When Ruby Greenberg initially started writing music, she didn’t intentionally guide her songs into a particular genre. Instead, she just began writing and watched those songs take shape.

“I wasn't trying to force a certain sound or emulate a favorite artist,” she said. “What I learned was that listening to myself and following that inner voice made me happy. Following the voice that felt right to me, even if it was a different voice than what my friends or teachers expected to hear from me at the time, was rewarding. It was also a little scary. I learned that it's important to let go of the attachment for trying to please others, and instead just be your authentic self.”

Lately, she’s found herself enjoying piano songbooks from various artists. From Carole King’s Tapestry to Sara Bareilles’ The Blessed Unrest, she has been a songbook collector for many years and finds them to be useful teaching tools.

“Even as a singer, I'm actually a very visual person - I like to see the chord shapes and harmony on the page,” she said. “I like to read the lyrics as I learn the songs. Learning other artists' songs is a great inspiration to me. Even if I don't perform them at gigs, it's a great practice to spend time playing through others' music. It allows new ideas to grow and can be helpful with artists' block.”

Artists’ block was not a problem for her latest single, “Roses”. Greenberg wanted a simple, stripped down production with just voice and acoustic guitar, and ended up adding a few other subtle elements. It was challenging, however, to find those lyrics so exposed.

“There is nowhere to hide,” she said. “The lyrics, voice and story sit right on top of the other parts, right over the mix front and center.”

Greenberg compared the lyrics to channeling the unconditional loyalty of a golden retriever. She has noticed loyalty is seen and felt often but rarely verbally articulated. For “Roses”, she wanted to express support, devotion and acceptance.

She hopes that listeners feel the story she is telling and connect with it. It is an emotional piece, but also a reminder that sometimes people just need to hear that they are loved.

“The idea of bringing ‘roses’ to someone became a metaphor for just being there for them, and accepting the truth that they share with us,” she said.

Ruby Greenberg fully showcases her vocals in “Roses”, letting her storytelling inspire others to be there for one another. It’s a timely message with a timeless narrative, but ultimately it’s a beautiful expression of honesty.