At 23, it may come as a surprise to some that Australian singer-songwriter Ruel already has eight years of experience under his belt. His career began at 14, when a cover of him singing James Bay’s “Let It Go,” posted by his father, caught the attention of record producer M-Phazes, who quickly took the prodigious teen under his wing. Ruel made his official debut with the single “Golden Years,” and not long after, earned the Breakthrough Artist title at the 2018 ARIA Music Awards for his platinum-selling hit “Dazed & Confused.” At just 16, he became the youngest recipient of the award—an early milestone that set the tone for his ascent.

With soulful vocals and introspective songwriting, Ruel has captivated audiences worldwide, including fellow musicians like Shawn Mendes and Khalid, who invited him as a special guest for their Australia and New Zealand tour stops. He has also collaborated with artists such as Omar Apollo and Australian rock band DMA’s. His releases—including “Younger,” “Painkiller,” and “GROWING UP IS _____”—have resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the nuances of coming of age.

Ruel’s last visit to Singapore was in 2023 for his 4th Wall World Tour, followed months later by a headlining performance at the TRIFECTA music festival. This year, he returned for something more intimate: a cosy fan meet at Swee Lee in Clarke Quay. The pop star has been making his way across Southeast Asia, with stops in Jakarta and Bangkok, to connect with fans and promote his second studio album, Kicking My Feet—a project two years in the making.

Fans lined up early outside the music and lifestyle store, eager to welcome Ruel back. He treated them to a stripped-down performance of his latest single “I Can Die Now,” along with the fan-favourite “Face to Face.”

ELLE Singapore caught up with the 23-year-old to delve into the creative process behind his latest album—and to find out how he unwinds, including getting adventurous with tasting local desserts.