Royal Speaks

April 15th, 2011

There is just one show left on the western portion of the Root Of It All Tour. We are making the drive to Salmon Arm tomorrow and I couldn’t be more content. The idea for this tour was born after I completed my headline tour last fall with the band in larger theatres and clubs all across Canada. Though it was mostly sold out, and amazing shows night after night, I felt strongly that I wanted to go back out across Canada and perform solo in smaller venues. In rooms where I could tell a story, just myself and the instrument, and make an intimate connection with a select group of fans. I wanted to talk about the music, and let a little more of myself out in the process. Another part of maturing in my own skin I guess.

From the moment this tour began, I knew my wish was coming true. The vast majority of the shows have sold out, night after night, and the crowds have been so appreciative, so intent on listening, and making an evening of magic. It is as if both sides of the stage want to make something to remember.

I can’t thank each and everyone of you enough.

Here’s to making the rest of the shows across Canada remaining on the tour as successful as the western leg.

Your friend in music,
Royal

Where has the time gone? It appears to have passed in a hail of good news. I am still pinching myself to be nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Juno’s. It means so much to be recognized by my peers, and I consider myself flattered to be in such talented company.

My album was also chosen Top 5 of 2010 by CBC Radio 2 and iTunes named it as one of the Best Pop Albums of 2010 and “On Top Of Your Love” as one of the Best Pop Singles.

Like I said…. I am flattered.

Thankfully all of this has lead to yet another tour. This time, I am stopping off in rural Canadian towns (check the shows page for details). The kind of places I grew up in. The smell of grass and the site of trees along the towns view. The familiar way people say hello on the small streets. Bring on the home baked goods!

I also have my sleeves rolled up and my hands are getting worn with writing material for the new album. I have plans to record it this fall/winter. My lips are sealed as to the rest of the news.

Your friend in music,
Royal

Photos by Evan Holt

My headline tour of Canada has finally come to a close, and it has left me with a head full of memories that refuse to dissolve. The kind you put away in a chest of drawers as a keepsake. The ones that linger long after the applause has died down.

One token in particular was the final night in Toronto at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Hannah Georgas and her crew decided to “punk” me. As you can witness by the video clip, I was left a little tongue-tied and unsure of what to do next. Of course now that I have had time to think about retribution, I look forward to our next performance together down the line – whenever that may take place. What I do know is that getting even will involve super glue and Hannah’s guitar strap. Nothing more needs to be disclosed at this time.

I also wanted to take this moment to thank each and every fan who purchased tickets. And to send a special thank you out to the street team volunteers who spent countless hours postering each city across Canada. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you all.

Until next time…

Your friend in music,
Royal

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Royal Wood’s Tales from the Road

Part Seven: A Look Back Thus Far

Oct 18th, 2010

The western provinces are no longer under my feet. I have hung up my Canadian touring shoes until the Ontario and Quebec shows next month. Though, I will keep myself occupied, for I am heading down to NY later this month for another performance at The Living Room. Who doesn’t love New York city?

The tour thus far has been a cup full of wishes. I can’t believe I am finally playing my own shows at these size theatres and venues with the whole band behind me. What I would have given 3 years ago to be in my socks now? And Hannah Georgas and her band have moved me each evening with their energy and ability. This is the perfect tour.

I decided to have the footage that has amassed so far edited down into a single video, put to a song from The Waiting called “Do You Recall”. I hope you enjoy the shared memories.

May fortune continue to smile on me.

Royal

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Part Six: A Drop In The Bucket

Oct 16th, 2010

I am sitting backstage in Saskatoon, idle and waiting to sound check. I must admit that jet-lag has taken hold and I am run down today, but sometimes I find that state of mind sets in when the end of a tour is almost upon me. I only have 2 dates left on the western leg, and then I am homeward bound on the 17th. I long for a home cooked meal. That being said, I know the energy of a capacity crowd tonight will raise my frequency to a much higher level.

This tour has been all that I had hoped for. There have been amazing crowds and support on all levels. I am always moved and astonished that I am blessed enough to call this a career. That I make art, and that art generates a living that allows me to travel the world, and perform for ears and hearts that want to listen.

Along for the ride on this journey, are the folks from World Vision. I first became aware of their efforts while performing in Kingston ON, earlier this year. I was asked to sponsor a child, and knowing that I had every reason to save a life, and not a single one to ignore their plea, I signed up. That has lead to them following me on the David Gray tour, and now my own tour across Canada. Our goal is to sponsor as many needy children as we can, and each night we have succeeded. I don’t want to be Bono, but I do want to make a difference in some ones life. I want to be the change – not just talk about it. It is very convenient to discuss what is wrong in the world and commiserate together, but I personally believe we have a duty to make it a far greater place for generations to come. Here end-ith my preaching, for I am far from perfect, and this is only a drop in the bucket – but with each drop, the water level rises.

I hear the call of Richard my tour manager…

Off to sound check….

Royal

ps Here is a video of “Lady In White” from a show the other night in Edmonton at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.

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Part Five: What Is In-Store for Me?

Oct 13th, 2010

This morning, after getting a solid uninterrupted 7 hours of sleep, I finally woke up rested. However, as I write this blog, I dearly need my morning coffee.

We are on the drive to Banff and Richard the Tour Manager is at the wheel, while the rest of the boys appear to be off in their own thoughts. The only sounds I hear are the tires on the road, and the clickitty-clack of my laptop. Oddly enough, despite traveling in a group, there is so much down time on the road, so much hurry up and wait, that one is left with their thoughts quite often.

