We caught up with the members of Royal Street to discuss their newly released album “Flavors”, their love of music and touring, and their advice for people who are being cyberbullied.

How long have you been a band? What inspired you to become a group?

We have been a band for two years now. Alex and I (Viana) were in bands for a few years before, and Brian [Cauti] was always a friend of ours, our bands played together a lot in the Providence scene. One day we decided to reboot our music and start Royal Street, and we knew Cauti was the perfect man for the job.

Who are your musical influences?

We have all kinds of musical influences! They range from The 1975 and Prince to Paramore and Bad Suns.

You have a new album coming out. What was your favorite part of making the album?

Well, the whole process has been pretty fun and inspiring. The best part is definitely either writing the songs together or being in the studio and watching them come to life. Then the build up of waiting to show them to people is so exciting! That’s the stage we’re in now. It’s like waiting for Christmas morning.

What was your inspiration for the album?

Our inspiration comes from all around us. Things that happen to us, to friends, to the world. A lot of this album was inspired by our friends and also the experiences we’ve had together as a band!

You guys have played a lot of shows over the past couple of years. What’s your favorite part of touring? Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Oh man. Touring is such a hilarious experience. Living together like bums really makes you become a family.  Usually, before our show, we just love hanging out with anyone who came to see us, and the other bands. We usually eat something horrible, that while we’re eating it we say, “ Well, we probably shouldn’t have this before we jump around on stage… “ but it never stops us. Also, whiskey is usually involved.

Music means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you?

Music means something different every day to me. But usually, it’s something comforting. Something there for whatever emotion I find myself feeling in that moment. That’s what I love about music, it’s versatile. There for you in whatever state you’re in!

At Think Before You Type, we’re really passionate about encouraging other young people to use the internet for good. What’s one positive way that you would like to see the internet change?

I would love to see less putting other people down on the Internet. If you don’t have something nice to say, then just don’t say it! I think people need to worry more about themselves and less about having an opinion on what everyone else is doing.

Who are you role models?

First off, our parents. We all come from strong support systems, and it’s an amazing thing. Musically, we look up to anyone out there doing the darn thing. We know what we do isn’t easy, and to see someone pursuing something they love is magical.

If you had the chance to speak to someone who has been cyberbullied, what would you say to encourage them?

Man. I would tell them to keep their head up and remember that whoever is on the other end of that computer has their own issues that they’re too scared to deal with, so they push negativity towards others. Don’t be like them, rise above them. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and the important thing is to be the bigger person.

Some edits were made for content and clarity.