FIFO to Famous - Reuben De Melo
Western Australian artist Reuben De Melo has unveiled his brand new single titled ‘Slow’, a track that marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Voice winner as he prepares for the release of his forthcoming EP and his first national tour which kicks off in July. We caught up with personable father and former FIFO worker to chat about the song, the journey so far and what if anything he misses about mine work in WA.
Firstly Reuben, Congratulations on the release of 'Slow'. What has been the response to the new single?
Cheers, I have taken the simple/ playful pop approach to this single, which is very different to my usual works but I've surprisingly received a lot of positive feedback saying how the lyrics still shine despite the groovy melody. Some audiences, especially of the older demographic, thought that the rap verse was a nice change to the usual. All in all, the support has been great and the streams are getting higher every day so I'm thrilled!
Tell us about your new song? What inspired the writing of 'Slow'?
Like all good things, Slow came while I was spending some time pondering over life at my cousin’s place in Hounslow, London. We were on a mini EU tour with the whole family and I think at this point, Olivia (my wife) and I started feeling like machines trying to run a family but had forgotten the charisma we both had when we were kicking things off in our relationship. This song is simply me giving a voice to my thoughts so that they don't secretly fester and eat away at me and our relationship.
“Slow is a little different because the melody followed soon after the lyrics and I couldn’t wait to pick up my guitar and put the puzzle together. ”
What did the creative process look like for this track? What came first the lyrics or the music? Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
The lyrics always come first to me and as whack as it may sound, they come like a voice speaking to me in 3rd person. I believe that I tap into a realm of creativity and basically say again what has been said over time by many people; not intended for a song as such, but just as a message that becomes my personal saving grace.
Slow is a little different because the melody followed soon after the lyrics and I couldn't wait to pick up my guitar and put the puzzle together.
The most fun/memorable part about making it release ready was adding those cool "clicks" and "pop" sounds which are all done live with my mouth in front of the mic. However, it was a long process as it involved a lot of laughing.
Is there a particular line or part of the song resonates with you?
“Sold my soul to save my home” is about sacrificing my soul calling to provide for family and keep the roof over our heads. It made me a great machine because I got really good at my job as a Rigger working in the mining Industry of WA not realising that I was becoming less romantic, spontaneous, charismatic and eventually becoming difficult to be around.
“Fans can expect to have front row tickets to the things I think about while looking up at the pitch black ceiling at night trying to fall asleep. ”
'Slow' is our first taste of your forthcoming EP, when is the new body of work being deliverred and what can fans expect?
I'll be releasing a few singles before doing a full EP Launch. I don't get into my feelings too much until they purge out of me in the form of a song. Fans can expect to have front row tickets to the things I think about while looking up at the pitch black ceiling at night trying to fall asleep.
July sees you heading out on your first national tour, how are the preparations going for milestone?
We are currently quite literally smashing through renos while managing three little ones. This tour has made us all excited and ready for yet another adventure. I will be approaching this tour as Reuben De Melo the Artist and not as The Voice winner of last year, or the part-time muso/FIFO dad. It is actually the first time I’ll be working FOR MYSELF in the most soulful and wonderful way. I’m looking forward to sharing all my new songs and stories with Australia and hopefully get to hear some too. I'm learning to become comfortable with vulnerability on stage and engaging with the audience a little more and talk about my songs so I hope to give this a go on the tour.
“I am aching to show everyone stuff I’m going to release on this upcoming EP and even throw in a few songs that I have recently written and not yet performed”
What is a Reuben De Melo live show going to look like? Will fans get to experience more of the yet to be released material or will the show contain a mix of old, new and covers?
I am aching to show everyone stuff I'm going to release on this upcoming EP and even throw in a few songs that I have recently written and not yet performed. I might stay loyal to a trusty few covers that people may have heard me do on The Voice but expect them to be a little different. I have also got some new dad jokes that I’ve heard from mates and randoms I’ve met at pubs around WA.
Will the family be joining you on the road?
Yes! Hopefully for most of it if it is financially viable with 3 kids. In saying that, the whole point of me chasing my music dream was to spend more time with the family and there's nothing worse than going back to an empty room on tour especially coming off a massive high from all the love from the fans.
After your National Tour you will be travelling again supporting your The Voice Coach Leanne Rimes on her Australian shows, will that be a pinch yourself moment, sharing the stage with one of the biggest selling artists in the world?
