Broke Royals

PTSD treatment for military veterans doesn't seem like an easy inspiration for a pop song. But that was indeed the impetus for Broke Royals' new single, "Bad Chemicals," and its accompanying video, premiering exclusively below.

The Washington D.C. group's Philip Basnight tells Billboard that he got the idea for the song from reading Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, in which he documents biotech research into using Artificial Intelligence to help treat post-service trauma. "He talks about how the military and private sector companies are all working on PTSD treatments that are going to be fueled by Artificial Intelligence," Basnight says. "Right now they're working on a microchip you can put in somebody's brain and monitor their levels and, in an ideal world, adjust (chemical) levels. Reading that, it all came together for me." But if that conjures up images of AI going wrong, Basnight is quick to add that Broke Royals are just writing about the issue, not advocating it.

"We're not casting any judgment with this song," explains Basnight, whose grandfather, father and brother are all army veterans. "We want to create awareness. It's happening, under the surface. AI is getting a lot of attention right now. It seems to be on a hot streak in the media. It's really compelling for us. We consider it our role to ask questions, to provoke questions and tell a story that's compelling and puts it in people's minds."

The video for "Bad Chemicals" focuses on a young war veteran's AI-induced flashbacks about his sister, a fellow vet, who was killed in combat. Both actors are also military veterans, which Basnight says "is a really awesome touch, in our opinion. It makes everything more authentic when you know these are feelings and experiences they actually have." The song is currently out as a single, while Broke Royals is working on a follow-up to its 2017 debut album, which is due out next spring.

"It's sounding similar to what we did before," Basnight says. "I think 'Bad Chemicals' is going to be one of the heavier tracks, thematically, on the album. There's a lot of arena-ready rock, premium rock n' roll. There's definitely some synthetic elements, but a lot of heavy guitars, too, that we didn't have on the first album, so we're excited about that. We're on the surface a pop band, but we like to make sure the guitars come through." - Billboard

"A lot of our songs are influenced by travel and include elements from many genres.”
The Broke Royals was founded in 2014 by band members Philip Basnight and Colin Cross and combines elements of alt rock, pop, and indie in their music. The sound is similar to Coldplay with its blend of building, climactic beats and simple, yet powerful lyrics and vocals. Basnight and Cross play off each other's strengths to highlight the best of each of their distinct styles. The group is motivated by universal themes that resonate with a broad range of people, but their songs specifically touch upon the ephemeral nature of adulthood and personal growth from a variety of experiences. - Southwest Airlines

Just because politics takes center stage in Washington D.C., it doesn’t mean the town is boring. The city is home to art forms of all kinds, including a burgeoning music scene. On any given night you can escape to venues big and small, central to a variety of live bands and musicians from all over the world. The nation’s capital also breeds talent of its own, the results of a population exposed to varied cultures and music genres. From indie rock to EDM, here is a list local bands you’ll want to check out before tickets are hard to come by.
Broke Royals
www.brokeroyals.com

Formed in 2014, The Broke Royals have already amassed both a following and a decent discography. The tie and vest pressed duo of Philip Basnight and Colin Cross produce alternative rock songs filled with catchy melodies and mosaic synth-pop arrangements. Their first hit “About Time” inspired the people of Thailand during a military coup in May of 2014, encouraging Basnight and Cross to produce more music together. They released their second EP, The Luxury of Time PT II, in August and were named “Artist of the Month” by Deli Magazine DC. You can catch them live at clubs in DC and or download a limited edition single at soundcloud.com. - CBS News

RICHMOND, Va – Colin Cross, Philip Basnight, Taimir Gore and Ben Wilson performed “As Long as I can See” live in our studio. The band “Broke Royals” will take the stage at 2pm as a part of Big Field Day 2018 Saturday, June 23rd at the Innsbrook Pavilion.
For more information and the full line up go to: https://xl102richmond.radio.com/events/big-field-day-2018. - CBS - WTVR

“He was building a studio and knew I was performing at coffee shops on campus, and he asked me to come in and work on some songs.”

Philip Basnight tells me this on a three-way call with the “he” he’s referring to: Colin Cross. The William & Mary alums came together to form the band Broke Royals during their collegiate years. The Virginia outfit has nothing to do with May’s British royal wedding, and no, we’re not writing a story about them to capitalize on the likely spiking SEO results from folks searching the term “royal” either.

We’re writing about these two fellas because, like a marriage between two overwhelmingly famous people, their union is working. Only instead of producing Instagrammable photos and fashion hot takes, they’re creating local pop music.

“We have a lot of respect for each other,” Cross says. “We come at it from different angles. I come at it with experience and technical knowledge, and he has a nuanced musical knowledge. We’re always willing to try different things.”

Basnight got his start in music on the piano because his dad was the de facto music teacher for his neighborhood. The Broke Royals vocalist tells me he was easily the worst piano student his father had. A love of guitar came shortly after, and so did a reputation as the “music guy” at his high school.

“I didn’t know how to talk about sports or anything like that,” Basnight says. “Anytime I met new people, I would try to shift the conversation toward music. Even if people don’t consider themselves music lovers, there’s always something under the surface, whether it’s nostalgia or just a fleeting feeling.”

