Watch: Ruthven – ‘Kiss Goodnight’

Ruthven returns with ‘Kiss Goodnight’, a disco-infused single that marks a vibrant new chapter following his debut album Rough & Ready. The self-penned track arrives as Ruthven gears up for an extensive UK and European tour.

Recorded in Ruthven’s South London studio following the release of his debut album, ‘Kiss Goodnight’ marks a shift in Nelson’s creative process. Moving away from the programmed production of Rough & Ready, he enlisted his touring band mates – Rosetta Carr (Bass) and Blake Cascoe (Drums) – to bring the dynamic spirit of his live shows to the track. The result is Ruthven’s most uptempo offering yet, showcasing his soaring falsetto over warm, groove-laden instrumentation that begs to be danced to.

The South London musician has always had a certain fervour associated with him. He first emerged in 2017 as a founding member of Paul Institute – the imprint created by A.K. and Jai Paul – while Nelson simultaneously served as a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade. Between emergency calls and equipment checks, he meticulously shaped the songs that would form Rough & Ready, released last October to widespread praise. The album’s impact opened doors to collaborations and tour support with Sampha, Berwyn, and Overmono, cementing Ruthven’s reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging voices.

Ruthven’s upcoming tour kicks off on 20 October at Berlin’s Berghain Kantine, includes an appearance at Pitchfork Festival Paris, and concludes with a headline performance at London’s Oslo on 3 December. More information at ruthvenready.com.

Stream / download ‘Kiss Goodnight’ here.