The band’s self-titled sophomore album, Royal Tailor, out October 22 on Essential Records, is an electrifying step forward on every front: funkier, more danceable grooves; bigger sing-alongs; broader stylistic leaps; and deeper, more intimate conversations about God and faith. Royal Tailor shows the eclectic, pop-infused rock band fully growing into that potential.
"I think the first album was based off of our instincts, because we were so new to everything," singer Tauren Wells says. "In the last two years of touring, we've all grown. This time, we knew what we wanted to do, knew what we wanted to write about. Being out there on the road, seeing the things that kids are dealing with, what we’re dealing with ourselves too -- there's just so much learning that has taken place that we were ready to pour it all into these songs."
Royal Tailor’s songs expand on Black & White’s soul- and funk-angled pop sensibilities, stylistically spanning as broadly as the four bandmates’ influences, from hip-hop to pop, R&B, EDM, rock and gospel, with Wells' powerful, acrobatic vocal leading the way. Hats are tipped from Michael Jackson to Coldplay, though the LP remains centered, lyrically, on inspiration for anyone to know they can change no matter where they are, and in turn, can make a difference in the world and positively impact culture.
The hope is that the songs on Royal Tailor will move feet, hearts and minds, encouraging listeners to get closer to both God and their community -- to focus on coming together when too many people are pulling apart.
"We want to connect people, because there's strength in unity,” Wells says. "We believe that we're called to build bridges, not walls."
Royal Tailor feels called to use its music and campaigns to help tear down the walls that already exist, too -- the ones we put up between each other, because of differences in politics, religion, race or preference; or self-imposed walls, allowing circumstances or guilt to make us feel separated from God and happiness.
“Nothing can completely knock you down unless you let it,” Wells says. “So this album is get-back-up music. This is don't-let-'em-hold-you-down music."
Royal Tailor’s get-back-up music is fittingly celebratory, from the dance floor energy and spiritual enthusiasm of "Ready Set Go" and "Got That Fire” to the encouraging, '80s-throwback pop of "Jesus Love." But the album has tender moments, too, including thanks-bearing ballad "You Are My Rescue" and “Remain,” an uplifting anthem of steadfast faithfulness.
The breadth is intentional, meant to reflect the well-rounded, well-honed musicianship that defines Royal Tailor as a unit.
"There's rap, there's more guitar solos, bigger drum tones, funkier basslines,” Wells says. “I think if people give Royal Tailor a chance, they'll find that there's something for everyone."
Produced by Chris Stevens (Mandisa, Colton Dixon), Aaron Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp) and Chuck Butler (worked with Britt Nicole, Brandon Heath), Royal Tailor boasts additional collaborators tobyMac on 80’s pop throwback, “Jesus Love,” and other co-producer, Cole Walowac of Capital Kings, who co-wrote and teamed up on the song “Ready Set Go.”
To craft and capture the songs on Royal Tailor, the band connected with a mix of talented collaborators including producers Chris Stevens (Mandisa, Colton Dixon), Aaron Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp) and Chuck Butler (worked with Britt Nicole, Brandon Heath), hit songwriter Jason Ingram and co-writer, producer and friend, Cole Walowac of Capital Kings on the song “Ready Set Go.” To ramp up its already explosive live show, Royal Tailor also teamed with musical director Adam Blackstone, known for guiding Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and countless other mega-talents.
"The musicianship and the level that he brought it to was just crazy," Wells says of Blackstone. "I learned a lot about the energy that it takes to really move people emotionally -- he was completely tapped into all of that, and shared it with us."
The act of sharing one's gifts fittingly forms "an integral part of who we are" as a band, Wells says. Prior to signing with Essential, Royal Tailor spent a year working at a Granite City, Ill., church, mentoring and teaching kids to form their own worship bands, an experience that Ingram says instilled a valuable sense of patience and purpose. The band’s continued to follow that passion, helping students across the U.S. at colleges, camps, master classes and shows aimed at underlining the importance of music and teaching the fundamental truths of how impactful the arts, mixed with positive messaging, can truly be. Wells also recently developed Prisma Worship Arts School in his home of Houston, Tex., aimed at inspiring and teaching a new generation of faith-based artists.
"We're constantly trying to think of ways to be involved with the next generation," Wells says, "We want to invest in people, and (teaching) showed us that it could be done, that balancing both worlds is possible -- going out and being on the road and having a meaningful, personal impact."
Whether it’s through writing, recording, performing or talking about God and faith with fans and friends, that push toward a meaningful, personal impact stays front and center for the members of Royal Tailor. They’ve had far and wide opportunities to share that intent since Black & White’s 2011 release, from its Best Contemporary Christian Music Album GRAMMY nomination, to being honored as Google’s “50 bands under 30,” to a stocked international touring schedule, including Casting Crowns’ 43-city “Come To The Well” tour, Britt Nicole’s “You’re Worth More Than Gold” tour alongside Group 1 Crew, the Pollstar-topping, 44-city Winter Jam arena tour (seeing more than 550,000 in attendance) and Newsong’s “Swallow The Ocean” Tour.
With Royal Tailor, the band aims to take the conversation further, to start deeper discussions of faith and community, to encourage more focused action – to help keep knocking down walls.
