ROYAL Q&A
The Hunter is taken from her latest album, Heart of Shadows, a beautiful body of work where ROYAL blends dynamic and emotional vocals with a rich and moody musical production to create a listening experience that is equally bold and empowering.
Now I got the opportunity to ask her a few questions about this single, her musical inspirations, and much more. This is a chance for us to get to know this talented artist a bit more so let's dive right into the interview below.
First of all, I’d like to say I am loving your latest single The Hunter. Can we expect a music video for this song any time soon?
Thank you so much! I’m overflowing with gratitude for your support. There is discussion of a music video, so stay tuned!
We are in the midst of planning a music video for “Vessel” – the lead single from my new album Heart of Shadows – and I am very excited about my incredible team and casting! The video will be released in early 2019!
What are your musical inspirations and how do they influence the way you make your own music?
My musical inspirations stem from a broad catalogue of artists and styles.
I am very influenced by the music I surround myself with because of its emotional draw and moodiness. Music has always held a special power over me – one that digs deep beneath the surface and orchestrates my every move. Artists such as Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse motivate and inspire me to step outside of my comfort zone and spill my emotions into my songs, whereas The Beatles and The Beach Boys show me a more playful and experimental realm of writing. I am very inspired and influenced by many artists. Those are just a few of the more prominent ones.
My musical inspirations stem from a broad catalogue of artists and styles.
I am very influenced by the music I surround myself with because of its emotional draw and moodiness. Music has always held a special power over me – one that digs deep beneath the surface and orchestrates my every move. Artists such as Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse motivate and inspire me to step outside of my comfort zone and spill my emotions into my songs, whereas The Beatles and The Beach Boys show me a more playful and experimental realm of writing. I am very inspired and influenced by many artists. Those are just a few of the more prominent ones.
You’ve just released your new album Heart of Shadows. What is your favourite song off of the album and why?
It’s difficult to choose a favourite song from of the album because they are all so personal and special to me.
“Reminisce” and “The Hunter” were two songs that really allowed me the freedom to explore a different style of writing by adding a heavy and dramatic string arrangement. We even had a harp player come into the studio to bring that special touch of warmth to “Reminisce”. It was an unforgettable experience.
It’s difficult to choose a favourite song from of the album because they are all so personal and special to me.
“Reminisce” and “The Hunter” were two songs that really allowed me the freedom to explore a different style of writing by adding a heavy and dramatic string arrangement. We even had a harp player come into the studio to bring that special touch of warmth to “Reminisce”. It was an unforgettable experience.
Where did you get the inspiration to create such a wonderful body of work?
All of the songs on the “Heart of Shadows” album were inspired by my own personal life experiences. Songwriting has always been my way of communicating with the world and expressing myself, so it just made sense to build the album from the groundwork that is my life.
All of the songs on the “Heart of Shadows” album were inspired by my own personal life experiences. Songwriting has always been my way of communicating with the world and expressing myself, so it just made sense to build the album from the groundwork that is my life.
Are you planning to tour any time soon? What can fans expect from your shows?
My team and I are presently organizing a cross-Canada tour for the spring. I have acquired new band members who bring a lot of passion and musical and technological knowledge to the table. This has enabled us to create an enchanting and full sound, one that replicates the strength of the album. I will announce more details in the coming weeks on my website at www.RoyalOfficial.com or on my social media @IAmRoyalMusic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter once all of the details have been confirmed.
My team and I are presently organizing a cross-Canada tour for the spring. I have acquired new band members who bring a lot of passion and musical and technological knowledge to the table. This has enabled us to create an enchanting and full sound, one that replicates the strength of the album. I will announce more details in the coming weeks on my website at www.RoyalOfficial.com or on my social media @IAmRoyalMusic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter once all of the details have been confirmed.
If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?
I would love the opportunity to tour with Adele. I feel our styles really complement one another, and I just think she is incredible. I would probably be in shock the entire time, but I would love it. I would love the chance to write with her and have insight into her creative process.
I would love the opportunity to tour with Adele. I feel our styles really complement one another, and I just think she is incredible. I would probably be in shock the entire time, but I would love it. I would love the chance to write with her and have insight into her creative process.
