By: Staff
Midwest Royal released “Bourbon” and it is as Country as it gets, and will make you think about much more than alcohol.
When country is delivered the right way, whether from a cowboy’s lips or a song, it makes your heart feel emotions you forgot you had. The opening of this song makes you instantly fixated on the beautiful slide guitars and underlying bass.
Then we hear the lyrics from this talented singer's lips:
“I woke up to the sound of a mounting revolution, and found some shelter at the end of the bar”
This is much more than what we were expecting and immediately made us remember why cowboys and country music built this nation. I rate a song more on how it makes me feel than anything else because that’s what really matters… but this song checks both boxes because it sounds awesome, and it makes you feel awesome. Continuing down the road to the message of this song, we hear the stories of how lies and people’s evil intentions are provoking anger within his heart.
We can’t put all the lyrics but these were some more standouts:
“Insider trading and baiting race, that’s how it goes”
“It’s a power game and we are the currency”
This combined with an explosive vocal delivery that grows with more power as the song progresses will definitely awe listeners.
The thing that Midwest Royal pulls off in the most amazing fashion is taking all of these angry emotions that we all hold inside and feelings of oppression and manipulation by the political powers that be and then transforming them into a comedic line that allows us to express our feelings and really slams at home. “Join these two fingers smoking and encourage this long finger that says your number one”. Just in case my description wasn’t clear enough Midwest Royale is telling the powers that be to fuck off!!!
Not since “Take this job and shove, it” has been such a great country anthem song been released. With this song country music is now cemented forever in the books as being the best way to be angry and comedic at the same time, and allow people to express themselves in a way that helps them overcome.
Now with all of that, we have to address the vocals because they’re outstanding and they’re truly a stand out of this song. I’m not sure anyone else could sing this song because the cadence is unique and really hammers the message home.
Additionally the engineering was done beautifully creating a crystal clear track.
You definitely want to playlist, stream and share the new release from Midwest Royal, “Bourbon”.
Powerful Quote about this Artist:
“Bourbon” promises to resonate with listeners who crave music that speaks to both the heart and the soul. “Bourbon” captures a raw and introspective examination of contemporary issues, combining lyrical sharpness with a potent musical backdrop. The song's evocative lyrics reflect a deep dissatisfaction with modern society's power structures and the disillusionment that often accompanies them.”
Wait, there's more!
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist, for:
“The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
How long have you been making music?
I have been writing music since around 1999.
Have you always been the only songwriter?
Not always. I played in bands from 1999 until 2012 and co-wrote many songs with my bandmates. Writing with others makes you a better writer but writing by yourself gives space for full self expression.
We know there is a story behind your artist name. Midwest Royal, can you tell us the background of its origin?
I use this moniker because my music is more of a collective than an individual. I write songs and can play guitar, bass, some drums, and can sing some tunes. I hear the songs close to complete in my head and know what the songs need. Because of this, I write in many genres because the goal is to make the song it’s best. Therefore I use musicians and vocalists to bring my music to life. Sometimes I only play bass and other times I do most of the instrumentation. Just depends on the song. So it if kind of like Queens of the Stone as there are revolving musicians. I prefer to write and record this way because it allows me to have control over the song to see it through, giving it every opportunity to reach it’s potential.
We read this bold statement: “The song's evocative lyrics reflect a deep dissatisfaction with modern society's power structures and the disillusionment that often accompanies them.” What made you choose to take this bold stance to discuss these topics when most artists do not? (We aren’t shaming anyone, but the majority of artists we meet are not in this arena.)
Just being fed up with being a pawn. Our country was established as a constitutional republic with a focus on balance of powers. This is truly an incredible method for governing where the power is with the people. However, through lobbying, corruption, and terrible monetary policy, we have conceded power to the elite of this country and ultimately the world elite. Our constitutional rights are hanging by a thread. I did not want to be a serf on the sidelines anymore. It was time to use my talent to take stand. This song alone with my previous release “breadcrumbs” are dedicated to expose political corruption and unify the people against the imposters running our country.
Holy massive lineup of guest artists Batman!
Can you tell us a little about this amazing group of performers and how your relationship was born? • Scott Guberman (Hammond B3 organ, Phil Lesh & Friends) • Ben Helson (Lead guitar, Dierks Bentley) • Bryan Daste (Pedal Steel Guitar) • Ron Folger (Piano) • Jonathan Rodebaugh (Bass) • Bryan Bonfiglio (Resonator and drums) • Nanya Ijeh, Samuel Osaroekiye, and Ralph Okoro (Backing vocals)
Yes this is quite and arrangement of people. I usually write rock, alt country, indie tunes, not full fledge outlaw country tunes. When I wrote the melodies and lyrics to “Bourbon”, I heard it as an old Waylon tune, which means I needed to find people who were masters of their craft to help me. I recorded a scratch track using myself, my great friend/producer/engineer/player Bryan Bonfiglio, and pianist/organist Ron Folger to record a scratch of the track. Then I reached out to the unnamed vocalist first (he has asked to remain anonymous) to get a real vintage outlaw country vocal track. Then I contacted Bryan Daste because it really needed to have a solid pedal guitar at the heart of the song and boy did he deliver! I then realized that I needed a real Hammond b3 sound instead of the synth organ that Ron laid down. I reached out to Scott Guberman and his amazing B3 for the organ parts. Last piece of the instrument puzzle was to have a real country guitar. Bryan is an amazing guitarist and can play everything but country. I needed a real Nashville player for the track to sound authentic. There is where Ben Helson comes in. Ben has an amazing resume and is currently the touring lead guitarist for Dierks Bentley. He agreed to track for it and played the perfect parts. The music was finally complete, but we needed more vocals. I discovered Sam Osaroekiye and the choir that he directs. I reached out to him and asked if he could add some harmonies, choirs and BGV to the track. He agreed and said that they song resonated with what is going on in Lagos, Nigeria with political corruption. He was happy to take part, and his team really knocked it out of the park. For Bourbon to be its best, it needed to include great musicians that believed in it. Thankfully I was able to find and assemble them around the message of this song.
Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?
Music is my therapy. It is how I process and convey my thoughts and feelings. Without music I would not really have an outlet to express myself.
Was there always a desire to create music, or did you have an event in your life that made you realize this is what you want to do as a profession?
I have loved music since birth. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky along the country music highway and bluegrass, country, rock, r&b, Motown, and blues were all part of my history. I loved listening to records as far back as I remember. I listened to the Beatles and the Monkees with my cousins while at my grandparents’ house. My first records were 45’s of Prince’s Delirious and Huey Lewis’ The Heart of Rock n Roll. That being said,
I don’t do music as a profession. It is my therapy and outlet. I have a career outside of music, but would love for music to pay the bills.
What emotion do you feel inspires your writing process the most, i.e., sadness, worry, happiness, etc.?
All of them. My songs are honestly an autobiography of my life. When I am excited, happy, worried, or depressed process these feelings in my lyrics and music.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
I write one of two ways. Either I hear a melody with lyrics in my head that I write music to, or I write music that I like and form melodies and lyrics to that. Once I have the song structured, I take it to the studio and begin to develop it further. I take phone notes when I have ideas and usually do the complete writing process in the studio. For this song, my feelings about government corruption led to my writing “Bourbon” and my last single “breadcrumbs.”
Who decided on the theme for your artwork, and what was the inspiration and intention for the observer to absorb from it?
I decided on it and drew it myself. It exists to show a nuclear bomb exploding while a person drinks bourbon and smokes a cigar. There is a double meaning to the artwork. The first meaning is the elite watching the world blow up because they planned it to. They are enjoying the fruits of their labor. The second meaning is that alcohol and tobacco or are drugs that mask our emotions and feelings. They help us to suppress our feelings. So, the elites use them to control us. But what if instead of suppressing our feelings they encourage us to take action. The artwork is really two sides to a coin. Which will we the people choose? Let the elites steal our freedom, or we stand up to them and take their power back. The choice is ours, but if we don’t stand up, time for the choice will expire.
What instrument do you use as the foundation to start your musical creations with?
Typically acoustic or electric guitar, but am currently writing a few on bass.
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
Guitar, bass, and some drums.
What instrument do you not play, but wish you could conquer?
Banjo
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I work out of my friend Bryan Bonfiglio’s studio called Ark Royal. We complete the track and then I take the stems to Brett Dennison at Firefly Studios to do the final mix and mastering. I have been working with Brett for over 30 years and Bryan for over 5 years although I have known both guys since high school.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
Finding the correct musicians to make it happen.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
The need to express myself
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
Mixing. I hate mixing. The second would be song structure. The options are infinite so it is hard to know if I picked correctly lol.
Was there any song that you had released and then removed from platforms because of some change of heart or other reason?
No
Which of your already released songs is the most important to you, or closest to your heart for personal reasons?
I really like all of my songs. Songs are like children, and you can’t have a favorite. My songs change depending on the day. I really like Baby You’re the One. I was really happy with how it came together. I really love performing “I Don’t Know What to Do” live. Breadcrumbs is another favorite.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
Make access easier for independent artists.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I am really interested in sync. I think that is my destined path.
Where do you currently reside and what is the live music venue scene like there?
I live in Toledo, Ohio. I am not really involved with the scene. We have some good history and there are some great players here.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
Yes, all the time. Music creation is expensive. It costs time and money. I often think about if it is worth it. But then I think about how it helps me psychologically and I do not think it could live without it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Record everything you write and play a lot less live shows.
What is your favorite song to cover?
Thank the Lord for the Nighttime – Neil Diamond
What is your favorite quote?
Nature does nothing in vain - Aristotle
How do you feel about social media?
I hate it and think that it makes us worse people. It exists to further divide us.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
I hate them all now. If I had to pick a current show, I would pick Jimmy Fallon because he seems somewhat genuine and actually likes music. I would like to talk to him about dark travel.
What is your favorite method of connecting with fans?
Talking after a show
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
Dr, Dog
We have experienced that many people perform acts of selflessness each day. Once your artistry has reached far and wide, how will you use that more powerful voice to have a bigger positive impact on our world?
Go perform free shows in underserved areas in the USA and the world. I am from Kentucky and loved what Jack Harlow did last year. He played 6 shows and they were all in Kentucky which really helped local economies and local business along with making the people in the community feel special. I would do something like this and start my own charity so I could make sure the money was getting to those who need it.
What is the most inspirational thing a fan, or anyone, has told or shown you about your music?
That they understand me
End Interview
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Midwest Royal on Spotify & YouTube.
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