We talk neurotic tendencies, modern slang and Stevie Wonder with south London producer-songwriter Royce Wood Junior.
Royce Wood Junior is not a household name just yet. Although, he will be once December 1st hits us in a couple of weeks time. Based in South London, he is a producer and songwriter who has created his own new solo EP from scratch. This all occurred during the wee hours of long nights – as with most self-sufficient new and improving musicians. His music will make you sit down and listen, and think about issues and delights in life that doesn’t concern love, as he mentions during our Q&A. We also talk about being out of sync, inspirations and what actually happens during studio sessions.
What makes you different from other artists?
Very little I would imagine. I’m super neurotic about my work, which in my experience makes me just the same as all the others.
Your voice is quite calming, yet your music is more upbeat. How do you get to the finished product without it sounding out of sync?
I actually kind of like things to be out of sync. I like the flaws and discrepancies of humanity and I think it’s important that they’re represented in music and not ironed out too much – celebrated even.
What inspires the lyrics of your songs?
I usually try and make sure the subject matter is not explicitly ‘love’ since that topic is pretty much the centre piece of every song in the universe. I like unusual, defunct words from different eras, modern slang and lots of metaphors. I like to focus on the mundane, boring parts of life. [There is] lots of beauty in there.
Which artists inspire you to make music?
Stevie Wonder.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Rufus Wainwright.
Tell us about a day in the studio. What happens?
Mainly table tennis… interspersed with small moments of production.
Okay finally, if you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Trying to convince the lady at the job centre that I have actively been seeking employment in the last two weeks.
Words: Faye Smith.