With his debut single, “Pray,” out now, we took some time to hear from Stephen Royal. Read below to learn more about Stephen Royal, the story behind “Pray,” and what’s to come.

Hi Stephen Royal! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

Stephen Royal is my first and last name.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and now I’m in Los Angeles, California.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I decided to really pursue music in 2024, but I’d already started recording music in 2015 after I moved to Lawton, Oklahoma.

How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?

My family played a major part in my upbringing and shaping me into who I am today. My mom, pops, both of my older brothers and sister.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I feel my sound can be motivational, inspiring to this generation, and the new millennium, with some Rock & Roll, and a splash of R&B Soul, an upbeat nostalgic song that tells a story from the beginning to end.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

My hobbies outside of music. I love an adventure, and finding new places to go, or new activities to do.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

My musical influencers, I really can’t say because there are so many people and songs that I will listen to and may not even know their names. But, I will say I love old school and new school.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

The proudest moment of my musical career is now. Because this is where it begins.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

My greatest lessons that I’ve learned so far, is trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Now onto your release, “Pray.” What inspired this song? What is “Pray” about?

What inspired “Pray,” after years of bumping my head, lots of pain, and suffering without God. I’ve finally learned that the answer to all of my problems is one prayer away, and I must let everyone know how to get the answers there looking for.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Pray?”

The inspiration behind the cover art – it tells the story – it’s me on my knees with my head down, hand together praying with a full moon shining on me.

What was the creative process like when making “Pray?”

The creative process, when I first got a revelation of who God truly was, and that I’d be making this song. I kept hearing Pray…Pray… it was like a whisper in my ears. Then, it took me almost 6 months to write it because it was coming from everything that I’ve been through, and step by step asking God for his strength. I’ve never taken this long to write a song, but this song came from time on my knees praying.

How long did it take to complete “Pray?”

All together it took me about 11 months to complete this song.

What is your favorite lyric in “Pray?”

My favorite lyric in pray is; “for once I was lost but in your forgiving presence I declare that now I’m found.”

What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “Pray” and your music in general?

I’m hoping that lives, nations, our world will be changed for the better, and that people will finally see who Christ truly is, he’s “Love” and to pray, and build a relationship with Him. Because if you have a true relationship with Him, all of your relationships will be blessed, and grace and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

What’s next, well, I have lots more of surprises up my sleeve including more songs. A new project will be coming soon…keep an eye out for the website is coming, stephenroyal.com – it’s being revamped for the next project, and all shows will be on there.

Where can we follow you on social media?

You can follow me on all social platforms at Stephen Royal.

Before you go, let’s ask you a couple of off-topic questions:

Are you currently single?

I am currently single; however, I will be on a hunt for my forever. It’s funny you asked. I have an acronym for her “Syrah”: Seductive, Youthful, Real, Attractively, Humble.

Do you have any pets?

I do have pets. I have two birds. A boy and a girl – their names are Sky and Pluto.

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!