Canadian Artist Ruby Waters Continues Her Rise with New Single "GET A GRIP"

There’s something undeniably refreshing about an artist who manages to cultivate a thriving career without compromising the unique qualities that initially drew listeners in, and Ruby Waters exemplifies this beautifully. Hailing from Ontario and now based in British Columbia, this talented singer-songwriter has navigated a remarkably organic journey—from her early days performing at farmers markets and busking on the vibrant streets of Toronto to sharing the stage with renowned acts like City and Colour and Shakey Graves. Along the way, she has garnered JUNO recognition and cultivated a global following that boasts over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Her music consistently feels like a genuine extension of her true self, rather than a meticulously crafted persona, and this authenticity shines through once again in her latest single, “GET A GRIP.” Following the breakout success of “WET T-SHIRT,” which has amassed over 12 million streams on Spotify and climbed to No. 8 on the Canadian Alternative Airplay chart, this new release feels like a natural progression rather than a mere attempt to replicate past triumphs.

“GET A GRIP” serves as a prime example of why Waters defies easy categorization. The song intricately weaves together elements of grungy alternative rock, dreamy pop, soul, and R&B, yet it never feels as though it’s simply checking off boxes from various genres. Instead, every aspect of the track revolves around Waters’ raspy and highly expressive voice, which can convey vulnerability one moment and exude complete self-assurance the next. There’s also a playful quality to her approach that prevents the song from becoming overly heavy, even as she navigates the messy emotions that have become central to her songwriting. This balance is a significant part of what draws me to Waters’ music: she possesses the ability to be honest without making every moment feel excessively serious, and her vibrant personality imbues the song with a sense of lived experience rather than a polished, anonymous sound.

The accompanying video further reinforces this sense of freedom and authenticity. Filmed in the picturesque setting of Whistler, BC, the visuals capture Waters biking through the woods, enjoying time with friends, and relaxing at a local bar—essentially portraying the very activities she loves. Directed by Adit Dixit, this laid-back visual experience feels less like a conventional music video and more like an intimate glimpse into Waters’ world. There’s no need to fabricate a larger-than-life image because the genuine appeal is already present.

Having surpassed an impressive 150 million global streams and recently receiving her second JUNO nomination for What’s The Point, Waters certainly has every reason to lean into what is working for her. Yet, with “GET A GRIP,” she demonstrates that she can do so while maintaining the independence and personality that have brought her to this point. For me, this is what makes this release truly noteworthy: Ruby Waters isn’t merely trying to fit into the existing landscape of alternative music; she is carving out her own unique space within it, and “GET A GRIP” represents another strong step forward on that journey.