IN CONVERSATION WITH RUEL
interview by VERONICA TLAPANCO SZABÓ
Australian pop phenomenon Ruel is entering a bold new chapter with the launch of his sophomore album era, led by the spellbinding single ‘I Can Die Now’. Already hailed by Rolling Stone and surpassing 1 million streams in under a week, the track showcases Ruel’s evolution into a more mature and soulful sound. Now based in Los Angeles, the 23-year-old Sydney native has amassed over 3 billion streams, multiple platinum and gold records, and history-making milestones — including becoming the youngest solo artist ever to win an ARIA Award. His new album, which came out this October, marks his most refined and confident work yet. With a Lollapalooza debut, Paris Fashion Week appearances with Louis Vuitton, and praise from icons like Elton John and Zane Lowe, Ruel’s ascent from prodigy to global star is undeniable, and just getting started.
jacket PRIVATE POLICY
trousers FRAME
necklace, pouch, and belt COACH
bracelets and snake ring FOUNDRAE
necklace and rings MIANSI
loafer DR. MARTENS
You’ve just turned 23 and already have over 3 billion streams, a handful of platinum singles. Does it ever feel surreal, or have you found ways to make all of this feel...normal?
It always feels surreal, and I hope that feeling never fades. But at the same time, I’ve always made it a priority to live as normal a life as possible. The main way I’ve kept that up is by having family close and my best friends closer.
Onto your latest project, ‘Kicking My Feet’, the title feels like it tells a story. Where did that phrase come from?
Funnily enough, the phrase came from the video of Tom Cruise on Oprah confessing his love. It’s such an earnest moment that’s also dramatic and cringey, but it honestly felt so relatable, and I wanted the whole album to feel like that.
top, jacket, and trousers FENG CHEN WANG
watch HUBLOT
boots BURBERRY
necklace and rings MIANSAI
This album sounds a lot like a love letter. What was the emotional compass that guided this project?
Honestly, I think it was overcoming the fear of being truthful when talking about love in a positive way. Once I cracked that barrier, all I wanted to do was write love songs about what’s going on in my life.
Your lead single, ‘I Can Die Now’ was the first track released. Was it important to you to start from that vulnerable place?
I really just wanted to come out of the gates with something energetic that also captured the concept of the album. I really wanted to play this one live, so that was a big factor in releasing it early.
top and shirt VALENTINO
trousers SAINT LAURENT
watch HUBLOT
boots KIDSUPER
ring MIANSAI
snake ring FOUNDRAE
Another track that caught our attention was ‘The Suburbs’, which paints this vision of love as a domestic paradise, Sunday nights in the backyard and all. Do you think there’s something romantic about the mundane?
Absolutely, there’s beauty in the mundane, the whole idea behind this song is about being content as long as you have your person by your side. You don’t need the extreme highs and lows of the outside world if your person brings you all the passion and joy you need.
On that same note, what’s one small, ordinary thing that currently feels extraordinary to you?
Honestly, being in the ocean! I grew up by the beach, so it always felt like a common thing to enjoy, but now that I travel so much, I started seeing it as a privilege. Now, whenever I come home to Australia, I never take it for granted, it’s the most meditative and calming place to reset your mind.
top, jacket, and trousers ACNE STUDIOS
watch HUBLOT
boots KIDSUPER
bracelets FOUNDRAE
necklace, wolf ring, and chain ring MIANSAI
star ring SUNDAY STEPHENS
You left Australia a couple of years ago and are now calling LA home. Has this change influenced the way you write?
It didn’t really influence the way I write at all, it just made me write more. I’ve always predominantly made my projects in LA, and being there 24/7 just gives you the bug to write till you drop.
Your sound slips between soul, R&B, and pop so effortlessly. Do you see that fluidity as freedom?
I think that comes from my instincts, my taste has always floated between those genres, so it makes sense that my music falls in there too. The fact that they feel cohesive definitely gives me the freedom to write without feeling boxed in.
suit, top, and belt COACH
loafer DR. MARTENS
watch HUBLOT
necklaces and bracelet FOUNDRAE
necklace, bracelet, and ring MIANSAI
star ring SUNDAY STEPHENS
What’s been your most surreal ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
My first real ‘pinch me’ moment was selling out the Sydney Opera House twice in 2019. Stepping out on that stage in my hometown, with all my family and friends watching, was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.
If your younger self could listen to ‘Kicking My Feet’, what do you think he’d say?
I think he’d be proud, it feels like a record I’ve always wanted to make. It’s got everything I love listening to woven through the tracks, loud pop choruses, slow ballads, and introspective lyrics.
Finally, when you’re not “kicking your feet”, what grounds you? What makes you happiest outside of music?
To be honest, just doing anything with my friends, especially outside, I love moving my body around with some sort of activity. Whether it’s surfing, basketball, tennis or playing cards, I really love using the other side of my brain, the one opposite to the creative musical side. It’s such a good way to recharge and get me energised for what’s next!
shirt and trench coat BURBERRY
trousers JACQUEMUS
boots SAINT LAURENT
necklace, cigar ring, and snake ring FOUNDRAE
silver ring MIANSAI
star ring SUNDAY STEPHENS
top and shirt VALENTINO
trousers SAINT LAURENT
watch HUBLOT
boots KIDSUPER
ring MIANSAI
snake ring FOUNDRAE
full look JIL SANDER
necklace and bracelets FOUNDRAE
shirt ACNE STUDIOS
suit KIDSUPER
belt COACH
necklace and cigar ring FOUNDRAE
gold ring MIANSAI
necklace, star ring, and Sunday ring SUNDAY STEPHENS
boots SAINT LAURENT
shirt BLUEMARBLE
trousers RICK OWENS
boots KIDSUPER
blazer DENZIL PATRICK
trousers and boots SAINT LAURENT
watch HUBLOT
ring MIANSAI
TEAM CREDITS:
talent RUEL
photography and art direction ROBERT CLYDE GRIMA
styling and art direction BRANDON M. GARR
grooming NICOLE HIGGINS
styling assistant MADISON DEKORSI
photography assistants RAMON MARTINEZ AND JACK MALLET
studio REIN STUDIOS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
interview VERONICA TLAPANCO SZABÓ
