I was in a very dark place in my mind
Roayl latest song really does come out of the gutter. You can hear it in the claustrophobic sound and in his performance. Mental health is one of our generation's emergencies, and Royal cathartic performance goes beyond the lyrics. It's his way out.
Royal: I wrote this song when I was in a very dark place in my mind. I was going through something I had never been through before, and it was really hard for me. This song just came to me one night at a boozy band rehearsal with the boys. My friend was playing this hard bassline, and I just started singing over it loud. That's pretty much how the song came about. I think the music will resonate with people who feel frustrated, ignored and in need of an outlet.
Has the current climate affected you as a person and as an artist?
Royal: These last years made me stronger and more resilient. As an artist, I am constantly growing and improving regardless of the goings-on around me. My type of songwriting thrives in times like these.
How do you cope with the pressure from mainstream and social media?
Royal: I try my best not to watch the news because I know how much the mainstream media like to create a hostile environment. We are continuously fed with distractions to stop us from seeing what is going on in society. An old trick they used for hundreds of years is divide and conquer, and we see it daily now. I encourage people to always be themselves. If you're not true to yourself, you will regret it in the future. Don't be afraid to express how you feel and always talk to people; it makes things easier. And if you cant talk to people, shout over some music like me or write poetry.