Mike and Ruthy

Mike and Ruthy are an Americana and acoustic folk duo from New York City. They begin as a couple whose relationship and music develop amid the city’s rock, anti-folk and Americana scenes, and they harmonise from the first night they meet. Their early work includes original songs shaped by fiddle, banjo and guitar, and their sound combines old-timey twang, topical folk and love songs with close vocal duets.

Background

The pair start performing together in 1999 with their band Rhinegold, playing in the East Village and around informal gatherings in New York apartments. Mike is initially recruited by his college to play hockey, while Ruth has studied acting. They later continue as songwriters, recording artists and touring musicians, first as a duo and also in a four-piece format.

They are married and live upstate with their son, William Puck. Their family life also feeds into their recordings, with guest appearances from family and friends on later material. Alongside their duo work, they spend seven years touring with the folk band The Mammals.

Releases and recording

Their duo release The Honeymoon Agenda appears in 2008 and is made at home in West Hurley. It is followed by Waltz of the Chickadee, issued on their own Humble Abode Music label. After that session, they work with their friend Craig Santiago, whose drumming leads to another set of original folk-rock material. With bassist and producer Jose Ayerve involved, the project is tentatively titled Rise.

Discography

Mike and Ruthy: The Honeymoon Agenda (2008)

Michael Merenda: Trapped in the Valley (2000), Election Day (2004), Quiver (2007)

Ruth Ungar: Jukebox (2002)

Sometymes Why: Sometymes Why (2005)

The Mammals: Born Live (2001), Evolver (2002), Migration (2004), Rock That Babe (2004), Departure (2006), Bootleg Six-Pack (2007)

Live work

Mike and Ruthy tour clubs and festivals, both as a duo and as a larger band. Their repertoire includes heartfelt harmonies, fiddle-led arrangements and songs rooted in folk and Americana traditions.