Interview: Royal Oak on the Art of Connection
As they approach the vinyl release of their third full-length record, we talk about the art of connection with Brayson and Michael of Royal Oak
By Julia Girdharry
We got a chance to chat with Brayson Wong and Michael Kragelj about Royal Oak's upcoming release, We’re All Just Trying to Figure It Out.
Port Coquitlam is home to the four-piece indie band, Royal Oak. Austin Ledyard, Brayson Wong, Myles Philpott, and Michael Kragelj have spent the past decade evolving alongside their music. Their third full-length album, We’re All Just Trying to Figure It Out, was born from the pandemic and carries the weight of a time defined by distance. Forced to write in isolation, the band had to navigate the limitations of virtual collaboration.
"We used to sit here on Zoom, and Austin, our singer and producer, would be doing everything on Pro Tools. We’d be suggesting things and throwing out ideas but we couldn't quite get our point across over Zoom." - Brayson Wong
The technical hurdles shifted their approach to songwriting. Rather than relying on the spontaneity of jamming together, they became more intentional, refining every detail of their compositions. Now, Royal Oak is moving forward together, evolving with purpose.
We’re All Just Trying to Figure It Out, is set to release on February 7. The album explores how self-knowledge is shaped through the context of our connections with others. For the band, vinyl is more than just a format, it’s a tangible symbol of connection. Brayson and Michael’s love for vinyl started from family members, and over time, they’ve built their collection by picking up records at live shows as keepsakes from the bands they’ve seen. Pressing their own album onto vinyl now marks a full-circle moment.
"Being able to put my music on the same shelf as all these bands that I've worshiped for so long and having a tangible, physical thing is such a cool experience." - Michael Kragelj
Growing up in Port Coquitlam shaped the band, not just through their deep friendship but the strong sense of community that runs through their music. After nearly a decade of Royal Oak their bond is undeniable having known each other since childhood, navigating teenage DIY shows, shared many nights on the road in cramped tour vans and supporting each other through breakups.
This long-standing connection makes their, music first, lyrics second, creative process is about working towards a shared vision for the future. They don’t mince words or pull punches because honesty matters more than agreeability. That same energy and honesty carries over into their performances, where their music is a direct reflection of their genuine, unvarnished connection.
"I personally feel like there aren't really boundaries. The more vulnerable you are in songwriting, the more it relates to other people. Ultimately, that's what a good song is, not having those boundaries between you and the audience."
This commitment to connection extends beyond the music itself. Leading up to the album’s release, they put up posters around Vancouver with tear-off tabs inviting people to call a number and leave a voicemail about a relationship experience. The idea, from lead singer Austin, gave people a space to share their stories, offering relief, safety, and validation.
The band plans to weave these voicemails into transitions between songs for their upcoming live performance, drawing the audience into the stories of strangers. It’s a deliberate artistic choice to create a refined and immersive live performance, extending from the creative songwriting phase of their album release.
"There’s a difference between creating a song and performing it. When you're creating, there’s all this freedom to experiment. But when you're performing, it’s about putting on a great show. We strip back anything that limits our movement so we can focus on making it a party."
On February 8, Royal Oak will take the stage for their live album release show, an event that promises to be their biggest yet. The album is the result of not just their creative work but everything they've experienced and learned together. The upcoming show, set to commemorate this milestone, will be a celebration of that journey. It’s not just about playing songs; it’s about showcasing the bond that has shaped their sound and their art. This performance will be the culmination of that connection, honouring the work that’s gone into creating it. As their debut vinyl release makes its way into the hands of fans, it serves as something more; a physical reminder that music, like friendship, is meant to be held onto.
For more from Royal Oak, visit royaloak.com.
Header image by Jessica Dawn