Against the backdrop of Lollapalooza‘s vibrant atmosphere, we sat down for a quick chat with Ruel, the Sydney-born artist who has taken the Australian pop scene by storm. Known for his standout singles like “Don’t Tell Me,” “Younger,” and “Painkiller,” Ruel’s journey from a teenage musician to an international star has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since winning the ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist in 2018 with his hit “Dazed & Confused,” Ruel has captivated audiences with his smooth vocals and profound songwriting. His debut studio album, 4th Wall, was released in March 2023, marking another significant milestone in his career, showcasing his passionate and well-crafted tracks. With over 3 billion global streams, multiple platinum records, and sold-out tours, Ruel continues to garner fans across the globe. Read on to hear more about his Chicago experience and what exciting projects lie ahead for this remarkable artist.
Ruel is as candid as he is charismatic. Amidst the hustle of Lollapalooza and the sweltering Chicago heat, Ruel took a moment to talk on his experiences, his music, and his future.
As he navigates the festival scene, Ruel shared his love for Chicago and Lollapalooza’s vibrant atmosphere. “I love it! I really love Chicago in general,” he exclaimed. “I got to do a little after show – real late at the Bottom Lounge in a little pub. So that was really, really beautiful. Seeing everyone in that intimate setting.” His enthusiasm for the city is evident; each visit allows him to explore and enjoy its unique offerings. “Every time I play a show here, I’ve always managed to have a couple of days off to explore. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of it now,” he noted. The festival’s energy, with its breathtaking skyline and bustling crowds, is something he finds both exhilarating and overwhelming. “It’s like everything anyone could ever want in a festival,” he said, appreciating both the city’s charm and the festival’s grandeur.
The Lollapalooza performance itself was a highlight for Ruel, who relished the chance to connect with his American fans. “It’s so much fun! I’ve missed it a lot.” Despite nerves and the pressure of also being live-streamed on Hulu, Ruel’s set was a success. “I was so nervous before,” he admitted, laughing about the numerous expletives that slipped out during the performance. “That was the one text I got from my mom afterward,” he chuckled, describing the high he felt after the show. “I just wanted to hang around and soak it all in.”
Ruel’s experience at Lollapalooza was complemented by his ability to enjoy other festival acts. Although he missed Thursday’s performances, including highly anticipated acts like The Japanese House, he caught glimpses of RAYE on Friday, and The Killers and Tate McRae on Saturday. When it comes to Sunday, he humorously questioned his stamina for the festival, “I don’t know if I can hack it! I really wanna see Conan, but I’m so tired.”
Beyond the festival, Ruel’s creative efforts have been focused on his recent EP, Adaptions. Released just before the festival, the EP features reimagined covers of popular songs. “It was kind of out of the blue,” he explained about the project’s origins. Facing writer’s block while working on his album, Ruel and his producer turned to covers as a creative exercise. “We did that four or five times, and then we kind of got an EP together.” Despite having several tracks that didn’t make the cut, Ruel was pleased with the final product and excited to share it with his fans. “I was really happy to have something out for this show as well.”
The conversation turned to the prospect of a second volume of Adaptions. While he is hesitant about being labeled “the covers guy,” he remains open to the idea of a deluxe edition featuring additional covers. “I might do a deluxe or something, because I’ve got like two other covers that I’m recording.” The balance between covering songs and focusing on original material is something he is keen to maintain, as he continues to work on his upcoming album.
Ruel’s songwriting process, which often begins with a title or concept, reveals his thoughtful approach to music creation. “Recently, I’ve been going into it with a title or a concept first,” he said. This method allows him to explore melodies and lyrics in collaboration with other musicians, adapting to different creative environments. “It’s always changing with different people you work with,” he noted.
When asked about artists who have recently caught his attention, Ruel mentioned several favorites, including CLARA, Paolo Nutini, Ryan Beatty, Adrianne Lenker, and Remi Wolf. His diverse taste in music reflects his broad influences and appreciation for different styles.
Looking ahead, Ruel has a series of shows lined up, including performances in New York and Los Angeles around the launch of his EP. Following these engagements, he will focus on writing and hopefully preparing for a major tour next year. “Just fun little small things to kind of get everyone back together – get the band back together,” he shared with enthusiasm.
As Ruel continues to evolve as an artist, his genuine connection with his audience and his passion for music remain at the forefront of his journey. His festival experiences and ongoing projects paint a picture of an artist deeply engaged with both his craft and his fans, promising exciting things to come.
Portraits by Ann Storlie
Interview by Ann Storlie and Sarah Peter
Keep Up With Ruel: Website // Instagram // Facebook // YouTube