I've had a fair few “pinch yourself” moments as of late. One, being in close proximity of some amazing artists that formed the judging panel of last year's Voice and two, calling LeAnn Rimes a friend. She is an absolute gem of a person and great reflection of the kind of artist I want to be; confident, empathetic and supportive of others trying to make a living in this music industry. She's got the biggest wings and the strongest feet and never fails to stay true to her family, roots and kindness to others. She has a team that feel like family and is never needing of much but always giving.
It is going to be not only an intimidating but an extremely empowering experience to be able to share the stage with her. A milestone I am looking forward to reach in my life for sure!
“I’d never before been paid to do what I loved”
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
My First gig was in 2013 that my friends signed me up for and dragged me to. It was at a semi- fancy wine bar called Jezebelle in a beautiful heritage listed part of Perth called Guildford. I wasn't expecting much as I was a pretty amateur singer and I could play (poorly) A 4 chord song in c major. It must've been a success Because I got paid $150 for a 3 hour set and they called me back. To be honest I'd never before been paid to do what I loved so I suppose you can say it was a success. It also helped pay for parking fines I seemed to be racking up at gigs. Oh the Irony.
Life has obviously changed a lot since winning The Voice last year, what have been the positives and negatives of this new direction?
Positives - a lot of people have got to hear my originals, a lot of people got to see me be awkward and vulnerable on TV and still gave me the benefit of the doubt, voted and got behind me. This alone was by far the most powerful thing to have come from winning The Voice, because it allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and re kindle the faith I have in my community. After all no one can live as an island and it is nice to feel accepted.
Negatives - the fear of being old news, keeping people engaged with social media hacks and all the marketing that goes into it has been creatively draining. at times I can feel a little over it but I know that chasing a dream was never going to be easy. I've got an incredible wife who is also an artist, making this so much easier for me without an envy complex or any agenda but to genuinely want the best for me. I feel like an Avicii that finally found his ideal life.
Is there anything you miss about FIFO?
Yes I'd be lying if i didn't say I miss a big part of what shaped me as a father and provider. I miss the camaraderie and checking in on mates that seem to be going through rough times.
“No matter how big your bucket is, you can’t empty an ocean. ”
The Voice is such a high profile launch pad for a new artist, what advice do you have for anyone thinking of trying out for a star-making show?
I'd say, do it simply because you can. No matter how big your bucket is, you can't empty an ocean. You are that ocean that nobody can take from. The worst that can happen is that you tried and there is nothing wrong with that.
You did a couple of duets on the show, is this something you would like to do more of ? Who would be on your Collab wishlist?
I love and will always relate to good family man who can be vulnerable with their music. That's why id like to collaborate with Guy Sebastian.
“I am still most successful because she is by my side and has given us three lovely Kids.”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My wife Olivia is a world class artist. She is way more creative than me, has an eye for interior design, can write a professional email, can pack the kids lunches and organise all their stuff for school, organises presents for everyone on Christmas and is the reason I was on The Voice because she signed me up and organised all my successes that followed. I am still most successful because she is by my side and has given us three lovely Kids.
What's next for Reuben De Melo? Where would you like to see yourself in a year's time and five years down the road? What do you hope you have achieved?
In a year’s time I would like to see myself sitting on a chair in my backyard watching the kids playing not having to worry about the next debit from my savings account while at the same time travelling with my family to play shows around Europe/UK.
In 5 years time I would very much like to do the same but also buy a nice trip away for my parents and in-laws where they can relax and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Tour Dates
04/07 – Brisbane - Black Bear Lodge
05/07 - Sunshine Coast - SOLBAR
06/07 - Byron Bay - The Northern
10/07 – Port Macquarie - Finnean’s Tavern
11/07 – Newcastle - King Street
12/07 – The Entrance - Long Jetty Hotel
13/07 – Sydney - Mary’s Underground
17/07 – Wollongong - LA LA LA’s
18/07 – Canberra - UC Hub
25/07 – Traralgon - The Deck
26/07 – Melbourne - The Evelyn
27/07 – Adelaide - Jive Bar
08/08 – Broome - The Roey
09/08 – Perth - Westin Hotel
13/08 – Exmouth - Whalebone Brewing Co.
16/08 – Newman - Fortescue Festival
24/08 – Fremantle - Freo Social
For all show and ticketing details, head to www.nicheproductions.com.au
Interview by Michelle Symes
May 2025