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Ruel Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album, ‘4TH WALL’

“I spent the last three years writing it and wound up with over 100 songs,” Ruel says of his new album

Ruel

Michelle Grace Hunder

Ruel has finally released his long-awaited debut studio album, 4TH WALL.

It was a true labour of love for the Sydney singer-songwriter. “I spent the last three years writing it and wound up with over 100 songs,” he explains. “I rewrote half of them and re-recorded most of them, until they sounded exactly as I heard them in my head… I’m so proud of it, thank you so, so much for sticking with me.”

4TH WALL follows three well-received EPs – 2018’s Ready, 2019’s Free Time and 2020’s Bright Lights, Red Eyes – and features singles such as “GROWING UP IS____” and this year’s “MUST BE NICE”. The glossy collection of contemporary pop is likely to satisfy fans who’ve been patiently awaiting this full release for several years.

To celebrate his debut finally dropping, Ruel – real name Ruel Vincent Van Dijk – will be embarking on a massive tour of Australia and New Zealand next month. Beginning in Brisbane on Friday, April 14th, Ruel will then visit Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, followed by two New Zealand dates in Auckland and Wellington (see full dates below).

Ruel’s 4TH WALL is out now via Sony Music Australia/RCA. 

4TH WALL Tracklist:

1. “GO ON WITHOUT ME”
2. “I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU”
3. “SITTING IN TRAFFIC”
4. “JAPANESE WHISKEY”
5. “GROWING UP IS ____”
6. “SET YOURSELF ON FIRE”
7. “LIE”
8. “LET THE GRASS GROW”
9. “YOU AGAINST YOURSELF”
10. “SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM”
11. “WISH I HAD YOU”
12. “IF AND OR WHEN”
13. “MUST BE NICE”
14. “END SCENE”

Ruel 2023 Australia and New Zealand Tour

Presented by triple j, Secret Sounds, WME & Flagrant Artists

Tickets available via secretsounds.com

Friday, April 14th
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD

Saturday, April 15th
Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, SA

Friday, April 21st
MCA, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday, April 22nd
Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth, WA

Friday, April 28th
Aware Super Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Saturday, May 6th
Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, NZ

Sunday, May 7th
Shed 6, Wellington, NZ