Australian pop sensation Ruel has kicked off a new chapter with the release of his latest single, “I Can Die Now”. The high-energy, emotionally charged anthem arrives via Recess Records, Virgin Music Group and Giant Music, offering the first glimpse into the singer’s forthcoming second full-length studio album, expected in late 2025.
Co-written and produced by a heavyweight team including Grammy-nominated Julian Bunetta (Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction), Ammo (Beyoncé, Britney Spears), JKash (Charlie Puth, Dua Lipa), Mark Schick (Nessa Barrett, Benson Boone), and Ed Drewett (Niall Horan), the track captures the dizzying intensity of falling head over heels in love.
“I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever to get ‘I Can Die Now’ out,” Ruel said. “I love the juxtaposition between the title and the theme and energy of the song — once you listen to it, you’ll know what I mean. On top of that, ICDN is the first taste of what my new album might be like…”
View this post on Instagram
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
The single made its live debut earlier this year during Ruel’s Red Bull Symphonic shows in Sydney, and will have its first US performance tomorrow night at a special pop-up event at LA’s Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The music video, directed by creative duo sweetiepie (Neema Sadeghi and Ethan Frank), premieres Monday, July 21st on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, with a major broadcast moment on the Paramount Times Square billboards.
Leaning into the drama of its title, the campaign for “I Can Die Now” is built around a fictional medical condition dubbed “Intense Conditional Desire Neurosis (ICDN) Syndrome”. The concept plays out in the video, which follows a love-struck, hospitalised Ruel slipping in and out of consciousness. Fans will be drawn into the story through immersive, tongue-in-cheek content that builds on the ICDN mythology.
Written during a session in Nashville, the track marks a defining moment in what has already been a landmark year for Ruel. After relocating to Los Angeles and signing with Giant Music and Virgin Music Australia, the 21-year-old tapped into a fresh wave of creative collaborators, resulting in a bolder, more confident sonic direction.
The single follows his 2024 EP Adaptations — his first full covers project — and a milestone debut at Lollapalooza Chicago. Ruel has also performed at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw, made guest appearances at Coachella alongside SG Lewis and longtime collaborator Omar Apollo, and headlined four sold-out world tours.
Ruel’s “I Can Die Now” is out now via Recess Records/Virgin Music Group and Giant Music.
