Deric Ruttan’s talent has no borders. Since bursting onto the country music scene in 2003, Ruttan has found success in both Canada and the United States.
The Bracebridge, Ontario native moved to Nashville in 1994 and began the long road to overnight success. While the Canadian music scene was growing, many artists found their way to Nashville from the Great White North and Ruttan’s house was a common place for Canadians to mingle, even live at times (you just may recognize a few of those names). Victoria Banks slept on Deric’s couch for a short while. It’s also the place where Kortney & Dave Wilson met.
Fast forward to a publishing deal, Deric starting working with newcomer Dierks Bentley. Together with Bentley’s producer Brett Beavers, the trio wrote what would become Bentley’s first #1 Billboard hit, ‘What Was I Thinkin’. Ruttan currently sits with a total of six cuts from Dierks Bentley, including the #1 hit ‘Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do’. Ruttan also joined up with Dierks for their mega-hit in Canada – ‘Good Time’.
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Also in 2003, came a record deal with Lyric Street Records, and his self-titled debut album that featured the hits ‘When You Come Around’ and ‘Unbeatable’. Canadians were also taking notice of Ruttan’s songwriting skills when Aaron Pritchett released his song, ‘My Way’ and Paul Brandt recorded, ‘Run to Me’.
In 2006, Pritchett along with his producer Mitch Merrett and Ruttan wrote ‘Hold My Beer’, which was released to Canadian radio and became one of the year’s most played songs. In 2007, the trio walked away with SOCAN Songwriters of the Year at the CCMA Awards in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Over the next four years, Ruttan had numerous radio hits including ‘First Time In a Long Time’, ‘Sing That Song Again’, and ‘That’s How I Wanna Go Out’, among many others. With that, came touring. Ruttan’s live show is the perfect combination of high energy and heartfelt. What better time than now to do a live album.
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In September 2011, Up All Night: Deric Ruttan LIVE was released. The album was recorded at the Calgary Stampede in July 2011, with an electric crowd and his infamous band – The Nash- Holes. The album was released just days before Deric embarked on the cross- Canadian sold out CMT Hitlist Tour with Dean Brody and Aaron Lines.
2012 has showed no signs of slowing down for Ruttan. It was announced just a couple weeks ago at the CCMA Awards Nominee Press Conference that Ruttan is in the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year category – twice. Once for his self-penned ‘Mainstreet 1979’, the other for his co-write with Jason Blaine ‘They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore’. He will also take the stage as performer on the Awards show to air on CBC Television on September 9th, as well as take part in numerous events during Country Music Week in Saskatoon.
Deric Ruttan’s career holds no borders, geographically and musically. He’s penned hits for the likes of Eric Church, Gary Allan, Doc Walker, The Higgins, the JaneDear Girls, as well as the ones listed above and many more. His stage show is one of the best – captivating audiences with his lyrics and infectious energy onstage; something every country fan loves to see. And, he’s a nice guy too. When Ruttan isn’t touring, you can find him at home in Tennessee with his wife Margaret and their five children.
All of this is definitely reason enough for him to be our Artist of the Month.
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