The country artist talks about taking chances, unforgettable summer nights and why the biggest rewards often begin with saying yes.
by scott leonard
After a breakup, Bryan Ruby found himself on the Oregon coast, sitting around a campfire with friends, guitars and the kind of summer night that makes you believe in second chances.
That moment became the spark behind Playing With Fire, his latest EP and a collection that turns one charged summer night into a story about risk, romance and the quiet thrill of opening yourself to what comes next.
In 2021, Ruby made history as the only active professional baseball player publicly out as gay at the time. Since then, he has traded the diamond for Nashville, earned recognition as one of Nashville Scene’s 2026 Artists to Watch and continued mentoring young athletes through his nonprofit, Proud To Be In Baseball.
This time, though, the spotlight is on the music.
Ruby spoke with The RAGE Monthly about the real night behind Playing With Fire, the unexpected turn one song took and why saying yes can still be the bravest move.
Let’s start with the title. “Playing with fire” can mean a lot of different things. What does it mean to you?
To me, “playing with fire” means getting out of your comfort zone. The biggest moments in my life have come from taking chances. Leaving baseball, moving to Nashville, chasing music and being willing to open my heart again after getting burned before. Growth usually happens on the other side of fear, and this EP is really about having the courage to take that leap.
Listening to these songs, they feel incredibly personal. Was there a real moment that inspired all of it?
Absolutely. I’d just gone through a breakup, and a group of friends invited me on a camping trip along the Oregon coast. One night we were sitting around a campfire, picking guitars and singing songs under the stars. Somewhere in that moment, I realized there was a whole story to tell. That trip became the spark for Playing With Fire — the idea of one unforgettable night around a bonfire where you take a chance on love again.
Every songwriter has that one song that seems to take on a life of its own. Did that happen here?
Definitely “Controlled Burn.” The whole EP tells the story of one night. You show up to the party in “Both Sides of the Sun,” you lock eyes with someone new across the bonfire in “Bonfire,” then the feelings start to grow in “Linger.” But “Controlled Burn” took a completely different turn than I expected.
I actually first had an idea for a song called “Wildfire.” Then I realized … I don’t want a love that’s like a wildfire. It burns hot, rages out of control and then burns itself out. I want a controlled burn. Something steady. Something lasting. Something real. That idea completely changed the song, and it became one of my favorites on the record.
One last question. You’ve talked a lot about the music, but I know Proud To Be In Baseball means a lot to you. What’s been the most rewarding moment so far?
We’ve done a lot of things I’m really proud of — partnering with high schools and colleges, Major League and Minor League Baseball teams, and large-scale visibility events. But the most meaningful thing wasn’t public at all.
It was mentoring one young player who was struggling after coming out. His family had rejected him, and he wasn’t sure if there was still a place for him in baseball or the world, for that matter. We got him through the rough patch, and today he’s absolutely thriving. I’m really proud of that.
Whether he’s writing songs about taking chances or helping others find the courage to be themselves, Bryan Ruby continues to prove that authenticity is worth the risk.
The six-song EP is now available on all major streaming platforms. For music, tour dates and more information, visit bryanrubymusic.com.
QUICK FIRE WITH BRYAN RUBY
What’s something people are always surprised to learn about you?
That I used to play pro baseball. I’ll be talking about songwriting or country music, and then someone finds out I spent years playing baseball for a living, and they’re like, ‘Wait … what?’ It’s definitely not the path most people expect.
When you’re not writing songs or performing, what does a perfect day off look like?
Getting out and going on an adventure. I love exploring outside, finding a beach or a lake, or trying a new food spot. Especially when we’re on the road. I’m always up for exploring somewhere I’ve never been before.
What’s one small thing in life that never fails to make you smile?
Dogs. I don’t care where I am — if I see one, I have to stop and say hi.
Complete this sentence: “After listening to Playing With Fire, I hope people feel …”
… like they just lived the best night of summer.