Aussie artist Ruel gets to ‘reciprocate’ love of Pinoy fans

MANILA, Philippines — Australian singer-songwriter Ruel’s newly-dropped album titled 4th Wall via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment is inspired by the music and movies in the ‘90s.

“I guess, it is referencing a lot of ‘90s artists but more Jeff Buckley and Elliot Smith… Visually, I think it’s a lot more futuristic I suppose (and) like a little bit more current,” he told members of the press during his recent visit to Manila for a mall show.

His album is heavily influenced by ‘90s films such as The Truman Show and Fight Club. “(These are) movies that have melancholic and interesting way of looking at it… I just like writing music that feels like a soundtrack to those movies,” he shared.

“It was really easy to get inspiration from (those films) because (there’s so much) content to look at and visuals you can reference. And then, I was just bringing my own experiences and my own inspiration with the things that happen in my life.”

Combining those two “was a cool way of mixing into one (music),” according to Ruel. Also, “it’s giving my fans insights of what’s going on inside my head.”

The 20-year-old music artist’s ‘90s inclination was influenced by his parents. He also discovered movies, music and pop culture from this era himself.

“I think my dad was really good at finding (artists) and I bring a lot of artists that I love, you know…” he shared. “My dad, he was like, ‘Oh this person (is) just referencing this.’ He would take me back and give me an artist that I never heard of or a song, and that’s how I deep dive into that.”

He continued, “Just deep diving into iconic artists from that time and seeing why people (love) them so much because I wasn’t around when they were coming up. But the music is so traditional and that’s why it is timeless.”

Music has always been part of Ruel’s life. He told The STAR, “I think I got a lot into (it because of) my parents. I think they always supported me and they always made sure that as soon I started singing and playing the guitar, they just supported that.

“It was like, ‘Here’s the guitar, here’s the microphone. Do the thing that you just did.’ And I was like (making a funny expression)… So, I grew up with that support of doing music and always having that.”

With such kind of support, it seemed only natural for him to fall in love with writing music and performing. “I fell in love with singing and I love idolizing artists. I love like seeing an artist and just being fully encapsulated by the whole narrative and like, you know, getting so deep into their life and their experience,” he said.

That’s what keeps Ruel “inspired as well,” adding that, “When I see other people doing amazing things… I just fall in love with that.”

Just recently, Ruel performed at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City to promote his latest album. The last time he came here was in 2019. “I’m more adult now,” he said.

“It’s very similar,” he said, comparing his most recent visit to his previous one.

“Which is amazing ‘coz I didn’t know now what to expect. But when I first came here, (I received ) an amazing response. The show was incredible. Everyone was so loud and loving. And it’s like I didn’t know… (I didn’t have any) idea that I have people listening to my music. So, it was a cool feeling,” he further recalled.

“And then, when I came back, people at the airport… It was like similar faces that were at that show four years ago. I could recognize people. I was like (it’s the same) people. It was really cool to see.”

He expressed some love for his fans, who have been with him for the past years, saying: “Thank you, everyone for sticking with me for the past four years. It’s crazy that I’ve been able to come back but I just appreciate most (of you who) listen to my music.

“I love you all and I just want to say a massive thank you for still listening to my music. I got the opportunity to be able to come back here and reciprocate all the love that you give me, so thank you, everyone.”

Ruel’s hits include Must Be Nice, Someone Else’s Problem and You Against Yourself.

He debuted in 2017 at the age of 14 on producer M-Phazes’ Golden Years. As per press notes, he was the “youngest artist to appear on the popular live segment Like a Version on renowned Australian youth radio station triple j” and has previously released three EPs, earned five platinum records, and amassed over two billion streams worldwide.