Artistic influences can be a curious mix of inheritance and inspiration.
From a second-hand vinyl collection to an intuited sense for music's
creation, Royal Wood has come a long way from the days of borrowed
instruments and secondhand cassette tapes. This self-taught
multi-instrumental artist has an ear for everything, from Sgt. Pepper's to
Vince Guaraldi. Royal draws from generations past but not forgotten; his
music sensibility is timeless but never dated.
Like a ribbon of Super 8 tape that contains blurry, sun-saturated summer
memories, Royal's piano-soaked style is unapologetically romantic and
unabashedly nostalgic. This filmic quality has made for an easy transition
to film and television, and Royal's music has been included in many
high-profile soundtracks as a result.
The sweet melancholy of loves lost and found diffuses throughout Royal's
two full-length albums and now two EPs, including the celebrated 2007
release A Good Enough Day, which brought rave reviews,
international radio play, multiple European and US tours, and a recent
sold-out appearance in Toronto, ON. Royal's touring resume also confirms a
growing acknowledgement of his work among Canada's top musicians,
exemplified by national invitations from Sarah Slean, Jill
Barber and Serena Ryder.
Royal's approach harkens back to traditions of song crafting that go
straight to the heart of the relationship an artist creates with an
audience. As great songwriting defies the whimsies of a trend, Royal's
classic songs explore the architecture of emotions upon which our most
cherished relationships are built. Named an iTunes Songwriter of the
Year in 2008, Royal's music shares an emotional immediacy with the
listener that creates a lingering feeling of intimacy with his recordings
and live performances.
With The Lost and Found EP, melody is once again at the forefront,
casting lyrics and rich string arrangements in the filmic light of
memories and dreams.