blank

Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter Stephen Royal has never separated music from meaning. Raised in church choirs and formal ensembles, his artistic foundation was built early, but it was personal loss and spiritual reckoning that ultimately defined his voice. His latest single, “Pray,” released in late 2024, channels grief, faith, and resilience into a carefully layered composition that blends R&B, pop rock/modern rock, hip-hop, and worship sensibilities. In this interview, Stephen reflects on his musical journey, the experiences that shaped “Pray,” and how faith continues to guide his creative path.

blank

  • You grew up immersed in music through church choirs, marching bands, and orchestras. How did that early, structured musical environment shape the way you approach songwriting today?
I feel they had a lot to do with the different rhythms and the hearing of different melodies and the structure of songwriting.
  • You began writing seriously after the loss of your aunt Nikki, and later experienced another profound loss with your father in 2024. How did those moments reshape your relationship with music—not just creatively, but spiritually?
Well my Aunt was a pillar for me growing up leading me to the love of Jesus, And when she passed it felt personal to me. My dad, he wasn’t in my life due to a lot of damage up until 2023-2024. When god healed my heart from what was broken, just so that i didn’t have to carry it after he died. I received his wedding ring after he passed, it was a symbol of Love. God has given me a Love letter that I needed to carry on through my music.

  • “Pray” feels less like a performance and more like a conversation with God. At what point did you realize this song needed to exist, and what emotional space were you in when you wrote it?
After I came back to god. I am a particle son or they say a “saint” that fell. I asked him if you’re truly real then show me. He really showed me himself, then he showed me his heart for his children, and it made me cry. I was sad, yet I was angry because I was deceived from all the goodness, the grace, the mercy. I felt even worst because my family, friends and loved ones were being deceived also.
  • The track builds slowly—from intimate piano to a full choir-driven arrangement. How intentional was that gradual rise, and how does it mirror the message you’re trying to convey?
It was meant to tell the story the beginning is a conversation, then it’s how we get in our own head, fears, doubts, and all of the other thoughts. Then the peek is a new beginning, like let’s try it again, into the drop where we are now certain, now we are all in unity because we all have encountered his love together.
  • You’ve described your sound as “crafty, catchy, and meaningful.” How do you balance accessibility with depth, especially when working with faith-centered themes?
Well it’s easy when you have a loving father helping you write the song. I was in conversation with god every step of the way. The balance is his love, kindness, patience, and self control.

blank

  • Your influences span R&B, pop rock/modern rock, and hip-hop, yet “Pray” sits comfortably in a worship-adjacent space without feeling traditional. How do you decide when to lean into genre and when to let the message lead?
I let the message lead, and the genre follows. I don’t think there’s a remedy just let the soul speak.
  • Working with producers like Bob Katz, Fyu Chur, and Malo, what have you learned about translating deeply personal experiences into a polished, impactful recording?
I’ve learned that when it’s coming from an unknown place to trust the process.
  • “Pray” speaks to believers, people returning to faith, and even those simply searching for direction. Were you conscious of writing for multiple audiences, or did that universality emerge naturally?
Wow, I wanted to reach a specific audience when writing it. All of gods loss, and hurting children. Never did I think it would be universal.
  • You’ve said you’re not trying to reinvent Christian music—just tell the truth in your own voice. What do you think is missing in faith-based music today that artists like you can help restore?
What do I feel is missing in faith base music today. Well first, I don’t listen to a lot of other music so I can’t say it’s missing anything however I can say I’d like to bring Love to the banquet.
  • Looking ahead, how does “Pray” fit into your broader vision for what’s next—musically, spiritually, and in terms of future releases?
I believe “pray” is the beginning of a new foundation, the cornerstone. One that has never been seen before, not even I. As I’m being led brick by brick. I can only see what’s in-front of me. But keepwatch you don’t wanna miss it.

With “Pray,” Stephen Royal doesn’t aim to reshape faith-based music—he simply tells the truth as he’s lived it. The song stands as a quiet but powerful testament to healing, belief, and creative purpose forged through loss. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Stephen’s commitment to sincerity over spectacle sets him apart, pointing toward a future where music remains both a personal refuge and a shared source of hope.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR