breakthrough moment. Kerr says it held the key to the record they wanted to make. Thatcher agrees.
“It was a great blueprint of what we should do next,” states the drummer. “From that point onwards, it just got better and better.”
The band’s team concur, too, that it was the perfect beginning for the campaign. “It was a clear first step,” says Phil Christie. “It has the trademark Royal Blood bombast and also introduces the style of this new album.” “It caused a lot of
excitement when it was first recorded and received the same enthusiastic reaction when we first began to share it,” says Ian McAndrew, who manages Royal Blood through his Wildlife Entertainment company. “While it
incorporates the heavy style the band’s reputation has been forged on, it also reveals the new direction they are exploring. It felt like the natural starting point.” Andwith15,223,865streams
Reign in Blood: Royal Blood receive their BRIT Award from Jimmy Page in 2015 (top) and on stage at Reading Festival in 2019
onSpotify(wheretheyhavealmostfour millionmonthly listeners), it’shardto argue.
Such success is the product of proper planning. The band had a torrid time making How Did We Get So Dark? over long stints in Belgium in deepest, darkest winter. “We knew, ‘Let’s not do that again,’” says Kerr. “It was cold. We were in Brussels, away from family and friends,” explains Thatcher. “After going a bit too hard, we did dry January and got a personal trainer. It was bleak.” This time, they opted for home comforts. “There’s something about being in your own house and making songs,” says Kerr. “There’s pictures of us when we’re young, family are around. You’re back to your roots and you can’t run away from who you actually are. You can buy nice leather jackets, but you’re still the same.” Thatcher thinks that Royal Blood work best making albums in batches rather than one long slog and Typhoons’ stop-start creation echoed the fragmented creation of their debut.
“It’s almost like you’re making EPs. It’s unusual, but it gives us time to reflect on what we’ve done,” he says. “Like a tester.” He admits that, to some extent, their records are really just an excuse for them to play live. “Playing live is where we’ve really thrived,” he says. “We do the studio stuff because we want to play in arenas.” For a band whose rise has been built on their potent performances, the lack of live activity gave their label something to think about.
“A live plot would normally be integral to a band like Royal Blood and finding a substitute for that experience is not straightforward,” says Phil Christie. “The other elements of the roll-out need to be that much more engaging and memorable. Firstly, I would say that there is more onus
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on the concept of the album and what the body of work represents. Secondly, it’s about challenging ourselves to find new places for people to discover and engage with the band. We have found an increasing affinity with the gaming world and have something very big coming that goes beyond standard sync.” Christie says it is important to the label to bring the band’s personality into the spotlight. “We’re looking to encourage more direct interaction between the band and their fans. We also want to increase their streaming run rate, while super-serving the demand for great, varied physical products.” A mammoth offering of CD, cassette and various vinyl options – including exclusives for Amazon, HMV and indie retail, plus a deluxe edition limited to 8,000 copies – back up the president’s point. McAndrew notes that, although the band’s “power and intensity” really hit home live, the team feels blessed by the songs at their disposal.
“Mike and Ben are very gifted musicians, but as artists they have continued to challenge themselves in exploring what they can do with just a bass guitar and drums,” he says. “Evolving within those self-imposed confines has helped them define a unique sound and identity.” McAndrew adds that, with live shows off the menu for the time being, he anticipates the band spending more time in the studio, together as always.
M
ike Kerr describes himself as a “cold atheist” but even he admits there is a “spiritual connection” between the two members of Royal Blood. Their bond is unbreakable. “We’re such different people, we’re two different personalities but the bond is so deep,” he says. “We can understand each other without saying anything.” On their new record, while Kerr was leading them down blind alleys and into rabbit holes and the odd embarrassing sonic diversion, Thatcher was with him throughout. “Ben didn’t strangle any creative processes, which is amazing,” he says.
Kerr often wonders what Royal Blood would be like as a regular rock four-piece, with members growing impatient while their singer-bassist explores every sonic avenue that pops into his head. “There would be people that wouldn’t have it because it would be too tiring,” he says. There’s no room for silent stewing when there’s only two of you. Thatcher says that’s why Royal Blood work so fast. It’s also one of the reasons why they produced Typhoons themselves. There are only two people in the world fluent in Royalbloodese, and they are already in the band. Would you really want to be their third wheel? “It’s always difficult for a third party,” opines Thatcher, “because Mike and I have been on a journey together and
BLOOD ON THE TRACKS
Warner Chappell head of A&R Amber Davis talks Typhoons...
How has Royal Blood’s writing developed since you’ve been working together? “I feel like they burst onto the scene with such an impact that they almost seemed like the finished product even then. But with How Did We Get So Dark? and now with Typhoons, they have continued to raise the bar and create incredible rock music that fits seamlessly into today’s world. Mike and Ben just seem to grow in confidence. I think the new record will connect with their fans and introduce a new audience, too. I’d also be delighted for them if they land their third No.1 album.”
Not many rock bands reach the masses like Royal Blood. How do they do it? “First and foremost, they are amazing songwriters. I believe if the songs are good then people will connect, regardless of genre, and when you add in their live shows, it’s almost impossible not to connect. That’s what makes them one of the most exciting acts in the UK.”
What do their achievements say about what’s possible for modern rock bands? “A lot of up-and-coming bands could look to Royal Blood and be inspired by what they’ve achieved. They work incredibly hard and have proved that there’s still an appetite for guitar music, it’s just great to have a band as good as them flying the flag for British rock music.”
What sync opportunities are there for the album?
“Our sync team love Royal Blood as their songs work so well in TV, films, games and adverts – over the years we’ve landed some huge placements. In the month of release, Trouble’s Coming featured in both soundtracks for FIFA 21 and NHL 21 and we’ve also locked the song in for Sky’s Brassic series three and the video game Dirt 5. I know there’s a lot of interest with some great placements in the pipeline, too.”
Music Week | 43
PHOTOS: Getty
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