Basnight discovered a kindred spirit in Cross. Before the two met, Cross had already lived the life of a touring musician, traversing the Midwest in a pop punk band. Though he enjoyed performing, he wanted to switch his focus to production.

“I settled down and moved out here to finish school,” Cross says. “I learned a lot about studio work and had seen the workflow from a musician’s perspective, and I leaned toward that process. That’s when we started working together on technical stuff.”

By 2014, Cross had set up a studio and figured he’d need some demos to tout his production talents, so he enlisted fellow student Basnight. After recording a few songs, their chemistry and similar musical sensibilities were undeniable. The latter revolved around an adoration for pop and rock music, including stalwarts like David Bowie, Prince, Spoon and Wilco.

Over the past four years, Cross and Basnight have continued to concoct songs while establishing a consistent aesthetic.
In photos, you’ll find the bandmates both dressed in white dress shirts tucked in neatly under black vests. Their music is sultry and smooth, sonically gathering from a multitude of influences and instrumentations.

“I think it’s really natural,” Basnight says. “We use Apple Music so we can see what the other is listening to. We want to use all the sounds that are exciting to us. We’re not trying to find weird things. These are the sonic influences we have in our day-to-day lives, and that’s what is exciting for us. It’s a fun guessing game to see where certain aspects come from. I think everything we do is an amalgamation of what we love.”

Because of their shared palates, they give each other the freedom to throw in any and everything they want to try before they strip away what doesn’t work. Last year, the duo released their first full-length LP, a self-titled work that seamlessly incorporated Basnight’s easygoing vocals and Cross’s production know-how. The two recorded the album in one short burst, tucked away in an upstate New York cabin.

“I wouldn’t call it closure, because when you get your album out is when the work starts,” Basnight says.

With music videos, singles and shows galore, the album only served to spark a chaotic season for Broke Royals, and the two seem to relish in this busy space.

“In the interim, we’re writing a ton of music,” Basnight says. “We are definitely in a recording period again.” - On Tap Magazine

Somewhere between a boy band, Coldplay and Mumford and Sons, Broke Royals deliver an energetic wallop of melody with “As Long As I Can See.” The video alternates between enthusiastic women and young girls signing as they dance and sweeping images of forests and the band thrashing about as they play in an expansive field at sunset. A shot sweeping over a tropical waterscape leaves us guessing the location, imbuing the video with a bit of magical mystery. - Huffington Post

One of Washington D.C.'s best bands.

Composed of Colin Cross and Philip Basnight, the duo met at the College of William and Mary, where they were working on a music programming board. Not long after, Basnight showed up at Cross' studio to put together some demos. The two gelled musically, and soon created Broke Royals.

Billboard applauded the band; Southwest Airlines called them Artists on the Rise, and CBS proclaimed them as one of the best live bands in D.C. When performing live, they add the talents of Taimir Gore and Ben Wilson, and have shared the stage with Dashboard Confessional, Real Estate, Car Seat Headrest, and AWOLNATION.

Broke Royals dropped their self-titled debut album in 2017, followed by "Bad Chemicals." Now they offer up "Christmas Cookie Blues," just in time for the holidays.

"Christmas Cookie Blues" opens with an ebullient pop-flavored rock melody riding a simple yet contagious groove. The pulse of the rhythm infuses the tune with retro-laced colors composed of yacht rock washes. Sparkling piano notes and a tamped snare give the harmonics a crunching resonance akin to Rice Krispy treats.

The vocals are rich and smooth, full of soft dulcet textures and fond reminiscent timbres. Doo-wah background harmonies bathe the music in Motown radiance.

The video, directed by Tyler Scheerschmidt, presents Ozzie and Harriet visuals, stylishly pristine and domestic. A gleaming kitchen and decorated Christmas tree provide the setting for the band, dressed to the nines, to play and sing about fond memories of a lost love. The music and the visuals belie the melancholic lyrics, giving the video a tongue-in-cheek sass. - Popdust

Broke Royals are one of the best new bands to emerge from Washington, D.C. Their kinetic brand of rock has overwhelming hooks, and a layered sound that contains elements of electronic music that's best reflected in their latest single "Higher." Here, the duo is unafraid to soar and experiment with their sound. It's reflected with the build and memorable chorus.

"When we sat down to write 'Higher' we wanted to create an anthem for anyone whose heart has gotten ahead of itself," they say. "It tells the story of a man swept up in his idea of love with visions of grandeur. He is full of bold promises and big ideas but slightly disconnected from the reality of love and relationships.” - PureVolume

Two years ago, Broke Royals was a two-man band releasing a trio of EPs, which they titled “The Luxury of Time” because they had their own recording studio and therefore could work at their own pace.

Today, vocalist Philip Basnight and drummer Colin Cross, who met as College of William and Mary students while running the sound board at campus concerts, are a popular act on the club scene in Washington, D.C., and have toured the East Coast in support of their first full-length album.

On Saturday, they bring Broke Royals back to where they started as the headline act at Virginia Beer Company’s block party celebrating the brewery’s second anniversary in Williamsburg.

“It’s really exciting to play again in Williamsburg — it’s been a while for us,” Cross said. “We’ve come a long way in the past couple of years. You start to develop a different kind of connection with the songs in live performance. You start to make these small adjustments that turn it into a whole new experience.”

