Dear listeners!
The past four years have been the most intense, exciting and transformative time for Duo Ruut. We've traveled to places we had never even heard of, met people we otherwise never would have encountered, and grown immensely—personally, professionally and creatively. We've graduated from schools, played many concerts, during which we have discovered jokes that actually make people laugh on stage and many more that don't.
Author: Ako Lehemets
Amidst all this growth, our new album slowly came to life. In many ways, it feels like a musical photo album capturing everything we've experienced during these past years. The ideas for different songs came from so many places - one at a soundcheck in a small Portuguese town, another in a cozy forest cabin by the sea, or as a gift for friends getting married. As always, we're bringing a piece of Estonia to the world—but this time we're also bringing bits of the world and our adventures back to Estonia.
The name of the album, "Ilmateade" ('The Weather Report'), started off as a joke — as many of our best ideas do. But with time, it proved to be the perfect reflection of what this album stands for. The weather report we see on TV is a calculated prediction by people much smarter than us, but in its simplest form, a "weather report" can also be the everyday small talk we all engage in: "It's raining today," or "Yesterday was two degrees colder." Sometimes, we don't need profound, world-shaking conversations. Sometimes, it's enough just to say something simple and connect. That idea deeply influenced our songwriting this time around — we soon realized that almost every song on the new album touches the topic of weather in one way or another, some very straightforward, others deep and metaphorical.
Author: Mia Tohver
We are so very lucky to work with incredible people for this album who are very dedicated and have put their heart into it. Each song was first born in our little rooftop apartment in Kalamaja, through laughter, late-night talks and pure experimentation. Three tracks were made in collaboration with musicians who've inspired us for years and whose contributions left us deeply honored and excited. For the third album in a row, we worked with José Diogo Neves in the studio — his sharp ear, fresh ideas, and brilliant sense of humor helped to bring our vision to life, and in many ways, surpassed it. Behind it all, our unstoppable powerhouse Marili kept the engine running — her incredible consistency helps us stay on track, grounds us when we need it most, and inspires us to keep creating.
We've already had the chance to test some of the songs live across different stages and in front of many kinds of audiences, and every time, our excitement to release this album has only grown. Last year alone, we played 37 shows abroad, with just as many back home. Now, with this album release, new stages, crowds and adventures await.
Long story short: we're very proud of this album, and we can't wait for you to have it. And of course we're very much looking forward to seeing you soon somewhere around the world!
Author: Mia Tohver
