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Interview with
REUBEN DE MELO

– “From Busking in Freo
to The Voice Stage”

(31st May, 2025)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Watch the complete interview below

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It’s not every day that a performer comes into our living rooms with such raw honesty and musical soul, but Reuben De Melo has done just that. From humble beginnings busking on the streets of Fremantle to earning a national spotlight on The Voice Australia 2024, Reuben’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and raw emotion.

I caught up with Reuben fresh off his breakout TV run, and it quickly became clear that this isn’t your typical overnight success story. Reuben’s artistic path was paved not by fame or ego, but by grief, self-discovery, and an unwavering passion for storytelling through music.

A Spark Born from Loss

Reuben’s foray into music began under deeply emotional circumstances. “I actually lost a mate at 20 — he passed away playing footy,” he shared. “He used to be the one who sang. Something came over me after that. Maybe it was grief, but it helped me write my first song, and I never looked back.”

That moment of loss became the catalyst for a musical awakening. Without formal training and only a loop pedal and a Behringer PA system to his name, Reuben took to the streets of Fremantle. From busking outside Timezone to saving up for his first guitar — a Cole Clark Black Angel — he slowly carved out his sound and his story.

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The Voice Experience

Like many before him, Reuben didn’t plan to audition for The Voice. “My wife actually signed me up,” he laughed. “I didn’t expect anything. But once I was there, I saw how many good people were behind the scenes — the wardrobe team, the editors, the camera crew. They all deserve so much credit.”

For Reuben, the experience wasn’t without nerves, but perspective helped keep him grounded. “I was just thinking, ‘Don’t forget the lyrics!’ But honestly, after losing mates and seeing what real pain looks like, I realised — this is a privilege. It’s not the end of the world if you stuff up a note.”

He also shared insight into the reality of the show. “It’s structured, of course, it has to be. But I had a great experience. The stars are kind and supportive, but it’s the crew that keep the show ticking. I respect them immensely.”

Finding His Sound

Reuben describes his music as a fusion of reggae, country, and folk — “a mash-up that’s hard to pin down, but real to me.” His influences are as grounded as his personality: Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, with a modern appreciation for storytellers like Sean Rowe.

But ultimately, it’s honesty and emotion that define Reuben’s artistry. “If I can’t feel it, I can’t sing it,” he says. “Whether it’s a cover or an original, I’ve got to connect with the words. People feel that — that’s why they come up after a gig, not because you hit a high note, but because they heard the truth.”

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Debut Single: “Slow”

Despite performing for over a decade, “Slow” is Reuben’s official debut single — a soulful track written in the most unlikely place: his cousin’s toilet in Hounslow, UK. Born from the monotony of day-to-day life with young kids, “Slow” is a heartfelt message to pause, reconnect, and return to love.

“I was going through a phase with my wife where everything felt robotic. We were just packing lunches, rushing around. That song is about going back to basics. One of the lines is ‘take it back to nice to meet you.’ It’s about remembering why you started.”

Initially unsure about the track’s pop-leaning sound, Reuben almost deleted it — until his wife heard it and insisted he release it. “Happy wife, happy life,” he joked.

The Road Ahead – Singles, Touring, and Beyond

Reuben is hitting the road for a national Australian tour across July and August, and while the full EP won’t be ready until later in the year (likely August or September), fans will get to hear plenty of unreleased music on stage.

“We’re dropping one single every four weeks. There are five in total, and we’ve only released one so far. So, there’s a lot to come.”

What is he most looking forward to about the tour? “The regional gigs. The smaller venues where you can have a beer and actually talk to people. That’s where the real magic happens.”

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Long-Term Aspirations and Dream Collaborations

So where does Reuben see himself heading?

“This is all so new. But I’d love to keep building my audience, keep putting out real music. I want to keep playing shows that mean something — not just to me, but to the people who show up.”

And when asked who he’d dream of performing with?

“Bob Marley, 100%. That feeling in his music is everything I aspire to. But he’d need to be alive — unless we’re doing Weekend at Bernie’s!”

In Conclusion

Reuben De Melo isn’t here for the fame — he’s here for the connection. Whether he’s busking in Freo or playing to a national TV audience, his music carries the weight of lived experience and the warmth of someone who truly feels what they sing.

Catch him on tour, stream “Slow”, and follow the journey of an artist who’s only just begun to share his voice with the world — in the most authentic way possible.

For more artist interviews and Aussie music content, stay tuned to Amnplify.

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Reuben De Melo
National Tour Dates

July 4th – Brisbane – Black Bear Lodge
July 5th – Sunshine Coast – SOLBAR
July 6th – Byron Bay – The Northern
July 10th – Port Macquarie – Finnean’s Tavern
July 11th – Newcastle – King Street
July 12th – The Entrance – Long Jetty Hotel
July 13th – Sydney – Mary’s Underground
July 17th – Wollongong – LA LA LA’s
July 18th – Canberra – UC Hub
July 25th – Traralgon – The Deck
July 26th – Melbourne – The Evelyn
July 27th – Adelaide – Jive Bar
August 8th – Broome – The Roey
August 9th – Perth – Westin Hotel
August 13th – Exmouth – Whalebone Brewing Co.
August 16th – Newman – Fortescue Festival
August 24th – Fremantle – Freo Social

For all show and ticketing details, head HERE

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Follow REUBEN DE MELO
Linktree – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Watch the complete interview below

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Press Release 21st May 2025 (below) HERE

The Voice Australia winner
REUBEN DE MELO
releases debut single
“SLOW” 

Touring nationally from
July 2025 before reuniting with
LeAnn Rimes in September

Tickets on-sale now HERE

Listen to “Slow” HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB