Alternative, electronic duo Singer-keyboardist Jacque Ryal and producer Aaron Nevezie formed the group RYAL. RYAL’s musical endeavors are filled with soundscapes and narratives, drawing inspiration from artists like Damon Albarn, Bonobo, Thom Yorke, Sbtrkt, Tame Impala, and Bonobo. Previous RYAL albums have garnered praise from publications like The Best Line Fit, Time Out NY, LadyGunn, PopDust, Atwood, and more, drawing comparisons to artists like Little Dragon and Portishead. Have you called a 1-800 psychic hotline before? Singer Jacque Ryal of the synth-pop duo RYAL accepted the wager and was kept on the phone with the medium who gave her future predictions and hints. “It was like I was in a trance and had to stay on the line to find out more. This woman was a professional. It was a true art form, methodical, rehearsed lines to keep people me on the phone to pass the minute marker. And she did!”
The producer and other half of RYAL, Aaron Nevezie, came up with the track’s meditative pulsing modular synth bass line, which drives the listener through an ensnaring web until the chorus, which evokes a moment when the hypnotized protagonist might break free and see reality while still being intrigued and entranced. This is a song for the summer, appropriate for sweaty club dance parties, late-night car rides, or gloomy full-moon tarot card readings. Checkout their latest single and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you guys come from and how you got started? RYAL: AN : I met Jacque through her old band Strip Darling. I produced a record for them and we really hit it off. After that band ended we started collaborating on singles which led to the project Ryal. We went through a few iterations but landed on the duo and being the most productive and nimble.
JR: Yup, exactly like Aaron said, we met during production of Strip Darling’s record – I just loved his aesthetic and his approach so when I started writing pop tracks he was the first person I wanted to work with.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
RYAL: AN : I’ve studied and played music professionally for many years but I’m a self-taught producer and engineer. My ‘day-job’ is recording and mixing music. JR: My mothers was a songwriter who wrote musicals so I was immersed in music and shows as soon as I could walk / sing. I studied dance and acting, attending ACT in San Fran and AMDA for musical theater. Years of vocal training but never trying in making music.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘RYAL’?
RYAL: AN : Our influences are all over the map but a longterm and common point of inspiration is Little Dragon. We both love the vocals, songwriting and production.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
RYAL: AN : We’ve moved between acoustic and fully electronic productions. The constant is always an effort to keep things organic and alive. We use a lot of vintage electronics which we feel impart a familiar and classic flavor. Our sound is a little 80’s retro with danceable beats. People always remark on Jacque’s vocals as a captivating element.
JR: That is so nice Aaron (thanks bandmate) – people always say they love to dance to our music so that makes me super happy and is a testament to Aaron’s beat-making skills.
RYAL:
AN : Indie is just a moniker that gives us the most freedom to experiment with our current interests. We’re often sharing music and making tracks that respond to favorite songs. The conversation with other artists is ongoing and evolving.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
RYAL:
AN : While some lyrics do comment on political and cultural concerns we always take care to filter through a personal lens. Foremost we see ourselves as a source of joy and entertainment even when dealing with weighty events.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
RYAL:
AN : For me the appeal of music is the journey of discovery. I hope that each track builds on our previous work. My aim for the future is to continue to develop and enlarge upon our artistic vision, and in that process touch new audiences.
JR: I totally agree. I want to keep pushing limits and honestly, in this next batch of material – have fun! This has been a punishing few years and I GET why Beyonce made a dance record filled with collaboration. We need more fun. If it is the end of the world, let’s go down dancing and enjoying and LIVING life.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
RYAL: AN : Most songs have come from a beat, texture or modular synth patch. If the mood strikes Jacque she’ll hear a melody or lyric that fits and we sculpt from there. Some songs have taken shape spontaneously in this fashion, others have taken months or even years of back and forth to find the right shape.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
RYAL: AN : The hardest times in my career have been the construction of my studios. Both large builds for The Bunker have been physically, emotionally and financially fraught. Both times were overwhelming and barely possible but the support of business partners and friends got us to the finish line.
JR: HA! What isn’t hard in this business? But I would say the hardest time for me was when my old band broke up and I felt at a loss for what to do next, and if I had it in me to create something new. I’m sure glad I did.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
RYAL: AN: I’m happy to have built a business from scratch in NYC and watch it grow far beyond my imaginings. The Bunker Studio has become an integral part of the music scene here and for international artists. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know and work with many musical heroes.
JR: Seriously! What Bunker has created is INCREDIBLE. The best of the best go there. Grammy’s come out of that studio. I’m also equally proud of some placements RYAL has had on ABC in the last 2 years. We are so grateful for ABC / Disney’s support of our music. It has enabled us to do so much and we look forward to doing more.
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Photo credits: Holly Ragland