Aussie Indie Rock Duo Royel Otis on Their Newest EP 'Sofa Kings'
Photo by Alex Wall
[UNPUBLISHED:] Hey Royel Otis! How’ve you been?
[ROYEL OTIS:] We have been just swell. Very busy and constantly on the move but I’m the best way possible.
[UNPUBLISHED:] I loved the new EP! What are you most excited about in regards to the release?
[ROYEL OTIS:] We are excited to see everyone’s reactions and the forever entertaining responses from the trolls worldwide.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Tell us about the inspiration behind the title of the EP, Sofa Kings.
[ROYEL OTIS:] Sofa Kings is in a way a response to the previous EP, Bar & Grill. Just another business endeavour we are trying to get off the ground.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a favorite song from the project?
[ROYEL OTIS:] My favourite song constantly changes. At the moment it’s “Razor Teeth.” Otis’ is also “Razor Teeth.” We might start even abbreviating Razor Teeth to RT or Razor T or even Razzy T. For now I’m we will just stick with Razzy Teezy.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a lyric that particularly sticks out to you from the EP?
[ROYEL OTIS:] “Baby baby baby baby baby aw” from “Going Kokomo” really sticks out to us. There are five lives in that line.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What was the process like creating this EP?
[ROYEL OTIS:] The process was like having a constant BBQ on a beaut property and just shooting the shit. Spinning a yarn if ye will.
[UNPUBLISHED:] The new project feels very timeless and something I can listen to over and over again. How do you think your sound has evolved throughout the years?
[ROYEL OTIS:] I think our sound has grown to be more free and open with itself and other experiences.
[UNPUBLISHED:] The new EP reminds me of a warm summer day when you’re driving down a highway with the windows down, blasting music. What are some songs or artists you listen to when you are in that environment?
[ROYEL OTIS:] We like to take turns DJing in the car. On days like that I’d say OMC’s “How Bizarre,” drizzled with some “Butterfly” to get a little Crazy Town (population 2) and let that marinate for a few hours with some Kylie.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Sofa Kings reminds me of a perfect soundtrack to a coming-of-age film. If you could have your music in any movie, which would it be and why?
[ROYEL OTIS:] Spirited Away. The soundtrack and everything about that film is flawless as is but I just want to see our music in an Anime.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you think growing up in Australia has influenced your music?
[ROYEL OTIS:] I don’t really think growing up in Australia is responsible for any influence. It was more our older siblings and parents so you might have to ask them. My dad’s number 0404846694.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What have you been loving recently? It can be anything!
[ROYEL OTIS:] I’ve been loving the weather in Japan. Otis has been loving late-night kebabs with garlic aioli, sweet chili, and bbq sauce.
