Today we’d like to introduce you to Royce Purley.
Hi Royce, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a pair of headphones blasting in my ears. Whether it was a portable CD player, MP3 player, Walkman, iPod, Zune, or iPhone, I listened to Hip-Hop, R&B, Trap, Pop, and Rock.
One day at 16, my best friend asked me, “Royce, you listen to music 24/7. Why don’t you try to make music? You might be an artist.” At the time, I excelled at mathematics and knew Accounting/Finance would ensure my financial stability. However, I was oblivious to my immense love for music and unique fashion sense. A week later, I rapped my first freestyle, and the crowd reacted ecstatically. I was deeply inspired to begin my journey as an artist. As a scholar attending a private school on scholarship that my parents could not afford, I woke early in middle/high school most days studying school materials. I realized that my opportunity was a privilege and should not be taken for granted. Ultimately, I graduated high school with a 3.97 GPA and received a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou).
After enrolling at Mizzou, for the first time, I was outside Saint Louis for a prolonged period. Over my teenage and adult years, I was expected to focus solely on Accounting and Finance. However, it took less than one semester to begin finding myself. I fully realized I was a true artist. Unexpectedly, college at Mizzou was the worst time of my life. I was bound by contract to study a field I no longer had an interest in, secluded by different racial groups, met and lost the love of my life (the muse for my R&B music) while simultaneously having manic episodes, hallucinating, and being diagnosed with Schizophrenia. After making the hardest decision of my life and leaving my full-ride scholarship at Mizzou after two and a half years of schooling, I completed my Finance degree at UMSL in December 2020. Through all adversity, I persevered. At the time, I did not realize the importance of graduating. However, I now understand my Finance degree has allowed me to fund my music career. Nowadays, I live two lives at once. After my 8 am – 5 pm Corporate Finance job, I come home to my studio and create music, Monday-Friday. During this time, I also mix and master songs for other artists, perform at shows, post content on social media, and organize my next releases.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a true artist living in the viral era of entertainment, it can be challenging to remain motivated while watching mediocre rappers become the hottest in the game. As one who remains authentic to self, expressing my heart and soul on records, I remind myself that times are different. The industry is a popularity contest, and talent is secondary to clout. This is frustrating, but I will only stop once I consider myself a successful artist.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a vocalist that raps and sings, I fuse both styles for a rare sonic experience. I specialize in creating genre-bending music that provokes a wide range of emotions for listeners to relate to and heal from. I separate myself from one-dimensional artists by molding R&B, Rock, and Trap into a unique sound. Rather than delivering ear-catching rhythms and cadences while rapping over hard-hitting beats or singing my heart out using beautiful melodies and tones expressed through heartfelt lyrics, versatility is prominent in my catalog. I pride myself on becoming a multi-genre, eclectic artist over the 10 years I’ve recorded music.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As a creative who knows many talented artists nationwide, I recommend following your intuition. Introduce yourself if you notice an interesting-looking person who looks creative with good energy. I have made lifelong friends and encountered countless unforeseen opportunities by listening to my 6th sense. Like second nature, I instantly speak to individuals who catch my attention. Often, the connection is positive and mutually beneficial. As for a mentor, find someone who has walked your desired path. Develop a friendship with them and be genuine. When the time is right, ask if they would advise you on how to elevate your career. I hope for the best. Dream past the stars.
Pricing:
- Featuring Price (Verse) – $200
- Featuring Price (Hook) – $250
- Booking Price – $300
- Headlining Price – $500
- Mixing & Mastering Services: $60 (per song)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialroycexoxo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RoyceXOXO
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/64MV0wji5sc94aeGsHKeHV?autoplay=true
Image Credits
Sam Ogoon, Jaye Nobles, Zaetheone
