Struggling Royals Discuss Camp, Self-Control, and Confidence levels

“Different from previous work, Broke Royals’ latest album, Campr, marks a striking departure as their sixth release. Known for their scream-heavy track “Local Support,” the band opted for a different approach this time around. Moving towards falsetto vocals, more spacious guitar segments, and a groove-centric rhythm section, the band intentionally shied away from their previous volume-heavy style.

Over the course of four years since 2017, Broke Royals pieced together songs that had long lingered in disorganized folders with whimsical titles. The album’s title, Campr, originated from a playful nod to Camper Van Beethoven and the acquisition of a 12-string guitar during the pandemic. Embracing music that slowly unfolds and begs for repeated listens, the band delves into the concept of restraint as a form of control, emphasizing silence as a conscious artistic choice amidst a noisy world.

In a recent interview, the band members discussed the deliberate nature of their shift towards restraint in Campr. Frontman Philip Basnight notes the stark contrast between the screaming energy of their previous album and the more melodic direction they opted for this time around. He highlights the omnipresent noise and chaos in the world around them as a contributing factor to the thematic evolution of the album.

Guitarist Ben Wilson chimes in, suggesting that restraint in their music reflects a high level of confidence and control. Contrary to popular belief, he views subtlety as a deliberate choice born out of a newfound assurance in their musical identity. Drummer Colin Cross echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of highlighting the nuances of their music through a more subdued production style.

The track “Better Off,” penned during Trump’s initial presidential term, takes on a renewed relevance in the band’s eyes amidst Trump’s political return. Basnight reflects on the continued importance of carefully choosing one’s words and embracing silence as an intentional action, even amidst exhaustion. Wilson connects this idea to the broader cultural shift towards subtlety and nuance as an opposition to the prevalent loudness in contemporary society.

Discussing the naming of the album, Campr, the band shares a whimsical story behind its inception. Basnight reveals that the name was inspired by a Camper Van Beethoven riff on a newly acquired guitar, eventually solidifying into the album title over time. Wilson notes how the name gradually became an integral part of the album’s identity, reflecting the essence of the project as a whole.

Despite the evolving landscape of indie rock over the years, Broke Royals consciously distanced themselves from trends in the genre. Their album, created over an extended period, always existed on the fringes of their other work, embodying a unique sonic identity. Drummer Colin Cross expresses gratitude for the band’s autonomy in their creative process, emphasizing their commitment to staying true to their artistic vision amidst changing industry norms.

For Broke Royals, Campr represents an intentional departure from the status quo, embracing restraint as a means of asserting their artistic control. The album’s long gestation period reflects the band’s meticulous attention to detail and their commitment to crafting music that transcends fleeting trends.”