Four of Australia’s most loved musicians have come together in an unlikely creative partnership – with breakthrough artist Ruel and acclaimed indie rock trio DMA’S dropping the first of two collaborative tracks, “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.
Photo: Brianna Da Silva
Ruel’s surprise appearance at DMA’S’ sold-out Enmore Theatre show last October, joining the band to perform a teasing acoustic version of one of these tracks, 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 taking home ARIA Best Group last year and earning their second top 5 UK Chart result.
“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.
Check it out below:
