Ruel

Ruel – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the rise of Ruel — the British-Australian singer-songwriter born on 29 October 2002 — from child talent to charting artist. Explore his music, influences, quotes, and lessons from his journey.

Introduction

Ruel (full name Ruel Vincent van Dijk) is a British-Australian singer-songwriter whose soulful voice, emotional songwriting, and youthful authenticity have made him one of the most exciting emerging talents in pop and R&B. Though still young, he has already released multiple EPs, launched a full-length debut album, and earned acclaim for his heartfelt musical approach. His story is a testament to how vulnerability, consistency, and artistic integrity can propel a generation’s voice in music.

Early Life and Family

Ruel was born on 29 October 2002 in Isleworth, London, England Sydney, Australia in 2006, and he was largely raised there.

His father founded an Australian radio advertising agency, Eardrum, which may have helped Ruel gain early exposure to the music and media world.

Youth and Musical Beginnings

Ruel’s entrance into the music scene began early and with determination. Around 2015, his father passed a demo recording of him singing James Bay’s “Let It Go” to the producer M-Phazes, a Grammy-winning figure who then became a mentor and collaborator.

By 2017, at just 14 years old, Ruel officially released his debut single, “Golden Years,” in collaboration with M-Phazes. Triple J’s “Like a Version” segment, covering a song live on Australian radio.

In late 2017, Elton John played “Don’t Tell Me” on BBC Radio 1, praising Ruel’s voice, which marked a notable early endorsement.

Over the next years, Ruel built his discography steadily—with EPs, singles, and supporting roles on tours—laying the foundation for his broader breakthrough.

Career and Achievements

EPs, Singles & Early Recognition

Ruel’s early releases include the EP Ready (2018) and Free Time (2019)

In 2018, he won the ARIA Music Award for Breakthrough Artist (Release) for “Dazed & Confused” — one of his earliest major industry honors.

He also received nominations in later years for APRA Awards and ARIA Awards in various categories related to songwriting, production, and performance.

Debut Album & Later Work

On 3 March 2023, Ruel released his debut studio album, 4th Wall, which charted well and further established his artistic identity. The Truman Show and the work of Elliott Smith.

By 2024 and beyond, Ruel has continued releasing new music (e.g. EP Adaptations) and collaborating with other artists like DMA’s. Kicking My Feet, slated for October release.

Tours & Performances

Ruel has led several headline tours—Dazed & Confused Tour, Free Time World Tour, 4th Wall Tour—and has supported major artists like Khalid and Shawn Mendes on their tours.

He also has accumulated impressive streaming metrics (billions of streams) and international fan growth.

Historical Milestones & Context

• 2017: First singles released, initial recognition, and early exposure.

• 2018: Wins ARIA Breakthrough Artist for “Dazed & Confused.”

• 2019: Releases Free Time EP, tours internationally, opens for Shawn Mendes.

• 2020: Releases more mature music (e.g. EP Bright Lights, Red Eyes) and broadens his sound.

• 2023: Release of 4th Wall, which marks his full-length debut and deepening of his artistic voice.

• 2025: Announcement of Kicking My Feet album and continued evolution in songwriting and sound.

In the broader context of music, Ruel represents a wave of young artists who blend pop, R&B, soul, and introspective lyricism, pushing emotional honesty to the forefront of mainstream music.

Legacy and Influence

Though still early in his career, Ruel’s legacy is forming around:

• Emotional authenticity: He consistently writes songs grounded in real feelings—growth, heartbreak, identity—that resonate across age groups.

• Songwriting voice: Unlike many young pop acts, he co-writes most of his music and seeks to direct as much of the creative process as possible.

• Bridging generations: He strives to write for both teenage listeners and mature audiences, not pigeonholing himself.

• Continual evolution: Each project shows growth—stylistically, lyrically, sonically—pointing to a long-term trajectory.

• Representation of his generation: His journey from demo to international recognition at a young age inspires aspiring artists in a digital, connected world.

Personality and Talents

Ruel is often described as introspective, earnest, and perceptive beyond his years. In interviews, he tends to emphasize listening, observation, and growth rather than grand declarations.

His talents:

• Vocal ability: Ruel has a smooth, soulful voice with emotional control, suitable for both ballads and more rhythmic tracks.

• Songwriting / lyricism: He crafts lyrics that reflect personal experience, inner conflict, and growth.

• Multi-instrumental skill: He plays guitar and piano in addition to vocals.

• Work ethic & consistency: He has described intense writing sessions (for example, writing multiple songs in a short span during EP creation) and always pushing himself to improve.

• Emotional maturity: Even early in his career, he tackled themes like heartbreak, time, identity, and mental health with nuance and empathy.

Famous Quotes of Ruel

Here are a few quotes (from interviews) that reflect his artistic philosophy and personality:

• “I don’t set myself goals ever. I just do everything when it comes and feels right.”

• “I was a very, very emotional kid. I was very open about my feelings all the time.”

• From Growing Up Is interview:

  “I always want to write a song that really relates to me and that can relate to a broader audience … The idea that we're all growing up, no matter how old we are, kind of stuck with us.”

• On his work ethic in Bright Lights, Red Eyes:

  He and collaborators wrote five songs (each in under an hour) over three days for that EP.

• In NME:

  He said he “lost touch with real life — until the pandemic let him be a kid again.”

While not a large trove of public quotes yet, these snippets show his introspective voice, creative urgency, and balancing of personal and universal in his work.

Lessons from Ruel

1. Listen deeply to yourself
   Ruel’s approach suggests that artistic truth emerges when you follow what feels right internally, not solely external metrics or trends.

2. Consistency builds trust
   Rather than a sudden burst, he steadily released EPs and songs, built a catalog, and grew his audience organically.

3. Vulnerability is strength
   His willingness to write about heartbreak, time, and growth gives his music emotional weight and connection.

4. Collaboration + control
   He collaborates with trusted producers but also aims to retain artistic direction, showing that balance is possible.

5. Growth is non-linear
   Each project expands his sound and emotional range — reminding us that evolution, not perfection, is the path of longevity.

Conclusion

Ruel is a rising voice in contemporary pop who already shows the hallmarks of enduring artistry: emotional honesty, musical growth, and a willingness to take risks. Born on 29 October 2002, he has moved from early demos to critically praised projects like 4th Wall and beyond. His trajectory promises deeper, more adventurous work ahead.