strat. Don’t know the year or particulars. He also played a dobro, a few acoustics, piano, and bass.

Mileage tracklist:

Mileage
Rainbow
Good For My Soul
Heartshine
Slow Down
Six Mile Water
That’s All Right
Done
Take It Easy
See You When I See You