While Cross and Basnight perform almost all of the music on their studio recordings, they are joined on stage by guitarist Ben Wilson and bassist Taimir Gore, which frees Basnight to move about the stage and engage the crowd.

Performing in their trademark vests and ties, they have developed a strong following in Washington and have begun to branch out with regular shows in New York. The CBS affiliate in D.C. picked them as one of the market’s up-and-coming bands, praising Broke Royals for “alternative rock songs filled with catchy melodies and mosaic synth-pop arrangements.” A write-up in Billboard described their “sing-along, arena-ready sound.”

In the studio, Cross and Basnight aim for slick, catchy pop hooks. On stage, especially with the addition of Wilson’s guitar licks, they expand on the rock elements of their sound.

“Ben puts a spin on things that’s really fresh,” Basnight said. “He gives us a lot of really exciting guitar solos and instrumental breaks. We hold onto that pop core, but we can outfit that with something more like traditional rock. It’s fun to mix the two.”

Their performance Saturday will highlight a full day of music on the grounds of Virginia Beer Company, featuring a full roster of bands and acoustic performances from local acts including Buddha Council and Billy Joe Daniel.

It’s part of an anniversary weekend that starts Friday evening with a free show by Good Shot Judy and concludes with a “Hangover Brunch” Sunday afternoon featuring Timeline Jazz.

Saturday’s Waypost Block Party, from noon to 9 p.m., is a ticketed event — $12 admission includes a souvenir cup and one drink ticket, and non-drinkers can get in for $5. The event will feature food trucks, games and other entertainment.

Like Cross and Basnight, Virginia Beer Company co-founders Chris Smith and Rob Willey met at William and Mary. Last year, Cross ran sound for the brewery’s first anniversary party.

“We wanted to make this year bigger and better,” Smith said. “So these guys have a story, having met and formed at William and Mary, that ties into our story. There’s a link there, and it just feels appropriate that we’re a bunch of guys who started in Williamsburg, came back, and now we’re going to throw down and celebrate all things Williamsburg.” - Daily Press

Washington, DC-based duo Broke Royals are set to follow up their debut EP The Luxury of Time Pt. I with the aptly named The Luxury of Time Pt. II, but before it's officially out, Exclaim! is giving you an exclusive early listen to the sequel.

Consisting of Philip Basnight and Colin Cross, the band has only been playing together since last year, but they've already worked out a formula that expertly melds Basnight's songwriting and acoustic sketches with Cross' production skills. The result is a polished, upbeat, electro-tinged sound that's both immediately catchy, but richly layered upon further listening.

The sounds of twinkling synths and pop hooks permeate opener "The Thick of It," while "Kill the Camera offers up some indie rock vibes before the pulsating electro beat of "Romania" kicks in. "September" is another catchy pop gem, followed by the shimmering, soaring drama of closing tune "This Time."

You can hear the full five-song electro-pop offering for yourself in the player below. The Luxury of Time Pt. II is officially out on August 7. - Exclaim!

Local band Broke Royals will be celebrating a big milestone this weekend. The duo have only been working together for a little over a year and will be releasing their second EP, The Luxury of Time PT II on Aug. 7, 2015. The DC area natives are celebrating with a release party and show at the Rock & Roll Hotel in DC on Saturday, Aug. 1. AXS caught up with Philip and Colin ahead of the show to talk about their music influences and successful writing dynamic.

AXS: You have accomplished a lot (musically) since getting together. What is the magic ingredient that makes it work?

Philip: That's very kind of you to say! Probably, our work dynamic. I love working with Colin. He handles all the technical aspects and I do a lot of the writing. We can bounce ideas off one another and bring our individual strengths to each project. Delegating between two people keeps everyone informed and efficiency high.

Colin: Thank you! I definitely agree with Phil. I think we both come at music from very different angles. I am very rhythmically driven in almost all of the parts that I write/record. Whether it be drums, guitar, bass, or random string parts, I like to work in driving, rhythmic parts. Pair that with Phil, who can write three distinct, preternaturally catchy melodies and synth parts for any song and you have the Broke Royals sound.

AXS: What music/artists have influenced you the most?

Philip: When we started recording we looked at Broke Royals as the convergence of two very different artistic styles. I was raised on indie rock and Colin grew up playing guitar in a pop punk band. You can hear elements of both in our music, which makes it slightly challenging to categorize. But as it turns out, there is actually a lot of overlap between our favorite bands. We both love The Killers, Future Islands, and Bastille and look to them as points of comparison. Because Colin records all our albums in his studio, we are also influenced by a long list of artists because of their recording techniques. The chief example of this is Spoon. Spoon weaves new elements in and out of their songs like the best kind of storytellers. It's comforting and exciting all at once. We aim to do that.

AXS: Where do you think you would be more at home performing, small clubs or out on the music festival scene?

Philip: Personally, I like both. I like small clubs because there's a sense of intimacy with the crowd, who often feels more inclined to dance under cover of darkness. But festivals are great because, by nature, you're playing to a wider audience that might not be as familiar with your music. One of my favorite experiences is winning someone over during a festival performance. You can see the transformation where they start to smile and bop along. These also tend to be the most loyal fans because it feels like a bonding experience.

