INTERVIEW:
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Rosa Photography
ROYAL
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THE fantastic ROYAL…
has been talking with me about her new album/E.P., Heart of Shadows, and what inspired it; whether she has a favourite cut from the collection and what she has coming up next – she reveals a new artist we need to get behind.
I ask whether there are plans for next year and when music came into ROYAL’s life; if there is a favourite musical memory that stands out; which artist she’d support given the chance – ROYAL ends the interview by selecting a great recent track.
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Hi, ROYAL. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey. I’m great! Thanks for asking! My week has been a lot of fun - it’s a very exciting time with the album release of my newest project, Heart of Shadows.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is ROYAL. I am an independent, Dream-Pop artist with a flare for cinematic, romantic and dark tones. I write my music based off emotion and my own personal life experiences. I draw inspiration from artists including Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday, to name a few.
I have had some success with film, television and commercial placement over the years as well as a collaboration with Electronica artist Conro on a track titled City Lights, which has gained over five million streams on Spotify. You can check out my latest single, Vessel, on the Spotify-curated playlist Indie Pop Chillout!
Heart of Shadows is your new E.P./album. What sort of themes did you tackle when writing and putting the songs together?
Heart of Shadows is a musical odyssey of the trials and tribulations of love and loss of identity. Thematically; it follows my story and experiences with the beautiful and darker sides of love - and the lessons we learn - and the power we gain from those experiences.
Do you have a standout track from the record that sticks in your mind?
Reminisce is one of my favourite tracks on the album. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful string orchestration and leads you down the path of reminiscent swells of emotion. The mood and style of this song best represents me as an artist as a whole. It’s one of the more sweet songs – rather than bitter – on the album and carries me back to some very precious moments of my life.
Was your early life filled with music? Which artists did you follow when growing up?
I am so fortunate to have been raised in a home filled with music. I swear if I were to press my ear against the walls I would still feel the vibrations, built in to the framework of the house. Not only was there always music playing but music from every genre under the sun. My dad followed the Rock classics including Bob Dylan, Neil Young; The Beatles and Tom Petty, while my mom blasted anything from Queen to Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin to The Zombies and Blue Rodeo.
It was a very well-rounded, constant thrill of inspiration. As I got older, I fell into the Pop scene; then Country then Punk; then to Rock - which finally led me to a musical world without borders.
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Rosa Photography
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
The end of 2018 is quickly approaching! I am working hard to reach my goals of successfully promoting my single, Vessel, and album, Heart of Shadows. With these releases, I hope to expand my following and create more music placement opportunities through film, television and beyond.
Do you already have plans for 2019?
I have many plans for 2019. This includes a music video release, tour and continued promotion for the current album. As well, I plan to step into the studio with more music. There are a few songs that I wrote within the last year that I would love to see come to life. The recording experience I had working with my producer Luca Fogale on Heart of Shadows really inspired this and I look forward to stepping in to that creative hub again.
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Rosa Photography
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
The one memory that comes to mind is the moment I was notified I was a successful FACTOR Juried Sound Recording grant recipient. FACTOR is a major source of funding for Canadian artists.
I was sitting in the hospital chair waiting for my boyfriend - who had injured his arm from a concert the night before (don’t worry; it wasn’t anything serious) - and the email popped up on my phone screen. It was as if the world stopped turning; I think I forgot to breathe. I opened the email and there it was. Someone believed in the music I was creating so much that they wanted to make sure it had the means to be developed. At a time in my life where I was feeling quite down about my career, there it came and it couldn’t have been a better time. I immediately burst into tears, unable to move. It was one of the most precious moments I’ve ever had.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer - because how could I pick just three? My life has been monumentally inspired and carried by music for as long as I can remember. And, so, I’ll give you three from different periods of my life.
Bob Dylan - The Essential Bob Dylan
This album is an automatic number-one for me. I can remember my dad playing it whenever he cooked dinner. We would sing along as we chopped vegetables and it put a bit more pep in his step. I’ve always felt a strong connection to Bob Dylan’s music. To me, he is one of the most incredible songwriters of all time. His storytelling abilities have the power to draw you in and connect on a deeper level.
