BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Royal & The Southern Echo

Answered by: Bryce Schneider

Give us a short description of your music: Reformed sad boy singer-songwriter that sings nostalgic songs over off-kilter pop music.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? EGOISM, Chakra Efendi, Spacey Jane, Stevan, Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers, Hope D.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I'm a Las Vegas burnout with nowhere left to run and nothing to lose.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Anything '90s flavoured is getting a really big run at the moment. Or the super whooshy trap-pop thing. I think by next year all songs will just be remixes of Old Town Road.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Releasing my debut EP independently would have to be the favourite for me. There's been radio and streaming success, supporting great artists and things of that ilk, but nothing has really compared to finishing the EP and getting it out there on my lonesome.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I've had some luck with US college radio so I'm really interested in how the industry works in different territories. I think if I can pick up any lessons on how to make my independent budget go further I'd be pretty happy with that too.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I think mental health is something that touches literally every person in the industry. From managers to touring crew and artists, publicists – you name it. A lot of the time you're doing things down to the wire, and you're never really sure they're going to pay off.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Do your job.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, The Brightside, 9.50pm; 5 Sep, The Foundry, 9pm.