Colin: I am definitely a fan of both, but I tend to really enjoy the energy you feel in a club. There’s a certainly intimacy that you can’t get in most other settings. That being said, festivals are awesome and we love them in their own way.

AXS: You guys are always sporting a tie and a vest, any particular reason?

Colin: The tie and vest kind of formed naturally through our personal styles. Ultimately, we like that it fits with the whole Broke Royals’ royal, paisley image. As the Dude would say, “It really ties the room together, man”.

The Broke Royals release show starts at 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 and also features performances by Skyline Hotel, Eastwesthwy and Keelan Donovan. Tickets are available for $12 through Ticketfly. Hard copies of The Luxury of Time PT II will be on sale at the show or you can download the EP on Aug. 7, 2015. - AXS

Press Play is our Monday recap of the new—and FREE—tracks received last week, provided here to inform your next trip to your local indie record store. Click, preview, download, purchase. - The Vinyl District

Just in time for your summer playlist, Broke Royals is set to release their The Luxury of Time Part II EP Aug. 7. But you don't have to wait to shake your groove thing to these catchy electro-pop tunes because we got our hands on the single "This Time" early and we wouldn't dream of holding out on you.

Fans of Bastille and Future Islands will feel right at home among Broke Royals's danceable beats and feel good melodies. The heartfelt "This Time," which you can stream above id the first listen from the EP. - In Your Speakers

Philip Basnight and Colin Cross are a couple of William and Mary graduates who used to work the sound board at campus concerts. They started messing around in a homemade recording studio and, more by accident than design, ended up with a CD full of songs.

"At some point, we had to decide what to do with it," Basnight said. "It's not what we had planned, but it worked out that way and we realized we had to come up with a name and a logo and stuff."

So now they are Broke Royals, and their disc "The Luxury of Time, Part I" came out at the end of October. It is filled with harmonies and preternaturally catchy hooks that get stuck in your brain after the first listen. Taking a page from the Steely Dan playbook, they are a two-man band that uses guest musicians as needed.

When they play at the Greenbrier Farms Oyster and South Festival in Chesapeake on Saturday - the biggest gig of their fledgling career - Basnight will be on lead guitar and vocals, and Cross will play drums and run a few pre-recorded synth loops. They will be joined on stage by guitarist Rhys Tucker and keyboardist Katherine Downs, both of whom will add some of the layered background vocals that are a big part of Broke Royals' sound on the disc.

"The sound on stage is much heavier," Basnight says. "People who listen to the record call it pop, but live it's rock. You've got two guitars going and you get that live element that just creates a heavier feel, which is something I like as a first impression. Sort of like Wilco - more polished on their records, but when you see them live it's a rock band."

Basnight and Cross are both 24 years old. Cross still lives in Williamsburg, while Basnight is back in his home base in Northern Virginia. They put out their first single last spring, promoting the video for their song "About Time" to family and friends.

Then, in the middle of May, the video suddenly started picking up huge numbers of page views. When they ran the analytics, they found - quite unexpectedly - that it was getting thousands of hits in Thailand, where the royal family had been overthrown in a coup.

"It's bizarre, but amazing," Basnight says. "The song says 'It's about time for a change,' and we have the word Royals in our name. Somehow people in Thailand found that video and began playing it in response to the coup. That song is still getting played in Thailand now."

In addition to the Chesapeake show on Saturday, Broke Royals also has a date in Richmond - playing at The National on Jan. 23 in support of the blues band Big Mama Shakes.

DETAILS: Broke Royals has just released its CD "The Luxury of Time, Part I." The band will play Saturday as part of the entertainment bill at the Greenbrier Farms Oyster and South Festival in Chesapeake, from 1-5 p.m. at 225 Sign Pine Road. The festival benefits Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. Festival tickets are $40, but children under 12 are free. For info on the festival, call 757-436-0149 or go online to historicgreenbrierfarms.com. Click here to visit Broke Royals' Facebook page. - Daily Press

As students at the College of William and Mary, Philip Basnight and Colin Cross accidently met in a recording studio and came out with a collection of songs by the time they graduated. In 2013, they joined together forming the band BROKE ROYALS. A two-man band, in the studio, with Cross on drums and Basnight on vocals and guitar, they are joined on stage with guest musicians as needed. Last year, BROKE ROYALS put out their first single and released their debut album, The Luxury of Time, Part I, and they will be releasing their second EP, The Luxury of Time, Part II, this summer.

What is the story behind Broke Royals?

Colin: We ran a recording studio to amplify music at William and Mary. I offered to do demos to get the ball rolling, [and] a year and a half later, we were collaborating on songs. I had the technical background, and Phil had the creative background.

BR 2How do you see yourself as a group?

Colin: We began in May of last year; we became serious after we graduated college, when we realized we had a collection of songs already. On the first release it was about piecing things together. With the second EP, we now know our sound.

What is the sound of Broke Royals?

Colin: It’s about meshing genres together. We don’t want to set any specific sound; genres aren’t as definite as they used to be. It’s about taking popular sound and combining them together. PRINCE and DIRE STRAITS are big influences. Anything indie rock as well, such as BASTILLE. We really like being the two of us, [but] other musicians do join us on the road.

