Ruth, a Christian indie band from Battle Ground, Washington, was formed by lead vocalist Dustin Ruth after relocating to Los Angeles in search of musicians; the group’s name derives from his surname and the acronym Return Us to Him. The band debuted with a self‑titled EP in early 2006, gaining attention on the west coast and securing a contract with Tooth & Nail Records that fall. Their first full‑length album, Secondhand Dreaming, was recorded with producer Aaron Sprinkle and released on 26 June 2007, followed by a tour with label mates Emery and Surrogate. In 2008 the group released Anorak, again collaborating with Sprinkle and Chris Keene, and in 2009 issued The Covers EP, featuring a cover of Coldplay’s "Fix You". Subsequent releases included the Payola album in partnership with MTV (6 March 2012) and the independent Ruth EP (2006). The band toured with Switchfoot and Relient K during the Habitat for Humanity Appetite for Construction Tour and supported Falling Up on the Fangs! tour. In 2011 they released the video for "Life Is Just a Dream", later included on Payola.
