Kaylee Rutland Doesn’t Need to Be a ‘Superhero’ in New Song

Kaylee Rutland accepts the person she loves as they are in her new song “Superhero.”

Premiering exclusively with Sounds Like Nashville, the new single finds Rutland acknowledging the fact that she’s not invincible, but neither is her partner and embraces the insecurities and vulnerabilities in the person she loves. “Baby I’m no superhero / I never quite learned how to fly / Baby I’m no superhero / But I think that I could save you tonight,” she sings over a soaring melody with crisp, polished vocals. 

The Belmont University graduate co-wrote “Superhero” with her friend Brittany Ray when they were both students and is produced by Brent Rader. Ray presented the idea for the song during the writing session and Rutland “instantly fell in love with it.” “The rest of the afternoon was spent focusing on crafting a balance between superhero metaphors and emotional vulnerability, and tying them together into a sweet, hopeful love song,” Rutland explains of the writing process, adding that the main source of inspiration was to offer listeners a sense of hope. “We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve loved someone and hoped they feel the same way. This song is all about recognizing one’s own falling short of ‘perfection,’ but still seeing that we can be the perfect person for someone we love.”

Along with the studio version of the track, Rutland is also unveiling an acoustic video of her performing the song at the historic Palace Theatre in Gallatin, Tenn. just outside of Nashville. The intimate performance gives the song an air of poignancy as the singer takes a seat in the empty theatre, poised with a guitar in hand and microphone in place. Completed in just two takes, Rutland says the process was “very organic,” as the dimly lit atmosphere drew out the spirit of the song.

“This might be the most excited I’ve been about releasing a new single,” she concludes. “‘Superhero’ is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever gotten to be a part of writing and recording. Working with both Brent and Brittany made this song into something really special, and I hope everyone who hears it finds something that speaks to them when they listen.”   

Rutland was a top 10 contestant in Nash Country Daily’s inaugural Nash Next Country Competition in 2015. “Superhero” follows the release of her previous single “Pick Me Up,” which is included on her 2017 EP, That Side of Me.