Ben Ruegg is no stranger to chaos – and his debut solo album, This Chaotic Sea (out August 15, 2025), dives headfirst into it. A respected voice in Auckland’s alternative rock scene, Ruegg is a songwriter, producer, and performer whose work balances raw emotional honesty with sonic ambition. Whether leading his band Channeled or crafting alone, Ruegg writes music that digs deep, asks big questions, and dares to sit in the discomfort.

This Chaotic Sea was born from personal crisis. In 2020, Ruegg suffered a sudden, near-fatal seizure on his wedding anniversary – a moment that derailed his life and uncovered a previously unknown condition. Then, in 2023, he lost his father. Rather than retreat, Ruegg turned to music. The album that followed is a reflection of that season: intense, searching, and ultimately redemptive.

From the lush, string-laced opener Encounter to the haunting ache of Again and Again, the record blends soaring alt-rock, cinematic ballads, and stripped-back vulnerability. Guests include country singer Jenni Smith, saxophonist Jordan Mazza, and Ruegg’s sister Jessica Cole. The final tracks were mixed by Ruegg himself, adding to the deeply personal imprint of the record.

It’s the latest evolution in a career spanning over two decades. Ruegg first broke out with Anything But Federal in the 2000’s, before studying Popular Music at the University of Auckland. In 2018, he formed Channeled, a rock outfit known for its explosive live shows and emotionally charged songwriting. Their 2020 single Isolation reached the NZ Hot Singles Top 10, and the band placed twice in the Ding Dong Lounge Battle of the Bands.

With This Chaotic Sea, Ruegg steps out from the noise to deliver his most vulnerable and honest work yet – a record that doesn’t just tell a story, but pulls you under and refuses to let go.

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