Royal Bliss – Pain

By starrymag | July 2, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Walk me a little through the creative process for your latest album, self-titled Royal Bliss.

 

Taylor: For this record, we just wanted it to rock. Back in January 2018 we recorded the song “Devil With Angel Eyes.” We were supposed to be on a much-needed break. The song was sent out to a radio panel and was given rave reviews. So, we thought, “Hey, lets just throw it out there.” Made a simple video and bam. It kind of took off. Everywhere we went people kept asking when the album was coming out and we literally hadn’t even written one song for it. Weren’t even thinking about doing a new record. So, when we started to writing and recording process, we kept it simple and to our roots. Good ol’ band practice. Just us four jamming in a room together. I think you can tell that when you listen. The songs are very lively and rockin’.

 

Q) Normally a self-titled album is one of the first albums a musician or band releases. What was it about this album that made you decide to self-title now?

 

Taylor: Probably because we can’t ever decide on an album title. I call it “The Lion” just to keep it separated in my iTunes full of untitled RB albums and unreleased songs. [laughs]

 

Q) In comparison to your body of work, how do you feel this current album stands out against the others?

 

Taylor: I think it’s our strongest work to date. The songs are great! We really learned a lot in the last few years. Songwriting has always kind of been a gift to Neal [Middleton] and we really crafted some great tunes on this one. AND we recorded an extra 7-8 songs that will be released next year or at some point…maybe even kick start the next record?

 

Q) The latest song “Pain” was shot at Legends Boxing in Salt Lake City. Why did you decide to shoot the video at a boxing facility?

 

Taylor: Neal was in the middle of doing a celebrity amateur boxing fight for charity, but he was doing all the training. Hardcore stuff! This song kind of had that vibe. Keep fighting even when the times get tough. Rise above it all and take away the PAIN!

 

Q) Which song(s) on the latest album do you feel the most connection with?

 

Taylor: That’s kind of like asking who’s your favorite child…I’m not sure, maybe “Pain” since I had a lot to do with the songwriting on that one. But also the hidden track! [laughs]

 

Q) In what ways do you feel that your personal struggles have shaped your music?

 

Taylor: We have been through so much internally – family, life, music industry and all that – it just makes a tough. The music industry isn’t easy. And it’s constantly evolving. So, it stays exciting as well as hard to follow. You just have to do what you love. If that’s what you do it for, then you’re doing it right.

 

Q) In the 20+ years of Royal Bliss, what has been some of the biggest changes you have seen in the music scene and how has that influenced the music that you have created?

 

Taylor: So many changes! CD’s, Napster, YouTube, iTunes, now Spotify…What’s next? We are all heavily influenced on the past and the present forms of music.

 

Q) If I were to take a peek at your music collections, what would I be surprised to find in there?

 

Taylor: The variety. Soft, Hard, slow, fast, acoustic, hard rock, country, metal…all of it! We have always tried new things and also tried to keep it true to Royal Bliss.

 

Q) If possible, who would be your dream collaboration?

 

Taylor: Dr. Dre, Snoop [Dogg] and Neal on a track. I’d love to do a tack with Post Malone.

 

Q) Neal, I had read that back in 2012 you auditioned for The Voice and unfortunately did not make it to the next round. What do you feel was the biggest lesson you took away from that experience?

 

Neal: That particular path in the music industry was not for me. But I came out with some lifelong super-talented friends.

 

Q) What advice would you give to those trying to break into the music business, especially the rock scene?

 

Taylor: Write, record, play shows, repeat. Don’t be afraid to try something new or open your mind to something you haven’t done before. Music is for exploration and creativity.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of the band?

 

Taylor: Thank you for all the support. Grab the new record and crank it up loud! More to come, stay tuned!