How has only having two members of the group had an impact on sound andBR 4 performances?

Philip: Working as a pair allows us to bounce a lot of ideas off of one another very quickly. We can add new parts and make adjustments in real time to keep the creativity flowing. And for live shows, we can just pack up and go. Everything fits in one van.

Do you think in the future you might decide to add more members to the group?

Philip: For now, we enjoy bringing in friends who are in other bands for our live shows. It adds an exciting energy to the performances. We’re also happy to step in and play with their bands if they need it. It builds community through music, which is one of the best parts of being a musician.

What do you see being the direction for BROKE ROYALS in the future?

Philip: We’re releasing our second EP, The Luxury of Time, Part II, this summer, which we’re very excited about. Since Colin runs a studio, we get to release new music at a really exciting rate. We just want each project to sound better than the last. It’s almost a competition with ourselves. - Dominion Collective

This band is actually a couple of friends of mine from college, but I didn’t listen to their music that much until this year. Once I found their first album on Spotify, though, I fell in love. This is my favorite song off that album, mostly because of the wonderful lyrics. My favorite line has to be the first one in the second verse:

“I’ve seen every city, I’ve seen every city twice.
But no city ever looked as good as this one does tonight.” - Monday Mephobics

Washington D.C. based duo Broke Royals have shared stages in the eastern United States with iconic and indie acts alike, enjoy large receptive audiences for their particular brand of music, and have remained steadily creative since their 2014 formation. It is hard to consider their numerous live shows and three ep releases in less than two years and not peg these two superb songwriters and musicians as intensely creative individuals able to keep one artistic foot in yesterday, one in today, and keeping their ears turned towards the future. Broke Royals are an unit that affirms traditional musical virtues while still exploring new territory in the personal. The EP’s production renders every texture and musical elements with vivid detail. Their latest release, The Luxury of Time Pt. 3, is an on target, intelligent and commercially minded release that never panders.

It gets off to a stirring beginning with the youthful self-determination of “On My Way”. It isn’t difficult to imagine this song garnering an enthusiastic audience response and the band, Philip Basnight and Collin Cross, certainly throw themselves head first into song’s passionate stride. Harmonies and melodies are very critical to the success of various songs on this album, but “On My Own” depends on them more than most and offers many highlights. Cross’ drumming throughout The Luxury of Time is another important factor in the work’s success. “New Suns” is the second half of a memorable one-two punch opening The Luxury of Time Part Three. This is one of the EP’s most vibrant tracks and breezes by listeners with just the right touch. The song is less reliant on harmony vocals, but the melodic presence remains as strong as ever and the largely solo vocal is quite capable of handling the song’s demands.

“Young Tigers” represents the album’s only real dip in inspiration, but there’s no loss in overall quality. The opening two songs set an impressive bar for Broke Royals to continue living up to throughout and the EP’s third song suffers from nothing else really except not clearing the same high hurdles. In all meaningful respects, it’s a fine song, but doesn’t reach the same summits as earlier tracks. “Love, Youth, & Glory” has no such difficulties and is another composition sure to deeply resonate with a wide portion of the duo’s audience. Broke Royals’ same trademark strengths, harmonies and melodies set within inviting musical textures, are fully on display in this song. “Heartless Come Around” is a final track sure to linger in listeners’ memory and ranks as the EP’s best example of meaningful understatement. The band eschews the big, brash finale in favor of an almost literary approach – the songwriting seems fully cognizant of the need to wrap things up and this particular offering seems made to order for that very purpose.

Few bands or solo performers would dare this type of mix today. Bringing eighties style synthesizers, rock attitude, and singer/songwriter sensibilities into a glistening pop package is the providence of the past, not a modern music industry focused almost exclusively on pop country and rap. If this is the truth, Broke Royals didn’t get the memo, and we’re all better off for it.

8 out of 10 stars. - No Depression

Meet Broke Royals

The Broke Royals was founded in 2014 by band members Philip Basnight and Colin Cross and combines elements of alt rock, pop and indie in their music. The sound is similar to Coldplay with its blend of building, climactic beats and simple, yet powerful lyrics and vocals. Basnight and Cross play off each other's strengths to highlight the best of each of their distinct styles. The band gained notoriety for their 2014 single “About Time” after it became something of an anthem for the citizens of Thailand during the country’s political coup. The group is motivated by universal themes that resonate with a broad range of people, but their songs specifically touch upon the ephemeral nature of adulthood and personal growth from a variety of experiences. The band was named an up and coming DC band and has a new single out this month. - Southwest FM

It’ll be just like Battle of the Bands – only bigger.

In an effort to support artists on the rise, Southwest Airlines is hunting down six of the most promising musical acts from cities across America and giving them the chance to open for The Fray at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, CO. Dubbed, “Destination: Red Rocks,” the competition will deliver a once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity for the winning band, and give them the chance to catapult their careers to the next level.

What’s more, as Southwest Airlines' way of thanking the city of Denver, the concert is free to the public and will support the Denver music community by donating to Amp the Cause, a local non-profit organization for children.

