Artist & Activist Ruth Koleva Reveals 'Candy Coated' Song & Video For Pride Month

New York City-based and Bulgaria-born Soul-Pop artist, Ruth Koleva is a musician, model, and activist.

Her musical approach blends Soul, Drum and Bass, R&B and Indie-Pop and she's taken the stage with Bobby McFerrin, Lianne La Havas, Redman, and Method Man & Little Dragon.

Koleva has released her new “Candy Coated” single and video in celebration of Pride Month, and she recalls that seven years ago she had a "profound experience" performing at the first Sofia Pride event in Bulgaria and has focused on supporting LGBTQ+ rights ever since.

Koleva explains:
 
“I will never forget that moment. Bulgaria is still highly criticized for not accepting gay marriages or unions. LGBTQ+ people are targets of social, institutional and work discrimination and even experience violence.  I am so passionate about equality and LGBTQ+ rights. That’s why I partnered with director Joan Galo (they/them) and together we cast many actors from the LGBTQ+ community to express through music and art how important it is to love who you want to love and be who you want to be.”
 
The "Candy Coated" video features actor/dancer Valentino Vladimirov and actor Marius Praniauskas. It was produced by Taylor Graves with DOP Alexander Stanishev.

“Candy Coated” is the first single from Koleva's forthcoming album with more details coming soon.
 
Koleva champions causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, domestic violence and mental illness and as she explores a relatively new life in New York City during the global pandemic, she says she's focused on, “what lies in the shadows, rather than on the spotlights”.