Comprised of vocalist Alison Freed & multi-instrumentalist Alexandria Reyes, Los Angeles-based rock duo Royal She has unveiled their brand new single “My Ex”!
Royal She first caught attention with their inventive Billie Eilish cover, “My Girl”, and has since built momentum through their dynamic sound delivering a distinctive fusion of rock, pop, & electronic influences.
“My Ex” serves as a precursor to their highly anticipated album, “Befores and After”, set for release in early 2025. Produced by Logan Mader & mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, it blends signature genre-spanning style with an edgy storytelling dynamic. The song serves as a break-up anthem and is a response to a toxic ex.
Royal She has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding their brand-new song & you can check out the full interview below.
Hey Royal She, thank you for this interview. Can you start by introducing yourselves to readers unfamiliar with your music?
Alex: I’m Alex and I play the guitar for Royal She.
Alison: Hi, I’m Alison, and I’m the singer.
How did the idea to form Royal She come together?
Alex: Alison and I have known each other for many years. We were in a band called My Elysian originally from San Diego, CA. We founded Royal She in 2019. We had the opportunity to play live shows which started out at South by Southwest 2023, and then in our hometown of Los Angeles at Pride 2023. Shortly after, we began to write and record our debut album “Befores and Afters”.
Alison: After our first band, My Elysian, we took a break from doing music together. We knew it was temporary, and once it felt right to start back up, Royal She was born!
What inspired the name, Royal She?
Alex: We wanted to represent women musically in a powerful, and commanding way.
Alison: And we believe the time for the divine feminine is now. Patriarchal society is not creating the world we want for our future, so it’s about women and girls stepping into their power to create a better world.
When did you both first discover your love for music?
Alex: I grew up in a musical family. My aunt taught me how to play guitar at the age of 4. At 13 years old, after attending a few big rock concerts, it changed my life forever. Music and playing the guitar became my obsession.
Alison: I was singing my whole life, dancing around putting on concerts for my family and friends’ families, and anyone that would watch. Music was always a huge part of my life. From singing in the car, to making my two best friends play TLC with me. I can’t remember a time in my life when my love for music wasn’t a main focus of my life.
Have you always wanted to pursue a career within the music industry?
Alex: Always. That’s why I moved to Los Angeles.
Alison: I think subconsciously, yes. But the truth is, I didn’t think that was an option for me. I didn’t think I was “good enough” in addition to a long list of other negative self beliefs. It wasn’t until Alex heard me singing loudly in my car and essentially forced me to do a show with her that it became a real conscious possibility.
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Alex: Our music is guitar driven, similar to 90’s alternative rock, but with electronic and hip hop undertones. The vocal hooks are angelic, and the raps are crystal clear. It can be very catchy – similar to a lullaby – but there’s always a deep underlying message. The lyrics go between cut-throat, to uplifting, to extremely raw and emotional. The music almost always matches up to the emotion and lyrics of our songs.
Alison: I would say our musical style is really a love letter to all of the genres of music that we love and that have impacted us. They’re all a part of our sound- pop, rock, metal, electronic, alt, hip hop, rap, R&B.
You just released the brand new single “My Ex”. How did the idea for this song come together?
Alex: My Ex is about an ex-lover (shocker). The idea came after we were writing in the studio and Alison was inspired to let loose about how she was feeling and what she was going through after a horrendous breakup. Ain’t that how most great albums start off?
Alison: Facts. We had played our debut LA show and done a cover of Raye’s “Escapism” where I rapped and sang, and that song really impacted us and our sound. I was in a lot of pain post a horrendous breakup, and I wanted to write a song talking about what I was going through with similar rawness, vulnerability, and the “HOLD UP, DID SHE JUST SAY WHAT” moment. But also, make it swaggy and take the listener on a journey with you… don’t leave them in that pain, take them out of it with you.
Did you always plan to release “My Ex” as a single?
Alex: Since the vocal hooks and guitar riffs are poppy and catchy – yes, I figured we’d release it as a single. Although catchy, there is a portion in the song where there’s heavy cursing, our moms probably cringe during those parts, but we also made a clean version of ‘My Ex’ just in case mainstream radio picks it up. Haha.
Alison: Oh, man. No. I was scared about this being a single. This is really the departing point that showcases the new Royal She, and what you’re going to hear on the rest of the album. It’s intense! It’s saying the things that aren’t pretty. It’s about one of the worst and hardest times of my life, and the worst pain I have ever felt. As women, we’re taught to be “good girls” and not to show the anger or the hurt. Well, fuck that. This song was necessary for my healing. I hope it helps other people through that too.
The song is a response to a toxic ex. What did it mean to you to put this message into a song?
Alison: At the time, I just needed a way to get the pain out of my heart and body, because it was consuming me. So, this was my medicine. We got into the studio and got it out. There is so much in that song. It helped me then, and it helps me now- every time I sing it, listen to it, and perform it. It’s a reminder that you will get through it. I hope that’s what someone listening to it feels if they’re going through a similar situation.
What message would you like listeners to take from this song?
Alex: Our message is ultimately positive. Some parts are wrathful and angry, especially after being wronged and betrayed by those you loved most, but there’s also a vulnerability and pain that people can relate to. It’s about making the choice to heal and become a better person despite the crap that life hands us. We want people to step into their power when they listen to our album.
Alison: Yes! What Alex said! Haha. I would add that it’s necessary to face and feel all of your feelings- especially the hard ones. These songs take you through the anger, the pain, the vulnerability, the sadness. Then, there’s hope, strength, friendship, self-love, and the possibility for new love.
This song serves as a precursor to the album Befores and Afters, set for release in early 2025. What are some of the things that listeners can anticipate from this highly anticipated album?
Alex: Expect chants of retribution, hope, and empowerment mixed in with vocal hooks and raps that get stuck in your head.
Alison: Expect the unexpected! You may think you know, but this album is really gunna lay it all out there. There are so many things I never spoke on that happened in 2023. This album is where I do that. There’s singing, screaming, rapping, guitar solos, and so many new elements to our music.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Alex: Everything is worth it.
Alison: Well played, Alex. Well played.
You can check out “My Ex” on Spotify below or on more platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 