BC News|October 01, 2013 10:46 EDT
INTERVIEW: Royal Tailor Shares on Their Single "Remain", Dream Collaborations and Fall 2013 Touring Plans
Royal Tailor is a Grammy nominated pop/rock band who have been together since 2004. After years on the road, they signed a record deal with Esstential Records (Provident Label Group) and released their debut album Black & White on June 7th, 2011. Their new self-titled album released on October 22nd.
Royal Tailor is made of up Tauren Wells (vocals), DJ Cox (guitar, backing vocals), Blake Hubbard (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Jarrod Ingram (drums).
We'd like to thank Tauren Wells for taking the time to speak with BreatheCast.
BreatheCast: How did you guys come up with your band name?
TW: "'Royal' speaks of the truth that we are all valuable in God's eyes and a 'Tailor' is one who is fixes, mends and aids something or someone in need. So, tying that in, "Royal Tailor" is a reminder that since we belong to Jesus, we are royalty, but are called to serve others
BreatheCast: How would you describe your sound (and self-titled album) for people that haven't heard of you guys and what artists have influenced your sound?
TW: "I think the core DNA of what makes us who we are is the same, but time and experience have stretched, challenged and informed us. Musically, it's a fusion of pop/rock and funk. We are still playing and recording REAL instruments which is something becoming more and more uncommon. Then, we incorporate programming to add other colors and textures. My voice lends itself more to a pop/soul sound so I think, with all of those elements in the right place, that is what makes us one of a kind. We are definitely excited for the new album dropping on Oct. 22!
Probably MJ, Israel Houghton and Justin Timberlake had the most musical and vocal influence on me personally."
BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your single, "Remain"?
TW: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 -- That's the inspiration for, "Remain." We live in a culture that believes it's just okay for love to leave. This song is sending the message that the love God gives will always remain no matter what. This is also the kind of unconditional, unwavering love we should be reflecting into our relationships."
BreatheCast: What advice would you give to up and coming Christian bands?
TW: "Keep your head small, your eyes open and your heart big."
BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one mainstream artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose?
TW: "Collabing with Natasha Bedingfield and TobyMac would be cool!"
BreatheCast: Do you have a current scripture that has been speaking to you?
TW: "I've been learning to let go of the results of the labor. There's a story about a dude that God told to dig ditches in preparation for a massive rain storm. There had been a drought for many many years so the idea of rain was absurd. But they dug the ditches and the next morning, the rain came. I'm learning that "digging ditches" or putting in the work and effort is on me but the increase, results (from "the rain") is from God. I have to let go of trying to manipulate, determine and set expectations for personally creating the results in many areas of my life and focus on digging the ditches. 2 Kings 3 is the reference for the story above. I'd encourage readers to dig into it as well."
BreatheCast: If you guys could each play professionally for any sports team for one day, who would you guys pick?
TW: "I'd play Basketball for the Thunder!"
BreatheCast: What are your touring plans for this Fall 2013?
TW: "We are out with Newsong right now on the "Swallow The Ocean" Tour and then we'll be doing some of our own dates to promote the new album."