Royals
Genre: Pop Punk
Hometown: Southampton, England
How did you become a band?
Luke had worked on previous pop punk projects but wanted to start something new. He knew Alex through the local music scene and they began to write stuff together. They actually spent a couple of months writing together before even thinking to ask the other what their personal interests or hobbies were! They then found Will online and Luke knew former bassist Lewis through a previous band which completed the original Royals line-up. After Lewis’ departure earlier this year we looked to fill that position and eventually decided to add two new members (Tom & Tom) and become a five-piece with a little reshuffle of the lineup!
Where did the name of the band originate from?
We took a while to settle on a name and had a few ideas in the works. We wanted something punchy and preferably one word. When we headed up to the studio to record our first EP we decided to trial a few including Lights Out and The World Outside but quickly jumped to Royals as an all-round favourite option.
Can you tell us about the band’s lineup? Who’s who?
Luke Smithson (vocals)
Will Sherlock (rhythm guitar/backing vocals)
Alex Baker (lead guitar)
Tom Guildford (bass)
Tom Trowbridge (drums)
Individually, can you tell us what your favourite part about being a band is?
Will: The comradery, being able to play and create music with my best mates.
Alex: It’s nice to see positive responses to something you’ve put so much work into.
Luke: Helping people through relating to your music/having them sing lyrics back to you.
Tom G: It’s a tie between the buzz of playing live and the general hanging out, having a laugh with friends whilst all working on something together.
Tom T: Creating songs together and playing them live. Just going absolutely all-in for 40 odd mins and having an audience feel it.
Individually, can you tell us what the biggest misconception people have about being in a band?
Will: The amount of work that goes into every small aspect such as merch designs, song writing, creative ideas for music videos etc.
Alex: That it’s always fun and games on tour. There can be stresses on your friendships and relationships from the time away.
Luke: The personal time and work that goes into it leaves you little time for things such as family and friends, not to mention a job.
Tom G: That we must be cool people. We’re really not.
Tom T: Probably that it’s easy and good bands are just naturally good. You have to graft and keep working to get better
Can you give us an overview of the band’s discography?
Our first EP ‘Painted Gold’ was recorded towards the end of 2018. We released the EP’s first single ‘Up All Night’ in February 2019, followed by the rest of the record a few months later. We then produced a cover of Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie’s ‘Me!’, which we released in last summer. We’ve recently released two singles ‘Out Of Reach’ and ‘Fair-Weather Friend’. We’re currently recording new music at the moment, which we hope to release early 2021.
What sets you apart from all the other bands in the genre?
We think technology really allows bands to develop their unique characters and we’ve certainly tried to use this to innovate and blur the lines between genres. I think that blend is what sets Royals apart from other bands in our genre, as there are so many different elements within our sound that can take it down different routes as and when required, whilst always coming back to that pop punk nucleus.
Can you tell us about the band’s future plans?
We’re all looking forward to getting back out on the road again but no matter what state the world will be in, we’ll still be releasing new music throughout next year, especially with the new innovative ways we have found to work during this time. Big things are coming for Royals!
Can you tell us where readers can check out your music?
Absolutely! You can find us everywhere online! Links can be found below:
- Official Website – www.royalsofficial.com
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/royalsofficialuk
- Instagram – www.instagram.com/royalsofficialuk
- Twitter – www.twitter.com/royalsbanduk
- Spotify – www.open.spotify.com/royalsofficialuk
- Apple Music – www.music.apple.com/royalsofficialuk
Watch the video for our latest single ‘Fair-Weather Friend’ below: