Ruel’s first single in almost a year just dropped and fans are already going crazy for this new era of music. ‘I Can Die Now’ was originally heard during his Red Bull Symphonic Shows in Sydney earlier in the year and it has clearly been worth the wait. 

He originally took to Instagram to announce its release and thanked fans for letting him take his time. 

As part of the rollout for the single, ‘I Can Die Now’ is based around a fictional medical condition named “Intense Conditional Desire Neurosis (ICDN)”, which was introduced in an advert on Ruel’s Instagram for the made up clinic Y.T.O. It includes a website that takes you to an interactive waiting area where you can fill out a form and create your own membership card to the clinic. This immersive tactic has drawn fans into a surreal world that’s built up their anticipation for new music even more, whilst also leaning into the song's dramatic title. 

Though the name hints at something heavy, the song bursts to life with an infectious energy. It begins with a clean and punchy bass line before being joined by Ruel’s distinct yet airy vocal. Built around a tight, driving rhythm the pre-chorus makes it impossible to stay still, it’s made for clapping along to. Switching back to a deeper register for the chorus, there’s a lot more power behind the words “I found you, I can die now / Yeah, I would hate to, ‘cause you’re mine now”. It feels definitive as he’s finally got what he was searching for. 

The song as a whole is about being lovesick, now that Ruel’s found “the one”, he “can die now”, that’s how deeply in love he is. The lyrics “Just a spoonful of you / No lie, makes the pain go away” emphasises how essential this person is in his life and that he’s reached such an emotional high point since this person is all he’s ever needed.

With a music video on the way, it looks like it will coincide with ICDN as the teaser shows Ruel hospitalised going in and out of consciousness. Again adding to the world he’s created. 

He’s been collaborating with a range of incredible producers and writers since signing with Giant Music and moving to Los Angeles. Some of which include Julian Bunetta, Mark Schick and Ammo, who’ve been a part of creating his next album, thought to be released later in the year. 

Emma Turner

@ems.lens3

Image: Jenna Marsh

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