Ruel and DMA'S join forces for unexpected two-track indie-pop collaboration
Ruel and DMA'S | Photo credit: Brianna Da Silva
First single ‘What A Life’ out now
Born from a friendship sparked in 4TH WALL writing sessions, the unlikely pairing are releasing two brilliant tracks that showcase their collective strengths
Four of Australia’s most loved musicians have come together in a uniquely unexpected creative partnership – with breakthrough artist Ruel and acclaimed indie rock trio DMA'S dropping the first of two collaborative tracks today, ‘What A Life’. Hitting it off at writing sessions for Ruel’s music, the group organically penned a handful of tunes together that felt far more collaborative in genre and style, pairing the best of DMA’S sound with Ruel’s striking vocals.
Ruel made a surprise appearance at a DMA’S’ sold-out Sydney show last October, joining the band to perform a teasing acoustic version of one of these tracks, which was met with overwhelming fan response (quickly racking up over 400k views). It was the final push they needed to finish and release the tracks from these sessions.
“Ruel is a special talent and we worked really well together through the writing and recording process. Things came together very naturally.” – Tommy O’Dell, DMA’S vocalist
“This one is a little removed from either of our sounds, so it was really fun to collaborate in a different way and write an up-tempo feel-good song” – Ruel
It comes as Ruel breaks through to new heights internationally following his debut album 4TH WALL, with DMA'S now firmly established in the global indie rock scene after earning their second top 5 UK Official Albums Chart result with their critically acclaimed record How Many Dreams?, and taking home the ARIA (Australia’s equivalent BRIT Award) for Best Group last year.
Hear 'What A Life' on streaming services here and watch the video below
‘What A Life’ opens with warm synthetic keys; a nostalgic tone that would feel at home on the soundtrack of 1996 cult classic ‘Romeo & Juliet’ but is modernised by DMA’S’ trademark descending guitar strum – a sonic emblem of the band. At the chorus Ruel’s stunning vocal delivers "Welcome to my life", and the music deftly follows his command. A simple synth line sweeps us back into the shuffling rhythm of the second verse, a masterful dance that continues – creating a single that is at once playful, and plaintive.
DMA’S played a sold-out show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley in 2023, and the main stage of Reading & Leeds festival in 2022, as well as their biggest run of Australian shows to date and further shows across Europe. With their fourth record How Many Dreams?, the band landed their highest chart debut ever, peaking at #2 on the ARIA charts and a momentous #3 on the UK Official Albums Chart, marking DMA’S second top 5 UK Chart debut – a feat only a handful of Australian artists such as Kylie Minogue, ACDC and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have achieved. The trio also took out triple j’s Hottest 100 of 'Like A Version' with their iconic cover of Cher's ‘Believe’.
Ruel is the youngest ever recipient of an ARIA Award, following the now 21-year-old singer/songwriter’s discovery at the young age of 12. He boasts over 3 billion streams globally, has sold out the iconic Sydney Opera House twice, completed four sold out world tours and taken home two MTV Europe Awards. Ruel has collaborated with fashion houses such as Prada, Fendi and Louis Vuitton, featured in publications such as GQ and VOGUE, and released three award winning EPs ahead of his beloved 2023 debut record 4TH WALL.
Praise for DMA'S and new album How Many Dreams?
“Festival-ready synth-laden tracks with hedonistic electronic flourishes that signal a new era and an evolved sound for the trio.” - Clash ★★★★
“Tommy O’Dell, Johnny Took and Matt Mason’s gift is for getting straight to the big emotions and letting them out with the hooks to match.” – Classic Pop ★★★★
“Full of songs worthy of lighting up their arena shows… they’re dreaming bigger than ever.” - Daily Star ★★★★
“A record that flips switches and changes lanes at will” - Dork ★★★★
“A sound imbued with charm and reverence.” - NME
"An admirable step forward" - Rolling Stone UK
“The Australian trio get the party started immediately” - The Sun
"Irresistible" - Uncut
Praise for Ruel:
“It’s astonishing that someone so young, can write something this good… I give up”. – Elton John
“Ruel is like the second coming of the pop prince, one destined to scale to even greater heights.” – GQ
