Q+A: Walker & Royce

Earlier this year, Walker & Royce skyrocketed into "ones-to-watch" territory with their fantastic remix of Justin Martin's 'The Feels' track, which dominated set after set. It became obvious that the New York duo are on the right trajectory, now fully adopted into the Dirtybird family, Walker & Royce have just announced their upcoming debut album 'Self Help', which is set to release on October 20.

Mixmag grabbed the pair for a quick chat for the down low on the creation of 'Self Help'.

It's become apparent that you two are budding talents of Dirtybird How did you link up with the label?

Some of the DB crew had been playing our music for years: Christian Martin, Worthy, J Phlip. After a while, we became a fixture in Justin Martin's sets - we were sending him everything we were making. He especially loved our track 'Sister' on Moda Black. Then we were booked on the first Dirtybird Campout and met Barclay (Claude VonStroke). We released our 'Bright Lights' remix shortly after, which then led to them asking us to do an EP. It all happened very naturally and organically. It has been the best thing to ever happen us.

It's been an exciting 2017 for you. You pretty much couldn't go anywhere without hearing your guys' remix of Justin Martin's 'The Feels'. What have you guys been focusing on since then?

Well since then we have been focusing on our album for Dirtybird called 'Self Help'. The full album is set to drop in October. It has been a challenging process but we are so glad we decided to do it.

What are some of the inspirations behind the album?

Conceptually we think that 'Self Help' can mean a whole lot of different things, but number one is if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. That comes from our philosophy as DJs where, if we’re having trouble finding the right records, why not just write the track we want to hear?

But it also means more than that. It’s also poking fun at the idea of self help culture which always has this sort of weird edge to it that we find amusing.

Musically, there are some really interesting elements you guys added. Were there any specific musical influences that pushed your sound on 'Self Help'?

Well in keeping with the album theme, we wanted to use some overtly religious sounds, like choirs or organs. Other than that, we like to have some sort of glaring synth on a track. Doesn't matter exactly what it is, but something to grind the ears a bit in certain spots. We like that feeling. From there we wanted to use the sonic palette to write some other tracks that were a little off-beat or special and not just house tracks. Like for some more pop or accessible tracks but still involve the house sound as it is. We feature several vocalists who really nailed it.

Some might be surprised to hear that Papa Dirtybird himself Barclay Crenshaw actually had a big hand in working on this album with you two too. Tell me how he's been involved.

Barclay was the one who believed in us the most and pushed us to do it. We weren't thinking about doing an album at all until he suggested it. He is also very hands-on and honest about what we have been sending. He is obviously an amazing A&R and we listen to every suggestion he makes, as he's usually right.

Finally, when is the album out and what will you two be up to for the remainder of the year?

Album comes out in October. We have been putting together a tour for the album and are looking forward to taking a break from music to concentrate on some touring. At the end of the day we were DJs first and its why we do it all in the first place.

'Self Help' is out October 20 on Dirtybird. Buy their first single 'Take Me To Your Leader' here