Premiere: Roy Irwin Shares New Album 'King Of Pop' + Interview

Prolific Auckland indie-rocker Roy Irwin has followed up a run of excellent singles with new album King Of Pop, which is out today. The catchy ten song collection is a showcase for Irwin’s wryly reflective lyrics and mercurial guitar lines, tracks like ‘Feign’ take flight into zones of sublime jangle pop. The artist likes to keep busy, this is his fourth long-player in two years and he plays out regularly both solo and with his group PISS. Have a listen to King Of Pop below and read on for our short chat with Irwin about his new record and plans for the future…

Hi Roy, congratulations on your new album! You’ve talked about the title track before, can you tell us what your record is about as a whole?

Thanks! Lyrically there is no concept. I wanted it all to sound a certain way though and I think I achieved that. King Of Pop is basically just a big dreamy nightmare. Choosing King Of Pop as the album name was also done partly out of sarcasm and to antagonize people.

How do you feel about the record now it’s all wrapped up?

I'm happy with it and I think it's better than my last record. I'm pleased with my progression, haha. I'm excited to do something else now.

Do you have any touring plans for the record? When’s the vinyl out?

Yeah, shows here in NZ of course. Some solo shows in Australia early next year and late next year a US tour. I just approved the test pressings of the vinyl so it won't be far away now. Once the records are here then a release party will follow.

Anything you’re looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I've got plans to do a couple of music videos early next year which I'm really excited about. My ambitions are pretty simple. I want to keep making music, pay rent and eat food.

You’ve had a pretty prolific release schedule, how do you find the time to be so productive?

I just enjoy making things. I've consistently released music regardless of whatever situation I'm in so it's hard to pinpoint any reason other than enjoyment.

I saw you had a rough skateboard accident the other day, are you an avid skater?

Luckily I only fractured my elbow. I have skated since I was about 9 years old but haven't had a skateboard in the last 4 years. I love skateboarding, it's total freedom. The skateboard culture however, I don't follow much or care about.

What’s Roy Irwin’s PISS? Is that a second project? What other bands are you currently involved with?

It's just my solo music but with a band and we played the songs heavier and faster. It's more of an extension rather than another project entirely. I don't play with any other bands but I wouldn't mind doing something, if you are reading this and want to start a band, hit me up.

Have you been making some of those memes you’ve been posting online?

Hahahaha.Yes. Follow me here.

Roy Irwin’s 'King Of Pop' is out now via Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Google Play and Deezer.