Here’s how it will all go down: Southwest Airlines has just selected bands from Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Phoenix – more on them in a minute – and each group will have to show their stuff in a “Live at 35” performance video (meaning: a live show at 35,000 feet aboard a Southwest Airlines flight). Then, a small group of music industry experts will select the one band that will receive $5,000 and open duties at the sold-out Destination: Red Rocks show.

So who are the lucky contestants? - Billboard

Today, DC rock band Broke Royals officially release their new single "Saving Time." The track was premiered last Friday with Impose, who said, "Broke Royals have created a sound that blends an exhilarating tune with perfectly matched lyrics. In a style that is equal parts rock and alternative, the harmonies have a definite folk twist that gives "Saving Time" a fresh edge."
Vocalist Philip Basnight describes the meaning behind the track:
"When we first started Broke Royals I was living on borrowed time. I was working a draining 9-5 and was in a struggling relationship - I constantly felt like everything was on the verge of falling apart. When I began writing Saving Time 3 years later, I realized how much had changed. Time keeps moving and you have to take the reigns and make it your own. Save your time for the things you love. Saving Time is all about the process of working towards that everyday."

Behind Broke Royals is the team of producer Colin Cross and vocalist Philip Basnight, who have accomplished much since forming in 2014. In just three years they've honed a singular sound across three EPs, toured the country opening for the likes of Car Seat Headrest, Real Estate, and Andrew McMahon and even unintentionally fueled a political revolution. In May of 2014, the band's debut single "About Time" went viral in Thailand as the country was in the midst of a military coup, inspiring those who were hearing the track through political ears.

Named one of the best up-and-coming DC bands of 2016 by CBS, Broke Royals seamlessly integrate traditional rock with infectious pop hooks and electronic elements to create a richly layered sound that has been praised as "the new American rock." For fans of the sophisticated pop rock sound of Future Islands, The 1975, or Bastille, Broke Royals are a band that should be on your radar.

"Saving Time" follows their anthemic single "Higher," released in March. The band will be celebrating their three year anniversary at Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington D.C. on May 13th. Check below for a list of their other upcoming tour dates! - Rocker Magazine

Broke Royals returns to Rock and Roll Hotel for its three year anniversary celebration. Praised by CBS as “one of the best up-and-coming bands” in D.C., Broke Royals continues to tour the East Coast consistently, opening for the likes of Life in Film and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They bring fellow D.C. synth-pop rockers Color Palette, coming up on the first anniversary of the release of their first full length album Vaporwave. Featuring original tracks written by lead vocalist Jay Nemeyer with Rogerio Naressi on keys, Joshua Hunter on lead guitar, Matt Hartenau on drums, and Maryjo Mattea on backing vocals, Color Palette can boast an impressive track record of performances, including opening for Charli XCX at American University’s welcome back show last August. Rounding out Broke Royals’s anniversary show is EXNATIONS, an alternative pop rock band. The group creates their signature sound by combining synth and organic elements for a unique experience. 7 p.m. $12. - DCist

NNamed “one of the ‘best up-and-coming bands’ in DC” by CBS News in 2016, Broke Royals have released a new single “Saving Time”. The Virginia based duo of Philip Basnight and Colin Cross have been playing as Broke Royals since 2014 and have toured the East Coast extensively, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Car Seat Headrest, Real Estate and Life in Film.

“When we first started Broke Royals I was living on borrowed time,” admits Philip. “I was working a draining 9-5 and was in a struggling relationship – I constantly felt like everything was on the verge of falling apart. When I began writing ‘Saving Time’ 3 years later, I realized how much had changed. Time keeps moving and you have to take the reigns and make it your own. Save your time for the things you love. Saving Time is all about the process of working towards that everyday.” - Impose Magazine

Broke Royals is the team of producer Colin Cross and vocalist Philip Basnight. Since their formation in 2014, the band has performed countless shows and released 3 EPs. In 2017, Broke Royals returned from the studio for a fourth time with a full-length album. For their self-titled debut, Broke Royals buried themselves in the mountains of New York with producer John Naclerio at his famed Nada Recording Studio to capture the dynamic evolution of three years of musicianship. About the song “Higher”, the band says “The original demo for the song only had an acoustic guitar, vocals and drum loop (which is the first thing heard on the track). The tempo of the song is common for both rock and hip hop so we started to layer in elements of hip-hop and electronic music into the production. The new digital elements made the song truly unique. Once we had all that the electric guitar and bass came together very naturally. It was a blast to see it all come together.” - New Millennium Music

It’s been a long minute but I’m excited to be posting about one of District High’s regulars again, the dapper duo Broke Royals. After wrapping a six show run at this year’s SXSW Collin and Philip are prepping the release of their debut long player [out 5/12] with lead single “Higher.”