I dream of home today. Of loved ones, and cooking dinner, and sharing a bed, and talks over morning breakfast. However, I consider myself incredibly blessed to call this my career, and though I miss home and all that resides there, I also rest in the knowledge and certainty of my path. This has been such an exciting and successful tour. Last night in Edmonton at the Myer Horowitz Theatre, the crowd was electric, and the boys and I received 2 standing ovations by the end. Fans sang along, knowing word for word what came next, and afterward on the drive back to the hotel, we shared personal highlights of the performance. Life is grand. These boys are my second family.

What will tonight hold in-store for me?

Royal

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Part Four: I Am Sailing

Oct 10th, 2010

In motion. Constantly in motion. That is touring. The paradox is that, though we move from city to city, our body is static. It is the airplane and vehicle that go forward to their destination. Obviously, I understand the principle of Inertia that tells me that I too am moving with said object – and if I was to jump from this van I too would be speeding through space at 120 KM, but I doubt I would want to attempt disproving physics this fine afternoon. It would certainly be painful to confirm the theory.

Fatigue is also a state artists exist in on the road. No matter the hours of sleep you try to steal back from time when the chance presents itself, it doesn’t seem you ever refill the tank until you are finally home in your own bed. Jet lag, odd hours, long days, too many flights, and the occasional night cap tend to accumulate. What I have learned from experience is that you need to pace yourself with celebration, rest whenever you can, workout when possible, eat well and find alone time to stay healthy. I also firmly believe in the power of vitamin C. “C” obviously stands for coffee.

Traveling, despite being two full bands with tour managers, still leaves me with alone time. It just takes a little effort to unearth it. Today, on this ride, I have decided to put on my headphones to shut out my surroundings, and sail away for a while. On this voyage, there is no past and no future. There is only now. This moment. My lungs are taking in air. My heart is beating. My mind is active and powerfully churning out signals to my muscles and organs. My 50 trillion cells all work independently and yet dependently on one another. I am the spark of the Universe. I am creating my reality.

I am sailing…

Royal

ps Here is a backstage keepsake from the show the other night in Vancouver at the Rio Theatre. As you can see, it isn’t always hard work on tour.

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Part Three: The Stuff Of Life

Oct 9th, 2010

This morning was a perfect example of how touring can add meaningful moments to life – if you take the time to experience them. Before departing the Delta hotel, both my bass player Steve and myself took the opportunity to have breakfast with friends and family we rarely see. This is the stuff of life. These are the moments that make it rich beyond measure.

Now we are off to Cumberland, BC to perform the second show of the tour. Steve the good man that he is has offered to drive while I catch up on press and blog detail. Though the rain falls gently on our van, nothing can dampen the spirits on this gorgeous drive through the wilderness of the western shores of Canada. O I love this country. Both for its beauty and its people. I am so overjoyed to be performing the songs from The Waiting for your hearts and minds.

Last night in Victoria I mentioned on stage what a shift philosophically and spiritually turning 30 was for me. How my priorities altered, and how introspection became a very important part of my life. During which I became aware of how ones faith in anything greater than ourselves, can ebb and flow. Whether that is in relationships, or in ones beliefs. I put these ideas down in a song called “Birds On Sunday” when recording the album The Waiting, and I find when performing this particular song, the message becomes a common discussion point after the set each night.

I am doing my utmost to be healthy on this run. Hitting the gym when possible, and having balanced meals is key. I definitely find that if I manage my health on the road, then I am able to expand my potential as a performer to its limits. Health is wealth they say.

My label Maple Recordings was kind enough to loan me a flip HD video recorder, so I hope to capture more moments for posterity along the way.

Until then, I am signing off.

Royal

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Part Two: Onward to Dreamland

Oct 8th, 2010

My pillow on this bed feels like a fluffy white gift from the Gods. The Universe now cradles my mind. I am so tired from the full day of traveling from Toronto to Vancouver, the ferry ride to Victoria, and then the performance, that this may be the shortest entry into a blog in history.

It was a marvelous show tonight to kick start the tour. Hannah is a dear soul, and I can already tell this will be a tour to remember.

Onwards to dreamland, and then onto Cumberland, BC.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Royal

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Part One: Kicking Things off with a Toasted Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Oct 6th, 2010

Today is the day before the tour begins at The Victoria Events Centre in BC. I just got back from the gym to clear my foggy head, and now I find myself devouring a toasted peanut butter and banana sandwich and drinking orange juice like it was my last meal. Of course I am also waiting for my espresso machine to warm up so I can froth milk and really get this day going. Coffee is not a drug. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Looking at my to-do list in its entirety only makes me head spin, so I have decided to just take it one point at a time – but first I need to make that double espresso.

This will be my debut headline tour where my full band is able to come along, so my excitement level is that of a boy the night before Christmas. I dearly love performing solo or as a duo, but having the band to deliver the heightened level of power when needed is what performance is all about. Someone may salute me, for we are about to rock.

My tour manager and front of house man Richard has things well at hand, so thankfully someone will be in the drivers seat, and making each night of music sound like magic. Hannah Georgas is also coming along with her band, so this will prove to be a memorable tour – to say the least.

I am now off to rehearsal and then to make my way through a list of press phoners.

No sleep ’til Brooklyn.

Royal