Intimate and melancholic, this stunning new soul/r&b album by Bulgarian songstress Ruth Koleva features beautiful vocals, deep lyrics, sensual harmonies and a full philharmonic orchestra.

Think music and Bulgaria is probably not the first place that springs to mind. But it’s definitely got soul and Ruth Koleva is leading the pack. Born into the hardship of post-Communist Eastern Europe, she quickly developed into a well-rounded artist. There were multiple excursions into local scenes, a stint at the Hollywood Pop Academy… Then came her debut album. Ruth scooped the top prize at the BG Radio Awards in 2014 and JAJ awards in Japan in 2015. Hit-making producer Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga) called it “amazing”.

Koleva has since become a national treasure. She’s shared the stage with legends including jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrin, wooed kindred spirits like N’Dambi and Lianne La Havas and performed a sold-out concert at Bulgaria Hall with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra. The power of her music is subtle yet absorbing, rewarding those who spend time with it. On Confidence. Truth expect an even more affecting set of songs with a contemporary twist, produced by Crooked Waters’ Kan Wakan and bolstered by tight band of musicians (Thundercat’s little brother Jameel Bruuner, Ron Avant from the Free Nationals and more).