Premiering just yesterday, the anthemic indie-rock piece shines as layered runs and rich harmonies effortlessly blend with subtle electronic elements to carry the listener to an elevated aural plane. And with wistful lyricism to match, these gentlemen are making their case for a strong break out. - Digital High Blog

Over the past six months, Broke Royals have been praised by Billboard for their “sing-along, arena-ready sound,” named an Artist On The Rise by Southwest Airlines, and called one of the best live bands in DC by CBS. Their upcoming self-titled album is a picturesque combination of dance beats, driving rock melodies, and infectious pop hooks that feel like sunflair in the dark. It represents the origin of the band itself, in a crossroads of life, standing on the uncharted and unwritten path. Broke Royals is due out November 17. Watch here

“As Long As I Can See” combines the beauty of non-verbal communication with the organic warmth of analogue sound. The energetic melodies dance around a duality of meaning, finding resolution in a common thread. Even though it is the most intimate song on the album, “As Long As I Can See” is a dance song at its core. The soul of the song sinks into the thump of a tribal heart beat that flickers like an open and mysterious flame. Philip Basnight and Colin Cross were inspired by the unspoken emotional response to seeing a loved one after a long day. They captured the comfort and warmth in reconnecting.

The new album represents a confidence and assurance for the Broke Royals duo. Basnight explains, “To me, there are two important aspects to naming this album Broke Royals. The first, and most obvious, is the culmination of three years of work in a piece of art. When we started recording music we didn’t know that there would be such a stirring creative chemistry, but by the time we made the album we had found our sound.” The band pulls from a wide range of sounds across indie, electronic, and pop to marry raw, organic characteristics with crisp, detailed digital elements and production.

The accompanying video for “As Long As I Can See” is a sensory driven experience with striking visuals that call to a much deeper meaning. September is Deaf Awareness Month, and the International Week of the Deaf begins on the 18th. The video couples beautifully framed imagery with a moving sign language translation of the song set throughout each scene. The combination creates a profound interpretation of language and communication. Sometimes the most honest sentiments can be felt and heard without words. - Vents Magazine

Press Play is our Monday recap of the new and FREE tracks received last week to inform the next trip to your local indie record store. - The Vinyl District

The band pulls from a wide range of sounds across indie, electronic, and pop to marry raw, organic characteristics with crisp, detailed digital elements and production. The video relies on striking visuals and incorporates sign language in each scene in an effort to raise deaf awareness during Deaf Awareness Month in September. The International Week of the Deaf begins on the 18th and the video serves as a way to show how music can be enjoyed and felt without words. The band will be donating the profit from the first week of sales and streaming to the Nyle DiMarco Foundation; a non-profit who works to improve the lives of deaf people.

Broke Royal members Philip Basnight and Colin Cross were inspired by the unspoken emotional response to seeing a loved one after a long day and the importance of reconnecting. Basnight said the album’s name represents a confidence and assurance for the band’s future.

“When we started recording music we didn’t know that there would be such a stirring creative chemistry, but by the time we made the album we had found our sound,” Basnight said.

Be sure to check out the self-titled album when it drops on November 17. - Enter The Venture

If there is one criticism to be levelled at electronic, electropop and dance music, it’s often that it’s devoid of any serious sense of feeling. For the most part, this is true; other than a feeling of ecstasy or shallow lust, there’s often little else to emotionally connect with listeners.

Broke Royals is trying to shift that dynamic with new single As Long As I Can See. Powered by a tribal drum rhythm that drives everything forward while tropical instrumental flourishes dance atop it, the track strikes a rare balance between infectious electropop joy and emotional resonance.

This is largely due to the vocal, which feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in a pop-ballad or stadium soft-rock track. It’s this vocal, as well as the indie guitar runs that strive for dominance in the mid-section of the song, that turns this song from another electropop song into something worth listening to and remembering. - Freshbeats 365

Lazlo's Den Presents New Music
Broadcast live on our station 9/26/17 @ 7pm - Lazlo's Den

In 2014, after both graduating from William & Mary, Colin Cross enlisted Philip Basnight to record a few demos for Cross to shop to potential clients of his recording studio. Their instant musical chemistry in the studio paved the way for a dynamic partnership and, thus, Broke Royals was born. In just three years, Basnight and Cross have honed a singular sound, been praised by Billboard for their "sing-along, arena-ready sound," named an Artist On The Rise by Southwest Airlines, and one of the best live bands in DC by CBS. The duo walked back into the studio for a fourth time to record their self-titled, debut album with producer John Naclerio at his famed Nada Recording Studio in New York. Seamlessly integrating traditional rock with new digital elements, the guitar-driven rock, pop hooks, folk harmonies and Cross's infectious beats fuse gracefully with Basnight's lyrical narratives. True to the roots of their earliest moments in the studio, Basnight and Cross continue to find new ways to blend inspiration and genres that define their complex modern rock sound. - Top 40 Charts

DC-based indie alt-rock outfit Broke Royals have released a new track called “Higher,” which is the first single from their upcoming debut release.

There is something extremely old school 90s alt-rock and completely modern about their sound, definitely something for every ear out there.

Seamlessly integrating traditional rock with new digital elements, the guitar-driven rock, pop hooks, and infectious beats fuse gracefully with lyrical narratives. The songs are a mix of fictional and auto-biographical stories of young adulthood. Stories about love and loss, hope and fear, and setbacks and perseverance. While the characters found on the album are often lost, or even misguided, they are always moving towards something hopeful. They keep falling up and Broke Royals’ debut album is their victory lap. - Indieminded

Today, DC rock band Broke Royals officially release their new single "Saving Time." The track was premiered last Friday with Impose, who said, "Broke Royals have created a sound that blends an exhilarating tune with perfectly matched lyrics. In a style that is equal parts rock and alternative, the harmonies have a definite folk twist that gives "Saving Time" a fresh edge."
Vocalist Philip Basnight describes the meaning behind the track:
"When we first started Broke Royals I was living on borrowed time. I was working a draining 9-5 and was in a struggling relationship - I constantly felt like everything was on the verge of falling apart. When I began writing Saving Time 3 years later, I realized how much had changed. Time keeps moving and you have to take the reigns and make it your own. Save your time for the things you love. Saving Time is all about the process of working towards that everyday."

