Ruthie Foster unveils focus track of new album

Ruthie Foster has released the new single “Yes,” a track from her newly released studio album, Just Say Yes, out now via Sun Records.

The Austin-based singer-songwriter and guitarist also released an official video for “Yes.” The upbeat track reflects the central theme behind Foster’s new album, encouraging listeners to embrace opportunities as they arrive.

“When life comes knocking, asking is anybody home? You better say YES,” Foster sings on the track.

Just Say Yes was produced in Nashville by Tyler Bryant of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe. The 10-track album follows Foster’s Mileage, which earned her the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album earlier this year.

“This record is from my heart to yours,” Foster said. “I hope these songs sit with you, hold you close and remind you you’re not alone. If even one line makes you feel seen, that’s everything to me.”

Foster worked on the album with Bryant, Rebecca Lovell, Megan Lovell and Mike Seal. The record moves through blues, soul, roots and rock while drawing heavily from Foster’s recent personal experiences.

The album’s title and underlying theme began with a simple note Foster wrote to herself.

“I wrote this thing on a sticky note and it just said ‘Just say yes,’” she recalled.

Other songs on Just Say Yes include “Take Time,” “Tangled” and “Thank You.” “Take Time” was inspired by advice Foster received from her mother about continuing to move forward during difficult periods. “Thank You” addresses Foster’s experiences with imposter syndrome and questions about her authenticity as a blues artist, while “Tangled” takes a more defiant approach.

The album was recorded during a particularly transitional period for Foster. She traveled to Nashville during a winter break from touring and reunited with Bryant and Lovell, who had previously worked with her on Mileage.

“Every last one of these songs are about some aspect of my life… This was my way of being true to who I am and knowing that I’m in yet another transition in my life, which is how these albums tend to happen,” Foster said.

Foster will celebrate the release with an in-store performance and record signing at Waterloo Records in Austin on August 31. Her upcoming schedule also includes an appearance at AmericanaFest in Nashville in September and a stop in New York City in October.

Just Say Yes is available now via Sun Records.