Review Fix Exclusive: Royal Talks ‘Vessel’ And More

Review Fix chats with dream, electro, and independent pop singer/songwriter Royal, who discusses her creative process, goals and future, as well as what inspired her new single, “Vessel.”

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Royal: Music has always been a huge part of who I am. I grew up in a house constantly filled with music. After gathering an interest in learning guitar, I began putting my poems to music and eventually broke out of my shell and began playing covers and original songs at local open mic nights in my hometown of Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. While playing a set with my uncles and cousins at a family reunion, a Toronto-based producer named Jack Lenz heard me sing and offered me the opportunity to record an album at his studio. I learned a lot through that experience and from there, I decided I would pursue a career in music. 

Review Fix: What makes this single, “Vessel,” special to you?

Royal: “Vessel” is special to me because it is the first single off of my new album, Heart of Shadows. So far, the song has been climbing in numbers on Spotify and has landed a spot on the Spotify-curated Indie Pop Chillout Playlist, which is very exciting!

It is my personal journey through heartache and the realization of the loss of my identity. This song is very special to me as it led to my acknowledgment and first steps towards the road of discovery after getting lost in relationships for so many years. Through this song, I also wanted to honor one of my great loves, who saved me from a previous terrible and toxic relationship. 

Review Fix: How was it written?

Royal: The song came to me a few weeks after that relationship had ended and I was feeling completely broken. Alone in a new apartment, in a new city, I became consumed with despair. Through writing the song, I was able to express some relief and it helped me process the reality of where I was at in my life at the time, and how it was time for me to become my own person again. When we recorded the vocals for this song, I stood in the vocal booth and turned off every light till I couldn’t see the mic in front of me. This allowed me to once again tap into those emotions and let the story pour to of me like the many tears that had once before. 

Review Fix: How has your sound changed over the years?

Royal: I began making music as a folk artist, but as the years went on, I expanded my writing style – influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey. Giving myself the time to develop and grow naturally allowed me to carefully craft and build my sound from my life experiences. Ultimately, I gained a more broad influence from music and film that took hold of my heart. I began experimenting with strings and playing piano by ear to complement the new melodies that filled my head. Once I was able to let go of my acoustic guitar, I no longer felt held back by my inability to play what I heard in my head. I am a natural vocalist and songwriter, but instrumentals have always been challenging for me. Though I still write and play with them often, I don’t feel the need to confine myself to them anymore, so now I can write and create with a more free and open mind.

Review Fix: Why does your music matter?

Royal: My music matters because I pour every piece of my heart and soul into it, and it says something. It tells listeners to be bold and be strong. There will be difficult times, but you will recover from them and you will not be defined by them. 

I want it to be the guiding light for someone in pain or who feels trapped within a relationship, and to provide comfort and release – similar to what I felt by listening to the artists and music that helped me through my times of struggle.

Music is universal. It has the power to inspire and plunge into the hearts of those who may not always wear their emotions on their sleeves. Music is a powerful thing, and I want to make music that inspires and strengthens and that is more of an experience than a temporary trend.  

Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered in a few years?

Royal: As an artist, I want to be remembered for creating a listening experience.

My hope is that “Heart of Shadows” will be remembered as an album of depth and real emotion – that which has a long-lasting effect on the hearts of many – and inspires people to look back on their lives with an appreciation and understanding that everything they went through made them a stronger and more confident. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Royal: I am looking forward to releasing upcoming show dates. My team and I are working hard to bring new and exciting content to the world, including a music video for “Vessel” to be released in early 2019. Keep up to date with the exciting adventures and continued success of Heart of Shadows on my official website: https://www.royalofficial.com and social media channels – @IAmRoyalMusic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Royal: Thank you to everyone who has shown so much love and support for this album and my career! 

Keep your eyes and ears open to upcoming music collaborations and announcements in the near future! I am constantly challenging myself to create more genre-defying sonic and visual content infused with emotionally charged elements, so stay tuned!