Behind Broke Royals is the team of producer Colin Cross and vocalist Philip Basnight, who have accomplished much since forming in 2014. In just three years they've honed a singular sound across three EPs, toured the country opening for the likes of Car Seat Headrest, Real Estate, and Andrew McMahon and even unintentionally fueled a political revolution. In May of 2014, the band's debut single "About Time" went viral in Thailand as the country was in the midst of a military coup, inspiring those who were hearing the track through political ears.

Named one of the best up-and-coming DC bands of 2016 by CBS, Broke Royals seamlessly integrate traditional rock with infectious pop hooks and electronic elements to create a richly layered sound that has been praised as "the new American rock." For fans of the sophisticated pop rock sound of Future Islands, The 1975, or Bastille, Broke Royals are a band that should be on your radar.

"Saving Time" follows their anthemic single "Higher," released in March. The band will be celebrating their three year anniversary at Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington D.C. on May 13th. Check below for a list of their other upcoming tour dates! - Rock Era Magazine

DC rock band Broke Royals is headlining the Rock and Roll Hotel on May 13 to celebrate their three-year anniversary. Colin Cross and Philip Basnight promise an energetic show of infectious music to celebrate the occasion.


In 2014, Colin started up recording studio after relocating to Virginia from the Midwest. He planned to get started as a producer, so he invited Philip, then a solo folk singer, into the studio to record some demos and build his own production resume.

But the two hit it off and formed Broke Royals, and the band is going strong! - Parklife DC

Broke Royals are excited to share “Higher,” the first single from their debut self-titled album Broke Royals. Named one of the best up-and-coming DC bands of 2016 by CBS, Broke Royals seamlessly integrate traditional rock with infectious pop hooks and electronic elements to create a richly layered sound that has been praised as “the new American rock.”

Broke Royals wrote "Higher" as an anthem for anyone whose heart has ever gotten ahead of itself. The track tells the story of a man swept up in his idea of love, full of bold promises and big ideas but slightly disconnected from the reality of love and relationships. "Higher" was exclusively premiered yesterday with Pure Volume, who wrote, "the duo is unafraid to soar and experiment with their sound. It's reflected with the build and memorable chorus." - Dopecausewesaid

December came at us quick, and before we knew it, it was already time for the holidays! Broke Royals, consisting of Philip Basnight and Colin Cross, is one of the many bands that are writing Christmas songs this year, but theirs has a twist to it. The pop/rock band recently released their festive holiday song, “Christmas Cookie Blues.”

What’s the twist? Well “Christmas Cookie Blues” isn’t your average Christmas song, because the holidays aren’t always full of holiday cheer for everyone. As harsh as that sounds, the song is realistic. “Christmas Cookie Blues” is a whimsical tale of lost love, told from the perspective of a young man trying to keep it together just long enough to get through a Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Don’t worry though, the song is still fun and actually uplifting with lyrics like, “It’s pretty ironic, because there’s nothing sweet about you,” and “I’m taking my cookies, and I’m moving on.” In this story, the bad cookie isn’t going to win.

As the band prepares cookies in the music video, the young man is remembering the great times he shared with his former lover during the holidays. But the fact that the cookie sheet is demolished by the end of the video, says a lot… haha - Celebmix

2018 is the year for Broke Royals and what better way to celebrate their accomplishments then going all out on the holiest day of the year? Following “Bad Chemicals”, they have another single release up their stocking. Philip Basnight and Colin Cross use their soaring pop-rock songwriting, deft production skills, and emotion-filled lyrics to give us the holiday anthem we all need. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear and they give us the gift of “Christmas Cookie Blues.”

“Christmas Cookie Blues” is not your average Christmas song, full of holiday cheer. While the holiday season is full of emotion, it’s not always the emotions you want. Such is the story that unfolds in Christmas Cookie Blues, a whimsical tale of lost love, told from the perspective of a forlorn young man trying to keep it together just long enough to get through a Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Directed by Tyler Scheerschmidt, the “Christmas Cookie Blues” has festive spirit in store. Traditionally blending pop and rock, they take a more classic approach on this track with a classic sleigh-bell accent. Introducing us to the scene with a plate of cookies, our hearts grow tender with childhood memories. Dressed in their best suits, the drums and guitar brighten up the scenery as much as the star on top of the tree. As they prepare the dough, the song is dedicated to a former lover as he remembers the great times they shared together during this joyful time of the year. Bittersweet and complete with cheeky and playful poses, their cookie sheet is demolished by the end as they ring in the new year. - Vents Magazine

Broke Royals, featuring William and Mary graduates Colin Cross on drums and Philip Basnight on vocals, perform their song “On My Way” at the East Coast Music Conference in Norfolk on Thursday night. - Daily Press