A Quick Chat with Royston Noell
What are the origins of Royston Noell as a musician? When did you start writing, performing, and recording music?
Growing up in Mapoon isn't like growing up in the city; we still practice a lot of tradition hunting, have a strong sense of community. I was so different to a lot of the other kids growing up; other kids wanted to be footy players or be like Cathy Freeman, but all I wanted to do was sing. Although, it felt very isolating being the only kid in my school of 60 kids that sang.
There was some homophobia at school, and I tried to avoid singing in front of other people because of it, but once I started the journey of embracing who I was, my story, my truth (because it is a journey), I no longer felt the need to suppress my love for singing. It felt so freeing.
Tell us a bit about the new EP. How did the concept of Sunrise come together?
I put a lot of my heart and soul into this. This EP is the output from the creative journey I undertook after winning Idol. This project has been a long time coming, but I’m so grateful I had the time needed to truly put together a body of work that I was proud of. To really figure out what I wanted to say and give to the world as an artist. During this time, I found a reason to express myself a little more, I truly found how to operate as an artist. I’ve still got a lot more to learn and a lot more to do, but as of today, I’ve found a place with my voice, with my creative output to finally have something that I can say with confidence.
The title Sunrise symbolises more than just being in the light; it also represents the transition from darkness to illumination, capturing the journey of self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and living in the moment whilst embracing each day as if it were your last.
Why was it important to take your time in putting together your first full release?
I didn't want to put out just anything, I could have rushed into this. If I had released an EP a year ago, it wouldn't have been a strong body of work. This is an album about the different journeys I undertook that have helped me find myself, find my voice, push myself for my dreams and remembering to still have fun while doing it.
You know, the most beautiful thing about sunrise is that no matter what's going in your world, there is another day promised, and the sun will rise. There's always a chance for light, even if there's a stormy or cloudy day.
Name the five songs that have impacted you growing up and given you that confidence to be your truest authentic self as an artist.
Halo - Beyoncé
Rise Up - Andra Day
Ave Maria - Beyoncé
Umbrella - Rihanna
No Air - Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks
What Australian artists are you listening to at the moment?
I’m always listening to Jessica Mauboy haha. I know most of her songs. I also love Budjerah’s music and love Tones And I.
If someone listens to Sunrise for the first time, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?
From Chapter One centering in on the initial struggles of self-acceptance, to Chapter Two exploring the transition from comfort to following one’s dreams, to closing out with Chapter Three representing the culmination of this journey, I really hope that it can inspire the listener to fully embrace living in the moment and enjoying the rewards of their efforts.
For me, Live Everyday fully encapsulates the essence of the EP, urging you to seize every opportunity, live fearlessly, and create a life without regrets. Together, these songs form a cohesive narrative about moving from darkness to light, pursuing passions, and living each day as if it were the last. That’s something that was really important to me to share with the world.