“We want people to come and enjoy the music, have fun and enjoy the presence of God,” Wells says. “But we also want to inspire them to go out and do something with that, like it has inspired us. We want to encourage them to get ready and go get plugged into their community, in their schools, in their churches and make a difference. We want people to know you can be who you want to be, you can achieve what you want to achieve and realize we’ve all been created for something greater than ourselves”
“So, let’s all be that hope, be the light, be the love right now! Ready, Set, Go!”
Members:
Tauren Wells
Blake Hubbard
DJ Cox
Jarrod Ingram
Website: http://www.royaltailoronline.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/royaltailor
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/royaltailor
FreeFall
Royal Tailor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't undo this leap of faith
Takes my breath away
So high above the ground
You've got me hanging in mid air
Between here and there
Now all I have is You
I know I'm safe
It's a chance but my choice is made
I'm not alone
You won't let go
And I know through it all
You hold me in the freefall
If I just believe my eyes
I'd see I should be terrified
But I'm so alive
I don't know how or when
But I believe that You'll come through
Lord, I'm trusting You
Can't wait to see what You will do
I'm falling, I'm falling, I'm falling
You got me falling from the sky with no parachute
Thinking I can fly but I know it's You
Got me up here, no fear, no tears
Mind's clear 'cause I know You're here
Can't wait to see what You will do
The song "Freefall" by Royal Tailor talks about taking a leap of faith in life and trusting in God to guide and catch you when you fall. The lyrics describe the feeling of being on the edge and taking a chance, even though it might be scary. The writer acknowledges that it might be a risk, but their faith in God gives them the courage to take it anyway. They know that they are not alone, that God is with them, and that they are safe in His hands.
The writer depicts their experience of freefalling as an adventure, rather than a frightening experience. They acknowledge that their faith might be tested and that they might feel like falling. Still, they choose to trust in God, even when they can't see what's next or where they're going.
Overall, the message of "Freefall" is one of hope and trust in God. It encourages listeners to face their fears, take risks, and trust that God will be with them every step of the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Two steps beyond the edge
I'm taking a leap of faith and going beyond my comfort zone
I can't undo this leap of faith
I can't go back to where I was, I have to keep going forward
Takes my breath away
I feel overwhelmed by the risk I'm taking
So high above the ground
I'm in a risky and uncertain position
You've got me hanging in mid air
I'm in a state of limbo and need someone to help guide me
Between here and there
I'm in a transitional period in my life
Now all I have is You
I'm relying on my faith in God to see me through this difficult time
I'm not afraid
Despite the risks, I trust in God and am not afraid
I know I'm safe
I have faith that God will protect me
It's a chance but my choice is made
I know I'm taking a risk, but I believe it's the right thing to do
I'm not alone
God is with me every step of the way
You won't let go
God will never abandon me
And I know through it all
I have confidence that God will see me through this experience
You hold me in the freefall
God is supporting me and keeping me safe during this difficult time
If I just believe my eyes
If I rely only on what I can see, I will be scared
I'd see I should be terrified
If I only look at the risks, I would be scared
But I'm so alive
Despite the risks involved, I feel vibrant and alive
I don't know how or when
I don't know how this experience will play out or when things will get better
But I believe that You'll come through
I have faith that God will see me through this experience
Lord, I'm trusting You
I am putting my faith and trust in God
Can't wait to see what You will do
I'm excited to see how God will work in my life through this experience
You got me falling from the sky with no parachute
I'm taking a huge risk without a safety net
Thinking I can fly but I know it's You
I believe I can succeed with God's help
Got me up here, no fear, no tears
I feel confident and unafraid despite the risks
Mind's clear 'cause I know You're here
My thoughts are clear because I know God is guiding me
Can't wait to see what You will do
I'm excited to see how God will work in my life through this experience
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD BUTLER, JACOB ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewkroll5205
This song was instrumental in my surrendering completely to God. I've laid aside the fears, weight ,and sin that I've let hold me back for too long, and I'm finally free-falling in a walk of faith!!! God has been glorified in my life for months now=) Thank you Tauren Wells and Royal Tailor! God truly is our King of kings and is tailoring our lives for our good and His glory!
@londongirl2399
First time I saw this band it was at Night of Joy at Disney World I was blown away by the singer's stage presence excellent band love the music
@emmataylor9522
He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. :)
@mrk1mchi
+Emma Taylor yes He is! :)
@patrickbairdjr.6361
Emma Taylor Amen!😉😊
@KA-iu1kw
Amen hermano saludos desde Peru . blessed a everyones brothers :3
@Keishonaf1989
This is first time I've heard this song, and it explains exactly how I feel. Although I'm somewhat afraid to tell my mom & sister I'm moving into my new apartment/housing for school, I know God is with me. He said, " If you ask whatever in my name, you shall receive it." I'm grateful for all that God has done, this program I'm in is paying for my apartment now my junior year at a community college in Washington, DC until I graduate with my BA in 2016. I know with God all things are possible.
@angellight4715
"There is nothing but GOD in this World"...
@adeade3410
Thank you guys for your kind of ministry. Today, God still speak to people like me through songs like yours. I know we're free-falling in this season of our life. But God is got us and regardless of the storm, He is landing us safely where He wants me and my family.
@annettyledesma3781
I just have heard two songs of this group in the last 20 minutes and both have blown me away with their message. God is speaking to me right now through you guys. Don't know what else to say... I'M REALLY BLOWN AWAY!