Exclusive Interview with Canadian Recording Artist ROYAL

Canadian independent pop artist ROYAL has released her brand new album “Heart of Shadows” on all digital platforms. Through her incredible vocals and story telling lyrics, “Heart Of Shadows” explores the aftermath of an ill-fated relationship. The record reflects her own personal experiences, and touches on themes of love, heartbreak, bitterness, and the loss of identity.

“Heart of Shadows” see’s ROYAL working with artist and producer, Luca Fogale (Mathew V, Emily Rowed). The impressive album made me want to discover more about ROYAL. I got the opportunity to chat to the rising songstress about her brand new record;

1.) For all our followers, tell me a bit about yourself?

Hello, my name is ROYAL! I am an independent pop artist from Canada. My sound is comprised of emotionally charged lyrics and vocals supported by dramatic instrumentation and timeless orchestral arrangements. I gain inspiration from my own personal life experiences, and the broad musical stylings that I listen to – including Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan.

2.) Was there anyone who inspired you growing up to want to become a recording artist?

Bob Dylan was the first person to show me the power of songwriting. I think that listening to his music may have awakened something within me and motivated me to share my own stories through music. Although I would have to say the real people who – while growing up – inspired me to become a recording artist are my parents. Without them nurturing my passion for music, I may have treated it as nothing more than my own personal therapeutic release. I really owe it to them and also to Jack Lenz, who provided me the opportunity to record my first album after seeing me perform at a family event when I was sixteen years old. 

3.) Where did the artist name ROYAL come from?

It was down to the wire. I had an opportunity for a song collaboration with a label and having just found out that the original stage name I had chosen was already taken (it didn’t come up in my search because of the spelling difference), I had only a few days to decide what name to put myself as. I sat on the bus one day and there in the passing reflection of the window was a sign, and part of it was ROYAL. The name struck me. To me, it perfectly encompasses all of the qualities I aspire my music to inhabit. It is bold, timeless, romantic with a certain dark mystery to it. 

4.) Tell me about your new album “Heart Of Shadows”, what can people expect from it?

Heart of Shadows is a compilation of my life’s stories propelled by emotionally-driven lyrics and vocals and dramatic instrumentation. It is a journey – and in a way, a “coming of age” odyssey touching on love, nostalgia and toxic relationships, all encompassed with a strong statement that one can overcome any obstacle by staying true to themselves and letting go of the darkness, so as not to let it define you. My hope is that listeners treat this album as a listening experience – meaning that they can close their eyes or turn off the lights and allow for the music to really sink in and touch them on a deeper level, and maybe help guide them through their own past, ending it with peace and acceptance. Every song on this album is deeply personal to me, and I hope it can have a deeper affect on the listener. 

5.) Vessel is a great song, was this song derived from a personal experience of yours?

“Vessel” is a song based off of my own experience with heartache and the realization of the loss of my own identity. I was very much in love with someone who had saved me from an unhealthy previous relationship. Running into his arms to escape dealing with the emotional scars of my past may have saved me in one way, but also did not allow me to heal properly. It wasn’t until that relationship ended that I was forced to come to terms with everything and it inevitably led me onto the road of self discovery. 

6.) You’ve gained comparisons to Lana Del Ray and Lorde, are these artists that influence your sound?

First off, I am completely humbled by those comparisons. I greatly respect and admire those artists for their musical fearlessness in the way that they hold nothing back. I have gained much inspiration from them. Through the recording process, it was my goal for the listener to really be able to feel my emotions and the warmth in my voice, as you do in Lana Del Rey’s music. Lorde constantly invigorates me to act as a musical explorer – to break outside of my comfort zone and artistic boundaries to create something authentic and unique. 

7.) What has been your biggest achievement so far?

I feel that my greatest achievements so far have been my film and television placements. I aspire to create music to complement the emotional quality of a film scene and to further submerge the audience into that character’s story, or personal investment within a character. I have always felt a special inspiration from classic films and love any opportunity to place my music within a visual story to enhance the overall experience. 

8.) How much of you goes into the creative process of your songs?

I am a deeply sensitive person. Within every song I’ve ever written and created has been my whole heart and soul. I write music as my own personal form of expression, as well as to process my emotions. Therefore everything I create is based off profound and pure emotion.  

9.) Are there any artists, writers or producers you would love to work with?

I would love the opportunity to work with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys who produced Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence. Dan Auerbach has such a distinct style that it would be a really unique experience to collaborate with him and see his interpretation of my sound.

10.) What’s the ultimate goal as a musician that you would love to achieve?

In my mind, the ultimate goal as a musician is to be able to create as much music with as many people as possible. As I continue to collaborate with different artists and producers, I gain more wisdom and inspiration. It generates a sense of community and support for one another that is important in any realm of work. As artists, I believe most of us are introverted, but we also greatly desire connection. I hope to create more music within the new year, following my ongoing support of Heart of Shadows.

11.) What’s next on the agenda for you?

I am preparing to put on an album release show in February in Vancouver, with plans to extend this into a Canadian tour in the spring. As well, there will be a music video released within the next while, and ongoing visual content to further express the stories of the album. You can check out my official website, www.royalofficial.com as well as social media channels, handle: @IAmRoyalMusic for up-to-date music happenings and for more information on the new album.

Heart of Shadows is now available.

neillfrazer@hotmail.com