29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Royala - Royala: Debut Solo Album Review

15 Nov 2009 // A review by Miss_Jukebox
‘Don’t Mind Me’ by Royala is a debut solo album that needed to be made. Through this album it is evident that this stunning songstress has been aching to create this ten-track portfolio of the works she, Daniel Harawira and Carl Newman have created together. Though the album has been finely tuned at York Street studios, it is Royala’s lyrics that steal the show. She is what every singer strives to be; a poet that can create paintings with words. And ‘Words’ is in fact where the album begins.

‘Words’ is a songwriter’s song. Made with all the essence of building a masterful piece of art, this is a song every artist can relate to. This is the beginning of this albums strongest point; the lyrical beauty with which Royala delivers with sheer passion. ‘Home’ adds a funk-beat to the clean melody. The title track takes the album to the classic reggae rhythms, as does ‘Surprise’ further on. ‘What Goes Round’ maintains the more upbeat feeling in the album.

‘This Thing Called Life’ is Royala’s statement song about the state of this world right now. Carl Newman, also known as EQ, adds a fantastic rap element that only adds more power to the politics of this track. ‘Soul Time’ brings this album to a laid-back, but grooving atmosphere. It is light and maintains the charm of the album.

‘Motherness’ is a beautiful and layered track, which has Royala’s vocals supported by the instrumental elements, all on a foundation of a fantastic lazy beat by Daniel Harawira on the drum. ‘Rockin Rollin Reggae’ is exactly what the title suggests and carries on the reggae theme that was set earlier. A brilliant and bluesy love song, ‘Me & You’ is filled with absolute passion. Royala and her lyrics take centre stage in this final track, and this is the song that really captures the splendour of Royala as an artist.

Though this album is not going to change the scene of the New Zealand music industry, it is an album to be admired because a beautiful and mature singer has taken her time to make a thoughtful album. It is full of a wisdom that is seldom heard in much of the music these days and it displays a real and lifelong passion for music that Royala thankfully never let go of. ‘Don’t Mind Me’ is a weightless album that is easy to just play and relax to, and frankly audiences certainly will not mind it at all.
 

About Royala

From the word 'Go' Soulstress Royala has taken to music leading her to her first debut Album 'Don't Mind Me'.

Settled in Okahu Bay Auckland, the 28 year old mother of Maori and Fijian descent grew up fond of music always knowing she wanted to sing. Royala and long time love Audio Engineer/Musician Carl Newman aka EQ built up their Recording Studio Mint Recordings in 2003 venturing into their careers as musicians. Over the years, studying at MAINZ was a big green light towards her chosen career deciding then that she was ready to go on stage, having the pleasure to sing as backing vocalist for bands The Kingites, Nat Rose, Lei-D Lee, Dam Native and Unity Pacific.

"Going Solo is achievable one step at a time" and with the tools necessary at home (or not far) and the experience consumed, she has done so with the talents of Daniel Harawira, Music Producer and Drummer to all tracks (drummer also for Che Fu & The Krates, Unity Pacific etc) and Carl Newman aka EQ, Producer, Engineer and Male Vocals (former MC for The Kingites).

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Royala

Releases

Don't Mind Me
Year: 2009
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Miss_Jukebox

Age Pryor - Single Review: Burning Sun
15 Nov 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Having built a steady portfolio of compositions since the turn of this century, Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed Sessions, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra) has inconspicuously become a pillar amongst New Zealand’s finest artists. And in the same understated way his career has unfolded so far, his new single Burning Sun retains the unassuming charm and placidity of his sound.
Read More...
Sola Rosa - EP Review: In Spaces
15 May 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
The highly-acclaimed, genre-fusing artist Sola Rosa is back with a new EP In Spaces - a stellar addition in the artist’s almost two-decade career. In Spaces explores the soundscapes of funk, soul and RnB, pillared by sturdy grooves and commanding vocal performances from a selection of outstanding feature artists.
Read More...
Emily Fairlight - Single/Video Review: The Escape
13 Mar 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Poet and alt-folk singer-songwriter Emily Fairlight has released her latest song The Escape - a bittersweet romantic ballad with plush country/folk vibes. It’s a hauntingly beautiful composition that sinks into you with its heartfelt delivery and writing.
Read More...
The Frank Burkitt Band - Album Review: Raconteur
14 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
Peruse through the gorgeous pages of Frank Burkitt’s storybook in Frank Burkitt Band’s latest album – a beautiful collection of narratives set to folk, jazz, blues and American roots essences. Raconteur is the second full-length album from the band, who formed in Wellington during 2014 after Burkitt, and his partner Kara Filbey (who provides vocals, flute and percussion on the album) moved from Edinburgh.
Read More...
I Am Giant - Single Review: Don't Look Back
08 Feb 2018 // by Miss_Jukebox
New Zealand’s rock darlings, I Am Giant have started their 2018 with a bang – releasing their first new single of the year, Don’t Look Back; before they unleash their hotly-anticipated third full-length album, Life in Captivity - which is due out in March. This will be the first full-length release from the band since 2014’s Science and Survival.
Read More...
Lucas O'Connell - Songs to Sleep On Album Review
10 Nov 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Music voyager Lucas O’Connell has released a beautiful debut album, Songs to Sleep On that encapsulates his skills to meaningfully personify all that is around him. The album was recorded primarily in Wellington’s Surgery Studios under the guidance of his main studio engineer Dr.
Read More...
Lucie Hill - Little Lapin EP Review
09 Jul 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
One look into her bright eyes, Little Lapin will have you mesmerised. Auckland-based Lucy Cioffi in her musical alter-ego Little Lapin has finally released her self-titled debut EP.
Read More...
Sarah Conlan Singles Review
25 May 2013 // by Miss_Jukebox
Sarah Conlan, a young country singer/songwriter is part of a country music resurgence happening before our eyes. I always thought of country music as a self-contained genre.
Read More...
View All Articles By Miss_Jukebox

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem