We had the pleasure of chatting with Midas Royal, a New York City rock singer-songwriter, to find out more about his journey as an independent artist, his inspirations, projects, and how Groover has helped him gain visibility so far.
Groover has helped me tremendously. It has opened doors and created opportunities for me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Midas Royal
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your music project? How did you start and what made you take it seriously?
The project started organically during the onset of Covid-19 in March 2020 in a small one-bedroom apartment in New York City. It was during these politically charged and troubling times that I refocused my attention and love back on the music.
It’s as if someone had kicked the proverbial hornet’s nest inside me that in turn sparked a creative revolution. I turned to my music, found my voice, wrote 100+ songs and I haven’t looked back since. The songs and words literally poured out of me. It’s as if I was at the confluence of self-realization and a spiritual revolution. Something in my head just switched during that time…
I recorded my first demo on my iPhone GarageBand app in March 2020. For context, I didn’t have any equipment, just me, my thoughts, the GarageBand interface, and the mic on my Apple earphones was used to record my vocals.
Recorded (10) more demos from April – June, 2020 and then sent them over to producer/mixer/engineer Jonathan Wyman for feedback. He thought they sounded pretty good and expressed an interest in working with me. From that day forward, I haven’t stopped working with Jonathan. We just finished our 38th song together in May 2024.
Prior to that, I played alto and baritone saxophone in grade school symphonic + jazz bands from ages 9 – 12. Then played electric + bass guitar in a garage rock band called “Maximum Capacity” from ages 12-15. I also sang in chorus all four years of high school.
In other words, I had never written a single song in my entire life before March 2020 and/or hadn’t explored anything musically since I was in my teens.
What inspires you and makes you want to create? Do you have any routines before you start working on music?
I make music out of necessity because I have to, not necessarily because I feel inspired to do so. Music is unavoidable for me. It happens spontaneously and at the most inopportune times. I often hear hooks and melodies in my head and feel compelled to explore what I’m hearing and feeling in the moment. In other words, I need to react when the music calls. That’s when the magic happens. Making music is also cathartic for me…and also a blessing and a curse.
When I was younger, I remember having the ability to hear and sing counter melodies to songs I’d hear on the radio. It was something I didn’t recognize as a “talent” until much later in my life…especially over the past four years since I started songwriting.
Music has provided me a platform and outlet to express my feelings and thoughts. It’s given a voice and freedom to say whatever I want. That’s a very power thing!
How would you describe your music? In your opinion, what’s the best way for someone to experience it?
Description from my bio written by Jean-Baptiste DUFOORT at Groover…
I’m a New York City singer-songwriter whose music bridges rock’s raw power with deeply introspective themes. My music emerged during the early days of the pandemic channeling the era’s uncertainty with a prolific creative surge. Crafting over 100 songs that explore resilience, individuality and hope, my sound is influenced by artists like Trent Reznor, Chris Cornell and Peter Gabriel, resonating with a timeless mix of alternative, hard and indie rock.
Best way to experience it…Listen to it on pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Headphones…that’s what I use 😉
👉 Go check his website for more content 👀
How did you find out about Groover and what made you decide to use the platform?
I first found out about Groover when I submitted my music for consideration to play live at the recent Mondo Conference in Brooklyn, NY. Although I wasn’t chosen, that was my first introduction to the platform. I started to using Groover religiously shortly after that.
How has it helped you? What opportunities have you gotten through Groover?
Groover has helped me tremendously. I’ve had great success using the platform which has allowed me to reach out to media outlets, record labels and playlist curators around the world. As an indie artist, I wouldn’t necessarily have this level of access and/or opportunity anywhere else. The platform is easy to use and has helped promote and elevate my music to new levels. Thank you Groover!
What are your upcoming projects and any other cool news you’d like to share with us?
NEWS = I’m releasing 4 new rock songs over the next 4 months.
First song is called “Open to Change” which drops on Friday, December 27, 2024
Then…“Can Anybody Hear Me” drops on Friday, January 31, 2025
Then…“Falling Down” drops on February 28, 2025
Then…“Be Free” drops on March 28, 2025
What advice would you give to artists just starting out with their music projects? What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since you started?
- Make the kind of music that you want to make. The kind of music that you would want to hear. Don’t be influenced by other people’s opinions.
- There are no rules in music. Just be yourself. Be authentic to YOU!
- Allow yourself to be vulnerable during the creative process. That’s where the magic happens.
- Lastly, I love this quote…“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” – Rick Rubin
Any final words?
About 4+ years ago, I embarked on this unforeseen journey. I started songwriting and it changed my life. Full transparency, I never planned on becoming a singer-songwriter, it just found me at a time in my life when I needed it most and I’m happy it did. Lots of incredibly talented people have helped me during this musical journey and for that…I’m forever grateful. I found my tribe! Making music has been a life altering experience. It has completely transformed me and given me a voice and a purpose. Now there’s no turning back…I’m all in!
—
| Read also: Art Longo meets his label, Cracki Records, thanks to Groover
—
Are looking to promote your music? 👇
