"This feels like a festival made for me," Ruel said when asked about his upcoming performance at the inaugural TRIFECTA Music Festival.
An avid surfer, the Australian singer-songwriter will be coming back to Singapore just months after his solo concert to headline the city's first music and boardsports festival. Happening on 18 and 19 November, the festival will feature performances from over 20 international and local acts like Fazerdaze, Phum Viphurit, Lola Amour, and Forests, as well as rides and experiences by TRIFECTA.
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After releasing his highly-anticipated debut studio album, 4th Wall, last March, the pop act has brought his new music to stages across the globe, touring practically nonstop across North America, Europe, the UK, Asia, and back to Australia.
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Ahead of his Singapore comeback, we speak to the 'I DON'T WANNA BE LIKE YOU' act about life on the road, reconnecting with Singaporean singer-songwriter Shye, and getting hooked on solving a Rubik's cube.
Hi, Ruel! How are you doing so far?
I’m great, I’ve just spent a few weeks resting at home and I’m ready to play a few more shows!
Earlier this year, you embarked on your 4th Wall Tour. What’s that experience been like, taking your new album out into the world?
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It’s been incredible. I really missed playing shows in different cities and seeing fans who I haven’t seen in years, it was super special to be back this time playing songs from my debut album. I loved every second of it.
You’re returning to Singapore this November for the TRIFECTA Music Festival, just a couple of months after your solo concert.
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It’s true! That last show was so fun, I can't wait to play there again.
Do you have any interesting stories from your last visit?
I didn’t have too much time last time I was there, but I had the best time the first time I was there. I got to do all the touristy things everyone talks about around Singapore like the tree top walk and the massive planetarium, it was so beautiful omg.
What are you looking forward to the most for this return?
I love my fans in Singapore, so probably seeing them again. It’s really cool getting to come back so quickly, I always have the best time in Singapore. I’m hoping I get a chance to see the city a little bit more and try some local food.
You’ll be playing alongside regional and local acts at the festival, are you looking forward to seeing anyone in particular on the lineup?
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Yeah! I actually had Shye jump up and sing a song with me the last time I was there, so I'm keen to watch her play her own set
What are your pre-show rituals before you head onstage?
I’ve never had a consistent pre-show ritual, but when we were in Europe a friend brought a Rubik’s cube to one of the shows, and the band and I became addicted pretty quickly! So, you’ll probably find me trying to solve a cube 5 minutes before I go on stage.
The last time we spoke to you in 2022, you mentioned how much you loved to surf. TRIFECTA is actually Singapore’s first surf-snow-skate lifestyle destination. Will you be trying that out during your visit?
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I really hope so! Maybe you’ll see me out there. This feels like a festival made for me haha
Aside from surfing, what else do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
Since I’ve been home from the tour, I’ve been spending a lot of time with friends and family, eating lots of food and hanging out. I’ve enjoyed slowing down and resting. I've really needed this time after pretty much a full year of touring
What’s your favourite song from 2023 so far, and why?
To be honest I absolutely love Troye Sivan's 'Got Me Started'. The whole album is amazing too.
Ruel is slated to perform at TRIFECTA Music Festival 2023 on 18 November at 7 PM. Get tickets here.
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