Ruebben Chelvan is a singer-songwriter, producer, and performer, with his roots firm in the Malaysian music scene. Born and bred in the Klang Valley, his soulful tunes have been making waves both online and on radio.
With a sound that is a unique blend of soul, funk, disco, jazz, blues, acoustic pop and R&B, his music is far-reaching and has garnered the attention of listeners world-wide.
He's performed on various stages around the world, including shows in Malaysia, Singapore and the US, and is set to perform at the prestigious PETRONAS Philharmonic Hall in KLCC. His debut EP “Live A Little” showcases his evolution as an artist along with collaborations and sounds from various talents in the region.
Photographer: Ruebben Chelvan (self-portrait)
Ethnicity: Indian-Malaysian
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia
Instagram: @ruebbs_
Website:
GET TO KNOW - completed August 2024
3 words to describe you:
Sunshine, Hikes, Rice
3 words to describe your music:
Serotonin, Love, Groovy
Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
I was 16 and performed a song at a competition. Afterwards, I had multiple people (some friends, some strangers) come up to me and tell me they cried and had goosebumps from it - and it was the first time I thought that there might be something worth exploring, and gave me the confidence to try my hand at writing my own works.
How does your heritage impact your art?
I began taking my journey as a musician seriously when I was studying in the US, and my experiences there have really shaped the artist that I am today. I have aspects of my vocals and songwriting that have been influenced by the many many years of listening to Tamil songs on the radio, and Malaysian artists like the Alley Cats and Zainal Abidin.
However, since coming back home to such a culturally rich region, I've realized there's so much more inspiration for me to draw from here, and these will definitely influence my future works!
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
The moment that comes to mind was the first time I'd heard my song playing on the radio.
The same radio station I'd listened to since I was a kid, playing songs from the likes of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, decided to pick up a song I wrote in my bedroom (Like Nobody Else), and it aired while my mom was cooking in the kitchen. She screamed and gathered the entire family in the kitchen and it was such a special moment, I'll never forget it.
Your next music/career goal:
My next goal is to go on my first tour sometime in the near future. I love playing live shows and festivals, and there's something really special about sharing music with people who love music!
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
Silk Sonic! They're the dream duo, and I absolutely love that they're bringing back old school grooves to a newer generation.
Top 3 go to songs/artists:
September - Earth, Wind & Fire
Nan-Nan - Fujii Kaze
Rock With You - Michael Jackson
Words you live by:
If you never ask you'll never know!
Anything else you'd like to share:
I'd actually love to collaborate with more artists globally - I love creating and sharing stories, and if that sounds like fun to you, my DMs are always open!
