Ruthven first broke in 2017 via Paul Institute, the label founded by A.K and Jai Paul, who, as a member of the London Fire Brigade, recorded tracks at the fire station in-between call outs. Having gently unravelled his own blend of R&B-influenced future-funk, Ruthven caught the attention of critics and toured with Sampha. On his intimate debut album, Rough & Ready, he leans into classic songwriting while maintaining lush instrumentation. The record is partly jazz-influenced, but also by yacht rock artists like Michael McDonald and Steely Dan.