What inspired this track My Ex? Is it based on an actual ex?
Alex: The song was inspired by a bad breakup. Actually, this song and breakup inspired us to move forward with writing our new album. It’s storytelling that’s based on an actual ex-lover, and the reasons why they are an ex.
Alison: Yep, what Alex said. And yes, it’s my ex.
How is this track different from Rollercoaster? Has your sound evolved?
Alex: Rollercoaster was written by Alison and Canadian singer Adaline. We decided to take out guitars and go with piano for this song because it conveyed the emotion of the song more appropriately. Our sound on this album is much more guitar driven and incorporates the merging of different musical styles from rock, pop, electronic, to hip hop.
What’s the main message behind your upcoming album?
Alex: Our message is about hope and healing. It’s a hero’s journey. It’s about standing up for oneself, and making the choice to rise up from the ashes, heal, and step into our power.
Your style incorporates different genres. Who influences you musically?
Alex: My biggest influences as a guitarist and songwriter are the Deftones, Alanis Morissette, Muse, Phantogram, Heart, 90’s alternative, Jeff Buckley, and John Frusciante to name a few.
Alison: My biggest influences are TLC, Alanis, Garbage, Evanescence, Pink, Raye, Phantogram, PVRIS, Paramore, Sabrina Carpenter, Snake River Conspiracy.
What about from a storytelling standpoint?
Alison: Taylor Swift, Alanis, Billie Eilish, Raye.
Alex: The rawness of the lyrics resonates with Alanis’ style of writing, particularly Jagged Little Pill. And inspired most recently by Raye’s album 21st Century Blues.
How did you two meet and decide you were meant to be in a band?
Alex: We met in San Diego when Alison was in college and I was in a nu-metal band called Media Lab. We hit it off after being introduced by a mutual friend and were quick to figure out that music bonded us. Alison would pick me up in her car and would sing very loudly along to the radio. I thought she had great pipes and I told her she was a really good singer and should be in a band. Fast forward a few years later, I signed us up for a local acoustic show without her approval; we ended up playing a few songs and the rest is history. Haha.
Alison: Yep, what she said.
Why the name Royal She?
Alex: We wanted to showcase ourselves as a female fronted band and represent women in a powerful, commanding way.
Alison: And the time for the divine feminine is now.
What’s the creative dynamic between you two?
Alex: Most of our new songs were written on the fly. In the past, I’d present a few guitar riffs to Alison. With this album, we both went into a spontaneous flow state of writing. Most of what you hear on the new songs is our first take of what we initially wrote.
Alison: We’re incredibly connected and have the ability to sync up musically in pretty wild ways. We can get on the same wavelength and a whole song comes out seamlessly. Like Alex said, many of the songs on this album were written in one sitting.
What is the ultimate message and goal behind your music and act?
Alex: Empowerment and healing. Our goal is to resonate with a lot of people and empower them, especially after being served plates of injustice.
What can we expect from your near future?
Alex: Expect to hear more singles and our debut album, followed by live shows!
