Sean-Michael Francis, more popularly known as Royal Blu (Formally known as Blukid), is a new face on the Jamaican music scene. His style and lyrical delivery is taking Jamaica. As an artiste, Blu has ventured in many styles of music. He began his journey with hardcore lyrics which reflected the culture of Jamaican dancehall at that time. However, now his philosophy on life has changed and he has developed a more conscious and realistic approach to his music. His music today is a fusion of different musical influences and sounds. Here is our conversation with Royal Blu.
Q: Tell us about your background and how did you get started in the entertainment industry?
A: Well, growing up, my two big brothers would be playing various types of music from Damian Marley and Stephen Marley, to different hip hop artistes. So I used to lip-sync all the songs in the mirror that was in my room. I eventually wanted to write music of my own, so I began writing little songs when I was in 5th grade. I never recited them to anyone though, because I barely knew what I was doing. Started reciting them by 8th grade in High School.
Q: How would you describe your sound?
A: I’d describe my sound as a fusion of every genre. Music has no limits, you know? So I just do what sounds and feels right to me.
Q: Tell us about your song “Nobody’s Vent”? Did you write the song?
A: “Nobody’s Vent” is really just me touching a lot of subjects that I felt I needed to address, but in a subtle way so it’s not too hard on the listeners’ ears. And yeah, I write all my material from start to finish.
Q: What was your inspiration to write the song?
A: Well, I wrote the song in October of 2012 after I heard Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.a.a.d. City” album. The way he approaches his song is really inspiring from a writer’s point of view. He has unorthodox flows and content, so it pushed me to just write what was on my mind at the time.
Q: What is the best compliment you have gotten about the “Nobody’s Vent” song?
A: The best compliment I’ve gotten is from a friend of mine, saying that I’m like the Jamaican Nas. That really resonates in my mind, because Nas is a big influence of mine.
Q: You have a few singles out there. When can we expect your album to be released?
A: No idea on an album release as yet. Everything is independent right now, so I’m just building up a fan base and getting the right resources together.
Q: Do you remember the first time you ever got on a stage to perform? Where was it and what did it feel like?
A: The first time I performed on a stage was the Summer of 2012 at a Pageant in Portmore. It felt pretty natural, like I was made for this. You feel like a warrior on stage and the microphone is your weapon that commands people with every sway. It was invigorating.
Q: What projects are you working on right now?
A: I’m working on a project called “Thoughts Of A Nobody”. It’s going to basically be like a free demo album that shows where I am mentally and musically now. It’s in the finishing stages.
Q: If you were stuck on a deserted island and given the choice of 5 songs to put on your mp3 which artists would it be?
A: There’d be a song from Nas there. A song from Stephen Marley. A song from Damian Marley. A song from Joey Bada$$. And a song from J. Cole.
Q: Growing up my hero was…
A: My hero has always been my mom
Q: A movie I never get tired of watching is…
A: DEFINITELY 2 Fast, 2 Furious. My family can attest to that, trust me.
Q: Any closing thought…
A: Closing Thought Love and respect to my family and the movement, Lethal Audio Kings. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me from day one, or even if you’ve become a supporter yesterday, I appreciate you all. Look out for T.O.A.N.
“Talk is CHEAP. It’s the PRICE of your actions that bring forth CHANGE.” – Royal Blu
Check out Royal Blu at the following websites
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalBluOne
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheRoyalBlu
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/the-royal-blu
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/TheRoyalBlu
