Forged on the DIY circuits of Jersey City and shaped by basement shows across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, Royal Blush are a band that’s been going from strength to strength over the last few years. Founded in 2021 by guitarist Andrew Merclean, what began as a one-man sonic endeavour soon grew into an expansive project when Midwest-born vocalist Al joined the act.
With the recent addition of producer-turned-bandmate Patryk Sikorski, the trio now arrives fully formed; poised, ambitious and driven with a compelling sonic vision. First unveiling their sound four years ago via the debut single “Roll the Dice,” Royal Blush has since shared a string of well-received releases that have tracked their ever-shifting output.
Now opening an exciting new chapter, Royal Blush brings us their latest release with their brand new debut EP titled A Ways Away, a long-awaited five-track outing that presents the perfect snapshot of Royal Blushâs identity. Itâs the sound of a band that has taken its time, tested the waters live and come back sharper, louder and more self-aware. After years of releasing singles like the early offering “Roll the Dice” and more recent tracks “Witness” and “Best Believe,” the EP brings it all together in a cohesive yet unpredictable package.
Jumping straight into a crunching alternative scene with the crash of drums and bite of guitars on opening song “Go,” the charging energy simmers down to a dreamy rock soundscape as Al’s smooth vocal leads glide in to spin elegant melodic leads above. Building up the energy, the chorus erupts with striking drums and impactful distorted guitars as her voice soars to belt out gripping hooks, resulting in a gripping and truly anthemic grunge rock sound.
The hurried shuffle of drums and twang of plucks guitar notes on “Ballads In The Sky” follows, slipping into a pop punk-esque vibe as instantly memorable vocal melodies hover above the slick backing of muted guitars and punching drums. As the chorus lands, infectious leads float amongst the raucous roll of percussion and surge of driving guitar arrangement to deliver a stunning display of the band’s engaging songwriting and performance panache.
Songs like “Cherry Cola” see the group lean into a more intricate sphere of pop-focused writing and captivating indie rock energy while “Ice Age” captures a timeless sound of sweet melodies and lively ebb and flow that swells into a spectacular finale of gliding guitar leads and stacked vocal layers. Closing the release with “Butterflies on the Grave,” Royal Blush lays down an epic showcase of emotive rock music with a song that gradually builds from hushed vocals and graceful clean guitar backing to a rousing conclusion of splashing drums and belted vocals, offering an engrossing final moment on the band’s sensational debut EP.
We caught up with Royal Blush to find out more about their musical journey so far, their debut EP A Ways Away and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Royal Blush below.
Hey Royal Blush, howâs things?
Couldnât be better, Plastic Mag. Thanks for chatting with us!
How did you get together as a band?
Truly, one piece at a time. In 2021, Andrew and Al started working on some songs he wrote during covid quarantine. After producing us for years, we finally got Patryk to join us in 2024. The 3 of us have a really nice balance in collaboration.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
For me (Al), anything spotlighting powerful leading women. Heart, Paramore, Blondie, Amyl & the Sniffers, Doechii, Gaga, Raye, Fleetwood Mac just to name a few.
(Andrew) I’ve gotten a lot of creative philosophy from film. I love David Lynch’s use of mystery and intuition- that art doesn’t have to be totally understood/explainable. And in general, I’m inspired by the concept of abundance- that ideas aren’t precious and there’s always another one waiting.
(Pat) I believe imagery and storytelling are a huge part of songwriting. Some artists that inspire me and do it well are La Dispute, Mac Miller, The Hotelier and ManDancing.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
We feed off of each other a lot! An idea turns into a jam that eventually clicks and grows into a structure. Mood is very important. We like to keep a balanced emotional diet. And there’s always the secret sauce of a heavy lyric and a spicy guitar riff. At the same time, we are always looking for new ways to write. We’ve definitely been experimenting more as of late.
What was your highlight of the year for 2024?
The release of âBallads in the Skyâ was easily the high of highs for us in 2024. Returning to the release game after a year and half, it felt so good to finally share what was happening behind the scenes! That song has a ton of personal significance for all of us.
What do you love about your local music scene?
The immense talent is wild. Being on a stacked bill every time leaves us overwhelmed with inspiration. Donât sleep on Jersey City!
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Road trips! Ultra specific⊠road trips to the beach. If you get a kick out of running like Andrew, long runs/bike rides. We make music for movement haha.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Making the jump from the first couple of releases to this EP was a journey and a half. Our sound really started to round out when our longtime producer, Pat Sikorski, joined our lineup on guitar. His creativity behind the desk gives us a lot of drive and opportunities to expand on the recording side of things.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Weâve really loved the work of Chicago-based band âRatboysâ! Their record âThe Windowâ gives us inspiration for days and we always try to catch them when theyâre in town, so thatâd be awesome!
How did you find making your new EP âA Ways Awayâ?
Most of the songs on this EP have been in our arsenal for years. Getting to put them out is SUCH a sweet relief. Writing, recording, re-writing, re-recording. Itâs been a labor of love and weâve loved giving these songs their time to shine!
What message did you want to get across with this release?
âA Ways Awayâ is a collection of our mental overload. These songs embrace shameless vulnerability, to shed our fear of being alone. Weâre a ways away, but in this together.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Al here, big Doechii fan, heavily in rotation. And Gagaâs new album Mayhem, simply obsessed.
Andrew hurr- Lately, it’s been the Pittsburgh indie scene. Big shoutout to Same, GAADGE and Ex Pilots for putting out some of our fave records in recent years. And also, Gabor Szabo, Molchat Doma, Soundgarden, Cameron Winter and Deftones.
Some favourites of repeat for me (Pat) – hrvrd, Spiritbox, Sum 41, Balance & Composure, Counterparts, Seahaven.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Feeling. Whether itâs deafening anger, quiet hope, or collective resistance, we hope the listeners feel it. Itâs easy to fall into numbness from day to day, we hope our music can be a ladder out of the hole.
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
Playing our hometown top-dog, White Eagle Hall, a couple years back was a stellar experience. We also loved our time in Philly at World Cafe Live with our homies Humilitarian. And also, a basement show at a random house in Binghamton, NY (put together by the Byrdhouse).
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Weâll each pick a band. Al- Amyl & the Sniffers. Andrew- Joy Division. Pat- The Hotelier. Someoneâs backyard circa 2016.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Timingâs a b*tch. Donât wait for perfection, just start. Put yourself out there and figure it out as you go! Imperfection and humanity are so valuable amongst the (f)artificial intelligence slop.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?
Weâve got some shows in the area planned this summer⊠look out NJ, NY, PA!! A music video to celebrate the EP is coming soon. We’ve also been working on a stripped back performance, a-la MTV-unplugged. Maybe some more music coming to streaming servicesâŠ. Whole lotta fun! Keep an eye out!
Listen to A Ways Away below
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