Billie Holiday - Billie Holiday’s Greatest Hits
Okay; so it’s a greatest hits compilation but, before anyone jumps to judgement, know that I also love Deep Cuts. This album makes me want to dance and cry all at the same time. Long before the time of The Notebook’s presentation of I’ll be Seeing You, I have loved Billie Holiday. This album reminds me of my mom. This was one she often played while I was growing up. Billie Holiday’s music embodies all of the timeless qualities that I so admire. There is a deep and genuine sadness to it that I find intoxicating. It’s as if her voice casts a romantic, yet tragic spell that I am helpless against and can’t help but surrender to. So much more than just music. It moves you.
Lana Del Rey – Honeymoon
Can you imagine a more enchanting album introduction than that of Honeymoon? To me, this album is absolute perfection. I love turning off the lights, lighting a few candles and laying on the floor to listen to this album. It’s such a trip. I can feel reality melt away when I put this album on. It captivates and rejuvenates me, while filling my soul with inspiration.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Hands-down, Adele. I attended her last show in Vancouver and was blown away. As soon as she began singing, I lost it. I didn’t just cry, I sobbed. It was as if all of my life’s emotions began uncontrollably pouring out of me, triggered by her voice. It’s quite funny to think about it now, but wow, what an experience.
Like myself; Adele isn’t too concerned with dancers and moving stages etc. She provides visual stimuli that compliments her music and doesn’t take away from her voice - which is why we’re all there in the first place. I prefer my music to do the theatrics. Beyond that, I find it too distracting. Wonderful and relevant for some artists; I mean, can you imagine a world in which Michael Jackson had performed with only a live band? No. That was part of his creative vision.
If I were to tour with Adele, I would have to get over being so star struck by her. For the rider, my dream is to be accompanied by a band comprised of the usual piano, drummer; bass player etc., but I would also love to bring in a small string ensemble and backing vocalists to create a beautiful and full sound. There would be some stage props to emphasize the cinematic tone and I would want to do something to make the audience feel a part of the show. Something along the lines of when Coldplay handed wristbands to everyone in the audience before the show and left the purpose of them a mystery until all of a sudden they all began lighting up in a choreographed light show. That was a brilliant idea.
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Rosa Photography
Given your name…have you got a favourite member of Britain’s Royal Family?
I love learning about the history of the Royal Family, although I can't say who I would pick as my favourite. They are all very interesting. My stage name came to me while riding a bus one day in the city. There was a large sign with ‘Royal’ in the title and as it blurred past me, I was really taken with it. I decided to choose the name based on its timeless essence and powerful mark. Thematically; I feel it is very fitting with my sound and artist brand.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
To the young and dear souls entering the all-consuming and beautifully chaotic world of music: stay true to yourselves and your art. Art is meant to be a reflection of the soul and creative divine, not a trend. Work hard and surround yourself with people who love and support you, and who will be honest with you. Go to the workshops and the lectures, collaborate with other artists and do not let your fears hold you back. Just take a deep breath and go for it.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Yes! I have special album release show coming up in Vancouver as well I am planning a cross-Canada tour for the spring. More details will be announced shortly, so stay tuned!
IN THIS PHOTO: Chersea/PHOTO CREDIT: Tor Hammar Erickson and Dayna Weststeyn
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
My talented friend Chersea has been releasing some incredible music in the past few months. Not only is her music beautiful but she is also one of the most hard-working, talented and big-hearted people I know. Definitely check her out! And, if you’re looking for an opportunity to check her out live, she and I are teaming up as co-headliners for the upcoming album release show in Vancouver.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Music is pretty much an all-consuming thing for me these days. As an independent artist, I wear many, many hats and am constantly learning how to execute new titles and projects. However, when I need to take a break from it all, I love going for nature walks and spending time with the people I love. I really enjoy playing with my nephews. Kids have a way of making the world feel a little lighter - they aren’t concerned with the world and responsibilities of life. They just want to play and have fun and they provide the ultimate escape.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that)?
Thank you for all of the great questions! I will leave you with this musical gem by Chersea: I Can’t Be You
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