Aussie guitar duo Royel Otis showed up for our chat looking casually disheveled, beers in hand. They just wrapped up three sold-out shows at the Brixton Academy in London—an impressive feat considering it marked their 81st gig this year.
Royel Maddell (guitar) and Otis Pavlovic (lead vocals, guitar) have been navigating life on tour. Now, they strive to maintain their health on the road. “We hit the saunas and try to stay sober,” Maddell mentions, raising his alcohol-free Guinness.
Despite their laid-back vibe, Royel Otis didn’t plan for this level of success. Their infectious indie hits, including a viral cover of “Murder On The Dancefloor,” have placed them firmly on the music map. They’ve even made it to fifth place in BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 list, a nod to emerging talents predicted to break into the mainstream. The list voted by over 170 DJs features past laureates like Rosalía and George Ezra, putting them among prestigious company.
“We feel honored,” Maddell says, adding that they were initially unaware of the list’s significance. “It’s pretty amazing to be included.”.
Formed in 2019, Royel Otis’s path to stardom almost felt inevitable. They both lived in Byron Bay, where they had mutual friends but only met through their girlfriends. “It was pretty straightforward,” says Pavlovic. A shared love for music led them quickly into the studio, blending inspiration from bands like The Cure and Oasis into their unique sound. Their first single, “Bull Breed,” captures the reckless spirit of youth, while “Oysters In My Pockets” brings their quirky food-themed lyrics to life.
Their songs often reflect carefree moments, like summer barbecues, and they strive for an authenticity that resonates with listeners. “We just try to be honest,” says Pavlovic. “If food is on our minds, it ends up in our lyrics.” Their approach has built a solid fan base, with over 100,000 concert tickets sold in 2025 alone and major achievements in both the US and Australia.
But it hasn’t always been easy. Touring takes a toll on personal relationships. Both members had to say goodbye to loved ones due to their hectic schedules. “You miss so much of your personal life when touring,” Maddell admits.
Despite the pressures of making music and the expectation to produce new material, the duo took a significant step in their journey with their latest albums, “Pratts & Pain” and “Hickey.” These projects reflect their quick ascent and the emotional struggles that come with success. “There’s pressure to keep going,” says Pavlovic, emphasizing their need for balance. They want to write meaningful lyrics, not just more songs about being on the road.
Despite the challenges, Royel Otis is poised for a bright future. With their distinctive sound and engaging presence, it’s clear they are on the verge of something big. As they prepare for what comes next, fans can expect more from this dynamic duo, maybe even a musical tribute to low-alcohol beer by October.
