Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Sydney, Australia, Royel Otis is the guitar-pop duo turning heads and setting a new standard in the alternative music world. Vocalist Otis Pavlovic and guitarist/bassist Royel Maddell formed the band in 2019, rapidly rising to prominence with their unique sound and captivating performances.

Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic first crossed paths around Byron Bay. Their collaboration began in 2019 when Pavlovic sent Maddell some demos, describing it as "the collaboration he'd been chasing his whole life." The band’s name is a fusion of their first names.

Their debut EP, Campus, was released in October 2021, followed by Bar n Grill in August 2022. Their third EP, Sofa Kings, released in March 2023, peaked at number 43 on the ARIA Charts. Their song "Going Kokomo" was featured in the EA Sports FC 24 soundtrack.

In October 2023, they announced their debut studio album, Pratts & Pain, which was released on February 16, 2024. Produced by Grammy Award-winner Dan Carey, the album title was inspired by their visits to PRATTS & PAYNE, a local pub.

Royel Otis blends inspiration from 1970s British rock and early 2000s synthesizer sounds, crafting a genre all their own. Pavlovic’s monotone lyrics and Maddell’s driving bass create a distinctive sound. Their most popular track, "Oysters in My Pocket," started as an inside joke, and their cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s "Murder on the Dance Floor" went viral on TikTok.

Their contribution to Bose x NME: C24, Nack Nostalgia, marks another leap forward for Royel Otis. This track is defined by bluesy, desert rock-inspired guitar leads and infectious vocals. Maddell explained they wanted the song “to sound like a David Lynch film,” drawing inspiration from the late composer Angelo Badalamenti, known for his work on Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. The song's relaxed vibe may seem at odds with Lynch and Badalamenti’s surreal visions, but its glistening textures and ethereal tone reveal the influence.

The “nostalgia” in the title reflects a literal sense of youthful rebellion and carefree nights. Recorded in Byron Bay, the song's resplendent scope mirrors the area's coastal beauty. Compared to their south London recording environment for Pratts & Pain, Byron Bay provided a sunnier, more beautiful setting, though the duo admits to occasional homesickness amidst their globe-trotting adventures.

With over four million monthly listeners on Spotify and a sold-out Australian tour, Royel Otis is on a trajectory to indie stardom. Pratts & Pain and Nack Nostalgia mark just the beginning for this talented duo.

Their growing fanbase and the freedom to create without boundaries ensure that Royel Otis will keep evolving and surprising their listeners. The nostalgia and relaxed vibes of their latest release are a testament to their ability to capture the essence of their experiences, promising more innovative and captivating music to come.

Stream Nack Nostalgia here: https://too.fm/qjbaax2