Airstream trailers are a combination of classic style and modern freshness. We have a passion for finding the ideal balance between timeless vintage appeal and the newest trends and innovations to inspire people to Live Riveted!
We were not surprised when we discovered that Ruthie Collins, a singer-songwriter and new artist on the country music scene, has a love for Airstream trailers and the Live Riveted lifestyle. Ruthie describes herself as “a really old-fashioned person living in 2014.” Check out our interview with Ruthie to see how she’s creating her own adventures in her renovated vintage Airstream trailer.
Tell us about yourself and how your music career got its start:
I started playing music early; I was singing and starting piano and fiddle lessons at three years old. My mom is a musician and music teacher, so it was a natural thing for me to pick up. In middle school, I fell in love with country music and songwriting. I attended Berklee College of Music and majored in songwriting and moved to Nashville shortly thereafter!
Tell us about your four-week Airstream renovation—what was the inspiration that sparked this adventure?
I was inspired by the food truck fad and wondered if we could make a music truck. That was the original idea—to not only create a venue that we could bring to the people, but also to create a venue that portrays my brand perfectly. Since I love all things vintage, having people step into a vintage Airstream to hear my music for the first time helps them to know exactly who I am as an artist. We turned this 1975 Argosy Airstream into a vintage and chic performance lounge.
The front end cap is a stage complete with vintage sheet music wallpaper, stage curtains and even a chandelier! Along the sides we have vintage seating. We have an old church pew from a church in Alabama, vintage theater seats I pulled out of a school house from the 1800s and a 1920s reupholstered French settee. The back end cap houses our bar area complete with a vintage-inspired fridge, a galvanized tub sink and all the sound equipment and electronics.
How can we learn more about the Airstream renovation?
When I approached my record label about the idea to renovate an Airstream, they got so excited that they decided to film a six-episode series all about it! It's called "Ready to Roll," and it follows me throughout the whole renovation up until my first performance in the Airstream! Folks can stay up-to-date on the series on my website or my YouTube channel.
Once the renovation is done, where will you be traveling in your Airstream to play your music?
Everywhere! Our first voyage in the Airstream is right after New Year’s! We will be taking "Amelia Earstream" all over the Southeast visiting country radio stations to promote my first single "Ramblin' Man." After that I will have the Airstream with me whenever possible! We also have plans to do a special tour for an Airstream Concert Series where instead of people hosting house shows, they can see me and the band play an intimate show inside the Airstream! We'll also use it at our shows in traditional venues like theaters and festivals where fans can come in the Airstream for exclusive meet and greets.
What does the Live Riveted lifestyle mean to you? How have you seen it in your life?
Renovating this Airstream has been one of the biggest adventures of my life! Taking this beautiful old trailer and giving her new life and a new purpose was an amazing experience. Having a rolling venue for me and my band to play in is an amazing opportunity, and I know the real adventure begins as soon as we get Amelia Earstream out on the road. To me, the Live Riveted lifestyle is all about finding your adventure, no matter how big or scary or unconventional it may be. It's about having the courage to discover that adventure and choosing to live it everyday! I'm so thankful I get to.
We’re so glad we were able to catch up with Ruthie and are excited to see where her Live Riveted life takes her! If you want to know more about Ruthie Collins and stay updated on her adventures, you can follow her on Twitter, like her on Facebook or keep up with her on Instagram! Be sure to check out her introductory EP and her debut single “Ramblin’ Man” on iTunes here.
