I’m never quite sure whether to love or hate young performers. On one hand, I can’t help but be impressed with their talent realised at such a tender age. On the other, as I see what they’re doing I can’t help but think of what I was doing in my life at their age and how they’re clearly better than me. So I have mixed emotions about Ruel, because he’s kicking some serious goals at 14. Yes, 14.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he wrote his new single “Don’t Tell Me” at just 12. It’s not one of those songs that needs qualification. I’m not going to tell you it’s good for a 12-year-old, or that Ruel’s performance on it is good for a 14-year-old. It’s just good. I’m so impressed at this young man’s voice and passion. Ordinarily when kids sing about deep emotions there’s a disconnect. They don’t have the experiences to truly evoke what they’re singing about. I’m not sure what Ruel has lived through, but he’s convinced me.
Ruel is supporting Angus and Julia Stone in September. Make sure you arrive in time for his set if you’re going, because you’re going to want to say you saw this kid before he hit the big time.