Video Premiere: Soulful pop crooner Royse releases official music video for ‘Heavy Lies the Crown’

We are proud to premiere soulful pop crooner Royse’s official music video for her single “Heavy Lies the Crown.” Released on AGM Records, ROYSE’s sound is reminiscent of Katy Perry and Lily Allen’s clever and charming melodies, mixed with Adele’s powerful vocals. The single was produced by the legendary Adrian Gurvitz (Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Andra Day).

With lyrics drawn from her own eating disorder battle which she shared with her late aunt Molly who passed away from complications of anorexia, Royse’s new single “Heavy Lies the Crown” is an homage to her aunt who was also a motherly figure in her life, and to anyone else in the world who is suffering from an eating disorder and is looking to find strength and a community they can relate to. ROYSE is now ready to reveal her personal story that has led to her one-of-a-kind music. Her exploration through the darkness results in beautiful melodies meant to empower those who need a hopeful message. Her openness in being vulnerable and honest in refreshing in this current landscape and anyone in need of a friend is an instant fan upon listening to this soulful beauty.

Following in the footsteps of her previous singles, ROYSE has made it clear to her fans and critics that her vocals are a force to be reckoned with and is truly one of the must-hear artists of 2019. ROYSE’s feel-good music is meant to be an escape for anyone who needs it for any reason. Music has always been a form of therapy for ROYSE, and she intends for her music to do the same.

What’s your musical background? You have a very beautiful and powerful voice!

Royse: Thank you so much! I’ve actually been singing since I was a little girl. I always knew it was going to be a big part of my life because it’s helped me through so much personally. I went to Los Angeles Recording School when I was 18 and studied music production, which also expanded my knowledge. Over the last eight years, I’ve had some amazing opportunities that have led me to this place. I’m especially grateful for the incredible artists that have influenced my sound – Katy Perry, Adele, and Queen.

Your new single “Heavy Lies the Crown” touches on a very sensitive and important topic. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your new single?

Royse: This song is so close to my heart. Growing up, I didn’t always feel beautiful just the way I was. I thought I had to look a certain way, be a certain size, always be put together to be worthy of love, or to be beautiful. I was so affected by people’s opinions of me and let their words destroy me. I had to let go of their words and believe the truth about myself. This song is my realization of who I really am – royal, beautiful, worthy, just the way I am. It is my realization that what I think of me is way more important than anyone else’s opinion of me. And that is the message I want to spread with this song – that you don’t have to change a thing about yourself to be beautiful. You are royalty, and no one can take that away.

You have decided to talk openly about your struggles with anorexia. When did you first recognize you had an eating disorder?

Royse: I struggled with bulimia at a younger age, starting when I was 10, and then later it transformed into anorexia. I didn’t realize that I had a problem until someone talked to me when I was 12. It’s so sad to me that it started at such a young age. That’s why I think it’s so important for us to speak life over the young girls around us.

The lyrics, “Don’t be ashamed of who you are, you’re a star in every way, got to believe it” are very inspirational … the entire song is inspirational! At the moment when you’re going through something tough, it’s sometimes hard to feel positive. How did you overcome the dark times?

Royse: You’re so right. It isn’t easy and I don’t always feel positive. I think I’ve been able to overcome in those times through two things: my relationship with God, and surrounding myself with people who lifted me up and reminded me of my value when I felt like I had none.

I read where music has always been a form of therapy for you. Is songwriting one of your therapies, and what is your songwriting process?

Royse: Oh, definitely. Songwriting is a huge way that I process things. I pretty much write about whatever I’m going through, good or bad.

The music and entertainment industry is well-known for having such high expectations based on looks alone, and they have a prototype for what a female should look like in terms of height and weight. That forces young girls and women to push themselves to transform their bodies into something they were not naturally meant to be, and the result of that can leave emotional scars and illness, such as the anorexia and bulimia. That’s an unfortunate byproduct of the industry and needs to be tackled. Your thoughts?

Royse: I think it’s unfortunate that beauty isn’t always recognized in all its forms. It’s caused so much damage. Society has come up with this standard of what they think everyone should look like, but who’s to say their opinion on what is beautiful is the right one? I really think we are on the right track when we start to champion all people – all sizes, colors, genders – everyone. That’s where I think we’re headed, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

What is your message to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, or any other sort of issue like depression?

Royse: Get help. Speak up and don’t keep it inside. The worst thing is when you feel like you’re alone in what you’re dealing with. You’re not. I’m cheering you on and believe you will get through this.

You’re heading out on tour soon with the Plain White T’s for the High School Nation Tour. What can fans expect?

Royse: I’ll definitely be playing some of my new music. I’m excited to meet as many people as I can!

What’s next after the tour?

Royse: I’ll be releasing some more new music. I also have some exciting surprises coming up, so stay tuned! 

Royse will be touring this fall with the Plain White T’s for the High School Nation Tour.

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