Who would be your dream collaboration?Paul McCartney. He is one of my favourite songwriters of all time. The man has been writing music for more years than I have been alive, and he never runs out of fresh material – it’s incredible! He appears to have a very positive attitude and is full of life. Just to be in his presence would be inspiring and motivating.
What job do you think you would be doing now if you didn't have your music career?
I have always loved working with children. The way their minds work fascinates me. For a time, I worked as a nanny and it was the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, outside of music. I had intended to go to school for early childhood development and to possibly get into working with autistic children, but music stole my heart and – well – the rest is history!
I have always loved working with children. The way their minds work fascinates me. For a time, I worked as a nanny and it was the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, outside of music. I had intended to go to school for early childhood development and to possibly get into working with autistic children, but music stole my heart and – well – the rest is history!
What was the first album you ever bought?
I believe it may have been The Stranger by Billy Joel. Growing up, I was involved in an outdoors program for half of a semester in high school. This program allowed for students to learn beyond the confines of the school and provided opportunities I may have never otherwise had the chance to take part in. I have our leaders Moe and Reido to thank for those life-changing experiences.
On one of our field trips, we stayed up at a cabin in the winter – way out in the middle of nowhere, so that we had to take a helicopter to get to it. One night, many of my classmates were telling scary stories to try and scare the others. I have never been a fan of ghost stories, so I sneaked out of the room, grabbed my CD walkman and lay on the floor of the farthest room with Billy Joel at full blast to try and mask the sounds of the spooky stories. I’m so glad I had that album with me that night. Many of my friends were too afraid to even leave the cabin after that, and I had to walk with them to the latrine in the dark, ha-ha!
I believe it may have been The Stranger by Billy Joel. Growing up, I was involved in an outdoors program for half of a semester in high school. This program allowed for students to learn beyond the confines of the school and provided opportunities I may have never otherwise had the chance to take part in. I have our leaders Moe and Reido to thank for those life-changing experiences.
On one of our field trips, we stayed up at a cabin in the winter – way out in the middle of nowhere, so that we had to take a helicopter to get to it. One night, many of my classmates were telling scary stories to try and scare the others. I have never been a fan of ghost stories, so I sneaked out of the room, grabbed my CD walkman and lay on the floor of the farthest room with Billy Joel at full blast to try and mask the sounds of the spooky stories. I’m so glad I had that album with me that night. Many of my friends were too afraid to even leave the cabin after that, and I had to walk with them to the latrine in the dark, ha-ha!
What music are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to an instrumental mix on Spotify. After this, I will probably throw on some LÉON. She is one of my most recent finds and I am loving her sound!
I’m currently listening to an instrumental mix on Spotify. After this, I will probably throw on some LÉON. She is one of my most recent finds and I am loving her sound!
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?
The Best of Billie Holiday. This album has it all: heartbreak, romance, spunk, it covers all the bases and it’s something I’ve listened to my entire life and never gotten sick of. Billie Holiday has such an inspiring story that – paired with her unique voice and haunting melodies – has made me a lifelong fan.
The Best of Billie Holiday. This album has it all: heartbreak, romance, spunk, it covers all the bases and it’s something I’ve listened to my entire life and never gotten sick of. Billie Holiday has such an inspiring story that – paired with her unique voice and haunting melodies – has made me a lifelong fan.
What is your favourite song of 2018 so far?
“Pay No Mind” by Beach House. The transition between “Dark Spring” into this song is incredible! It sounds as if a plane is soaring over you. Then the hypnotic “Pay No Mind” starts up and you are immediately taken with the “slow-motion” style tempo of the song. It’s one of the most unique productions I’ve heard in a while and I’ve definitely played it on repeat a few times.
“Pay No Mind” by Beach House. The transition between “Dark Spring” into this song is incredible! It sounds as if a plane is soaring over you. Then the hypnotic “Pay No Mind” starts up and you are immediately taken with the “slow-motion” style tempo of the song. It’s one of the most unique productions I’ve heard in a while and I’ve definitely played it on repeat a few times.