A lot has changed in the year between EPs for Ruel. Having recently released his newest EP, ‘Free Time’ that features singles “Painkiller”, “Face to Face” and “Real Thing”. The budding Australian artist stated, “I went into the writing room with a bit more life experience and a clearer creative direction on how I approached the songs. These songs are the most personal tracks I’ve put out to date and I really feel like I discovered a specific sound for this project.” The material follows the release of Ruel’s debut EP, ‘Ready’, which earned him Multi-Platinum and Gold status with singles ‘Dazed & Confused’ and ‘Younger’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me,’ leading to Ruel becoming the youngest recipient in history to win the prestigious ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist Of The Year. Citing inspiration and influence by Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Dave Brubeck, Frank Ocean and James Blake, Ruel first began playing guitar and writing his own material at the age of 8. He’s collaborated with numerous familiar names including Shawn Mendes, Khalid, SG Lewis, Zane Lowe and Elton John and became the youngest male to TWICE sell out the iconic Sydney Opera House.
B-Sides met up with Ruel before his show in San Francisco to talk about his personal growth in the year between releases, the influences from his family, tattoos, Halloween and more. Check out the interview:
