Meet Paige Rutledge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Rutledge.

Hi Paige, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always loved to sing and had a special place for country music. My parents used to joke that the only thing stopping me from crying as a baby was putting on Shania Twain. Growing up, I spent much time with my grandparents, and my grandpa was a huge lover of country music. I remember listening to Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and all the greats. My grandpa and I used to sing and dance together, and he even built me a stage at my cottage as I frequently put on shows for my family and would force all of my friends and my brother to be a part of them (haha!). When my grandpa got sick, I would go over and sing to him, and when he passed away in 2007, I asked him to sing at his funeral. I was only 9 years old at the time, but I think I knew even back then that music can impact people’s lives and really is there for you in the worst times and the best times.

I started learning to write songs, play guitar, and perform at open mics. By the time I was 16, I was playing around Ontario, Canada, and recording my first set of singles to be released. Some of my performance highlights include Winterfolk Music Festival, Hillside Inside Festival, HarmoniaFest, and performing with The Blue Jay Sessions at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards.

Over the past year and a half, I have released multiple singles, Take Me Back to Tiki (October 2020), Broken Record (May 2021), Sunshine Sunday (August 2021), and Good at Missing You (April 2022), with three more releases lined up for 2022.

I have been recognized as one of Ontario’s most exciting upcoming country artists and was recognized in the number 2 spot of “21 Artists to Watch in 2022” across Canada by Soundcheck Entertainment.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know if there is anything smooth about being involved in the music industry. It is a career that, when it’s good, can be good, but there are also some low moments. It’s tough sometimes to not compare yourself to others thinking, why am I not doing this, why am I not playing that show, etc. I’ve worked hard the past year to remind myself that everyone is on their journey, and you must be your person throughout this.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Canadian Country singer and songwriter! I am known for my live performances in our Canadian country scene. I love being on stage and getting to perform and talk to audiences. It is always exciting to do because you watch all of these people in front of you smiling, laughing, and dancing together- it is truly a great feeling. I am proud of the live performance I curated over the past year. All my performances are incredibly energetic and interactive, and people always sing along by the end.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Nashville!! Nashville has become a second home to me. I have had the privilege of spending quite a bit in Nashville, and everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming. It is such an inspiring city, and the stories you hear from people are truly life-changing. There are also so many opportunities in the city, which is an extraordinary feeling. I have met some of the most interesting and caring people in Nashville, and I am always excited to come back because you never know who you will meet. I don’t know if there is anything specific I don’t like, but because I am Canadian, the only thing that confuses me about America is all the different systems. We use Celsius in Canada, so temperatures in Fahrenheit confuse me. Oh, and gas!! I don’t know how much a gallon is when it comes to gas because we use liters here at home haha.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paigerutledge.com
• Instagram: @paigerutledge
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/paigerutledgemusic
• Twitter: @paigerrutledge
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/paigerutledge1998