ARTIST TO WATCH: Ruel

Despite the fact that Australian singer-songwriter Ruel has amassed 3 EPs, 5 platinum records, and a loyal fanbase, his debut album, 4th Wall, proves that the only way he is going is up. 

Ruel hit the music scene in 2017 when he released his first single, “Golden Years”, produced by M-Phazes, who has become a trusted teammate for Ruel and worked with him on 4th Wall. Since then, his career has taken off with popular songs such as “Painkiller”, “Dazed & Confused”, and “Younger”, and he has garnered more than 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. In addition to his headlining tour, he has opened for artists such as Khalid and Shawn Mendes, collaborated with artists like Omar Apollo, Cautious Clay, and SG Lewis, and he holds the spot as the youngest solo artist to sell out the iconic Sydney Opera House twice over! 

4th Wall was in the works for more than 3 years, so when it finally dropped on March 3, fans were far from disappointed. One word that kept showing up in tweets and Instagram comments everywhere was “proud”, and rightfully so. This is his best work to date and demonstrates immense growth in his records, sonically and lyrically. The album is equal parts heartfelt, invigorating, tongue-in-cheek, and electric, where each song coalesces into a cohesive triumph. There are hints of some of our favorite artists in certain songs -- “LET THE GRASS GROW” comprises Hozier-esque lyrics, “GO ON WITHOUT ME” has an Elton John-type of production, and “LIE” is reminiscent of Harry Styles. Each song gives him the space to display his classic fervent, visceral vocals, and it all amalgamates into a dynamic listening experience that would honestly be perfect for a coming-of-age piece of cinema. 

In addition to those who have been with him since the beginning, he is still able to reach new audiences. There is something to be said for the connection between artists and listeners who are moving through their youth together – songs often feel more relatable the more raw and unrestrained they are. Ruel understands the experience of young adulthood, and he has yet to let one genre confine or limit him in his music. Ruel’s discography is a tour de force in the music industry, and at just 20 years old, the best is yet to come for him.

His world tour kicks off June 1 in Austin, Texas, and stretches to September 30 in Bristol, England, with tour dates for Asia and South America to be announced soon!