Symone Royale is a pop/funk singer from Houston, TX. She started her journey in music through the church at a young age, influenced by her father who is a musician as well. So music has always been a part of her life.
She has been trained in music, which added to his talent, and the influences she had since her childhood, have allowed her to forge a solid career with characteristic rhythms.
Symone has just released her vibrant, upbeat dance-pop track, “Loose”, a song about liberating yourself on the dance floor, allowing the music and emotion to swallow you up. We had the good fortune of connecting with her and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Symone you started singing at a very young age, but do you remember the moment you said ‘Ok, I want to do this for life’?
Yes, I do. I had to be around 7 or 8 when I asked my Dad if I could sing my first solo at church. I remember practicing and practicing to make sure I knew every word, note, and riff. When I went out to sing that Sunday, I felt very comfortable and only wanted to improve for the next performance.
What was it like growing up in the Houston music scene? How do you remember that time?
It was great! I performed at funerals and weddings at first, but then I gradually began singing at events with a bigger audience, like football and basketball games and events put on by the city.
You hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Business Management from the Berklee College of Music. What tools do you think this knowledge has given you to face the music industry?
The most important tool it gave me was the understanding that anything you need more information on, you can google or go on youtube to find out. Never be helpless when you don’t know how to do something. Just take one step at a time.
Let’s talk about ‘Loose’. How was this song born? Which also has a catchy rhythm.
When I wrote this song, I was desperate to listen to something that would make me feel confident and go out for a good time. New environments always help me when I’m writing, so I decided to visit Vegas for the first time. It was the perfect place to create a fun, sexy, and upbeat song in a hotel room.
How did the music for this theme come about? I have the perception that it has quite Latin rhythms.
Yes, while also wanting to create something fun, I also wanted to tap into my Panamanian side, which was new for me to do musically. I love experimenting with different genres, and this was the perfect record for that outlet.
This song conveys the feeling of security, feeling sexy, and empowerment. Was that what you wanted to convey? Why?
Hell yes! This song is for everyone to dance to and feel sexy! I write songs that encourage and boost my confidence, hoping the music will do the same to others listening. At that time, I wanted something that would make me feel good about myself and want to loosen up.
We read that one of the obstacles you have had to face is imposter syndrome. Tell us about this. What made you doubt? Do you think it’s over or do you still fight against it?
Life’s turns made me doubt, but I understand now that it’s part of the process, and the only thing to do is to keep going and remember my why. It’s easy to forget why we first fell in love with our craft when the world uses metrics and followers to determine our value. I always try to remember why I started singing, and it never had anything to do with that. Instead, I reflect on the times I was singing solos in church.
At this point in your career, do you think you have found the style that defines you or do you prefer to explore new things?
I’m always going to explore and play with new sounds. It was great to experiment while writing “Loose” because most of my music is pop/funk with a vintage 70s/80s sound. I try not to limit myself or put myself in a box with my creativity.
Besides the promotion of ‘Loose’, are you working on any other project?
I wouldn’t say a project, but new music is on the way.
Any dreams to fulfill with music? Perhaps present yourself on a specific stage, sing with an artist, or win an award?
I would love to work with The Weeknd. I’ve been a fan of his music since high school. That’s one collab I’m manifesting.
Story By Mariana Gonzalez
