Today sees Australian Idol winner Royston Noell release his ‘Sunrise’ EP along with the body of work’s focus track ‘Live Everyday’, and we were lucky enough to catch up with the proud Thanakwith artist to talk about the new body of work and how he plans to celebrate the releases.

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Kingdom Australia on what must be a massive week for you. How have things been in the life of Royston lately?

Things have been great – thank you so much for asking! I’ve just moved back to Sydney from a short stint in Melbourne, and I’m loving being back around family and friends up here; it’s really grounding for me. I’m also really thankful that this week is finally here, and I can celebrate this new body of work with everyone.

You will release your ‘Sunrise’ EP and its focus track, ‘Live Everyday’, this Friday. How are the launch day preparations going?

Really well – I have a great team around me who have been helping bring everything to life. A few months ago, we filmed all the visuals that accompany the songs on the EP, and for each of them, I really wanted to make sure we were conveying my ideas behind the meaning of each song. I’ve always loved the idea of the videos that live beside the songs, so this is one of the things I’m most excited about having everyone experience – I’m so proud of how that’s all come together!

Tell us about the new single ‘Live Everday’. What inspired you to write this song? Was there a pivotal moment or circumstance that led to its creation?

The label actually pitched the song to me, and I was so excited! It was originally shortlisted for Guy Sebastion's album, but when he decided it wouldn’t make the final cut, my label offered it to me—with Guy’s blessing. I was so stoked because it fit my EP’s storyline perfectly! Guy even gave me advice on how to sing it, doing a Zoom session with the producer and me on the day I was recording the vocals. He’s such an amazing person, and I’m so grateful for his support.

“The song emphasizes the importance of being the author of your own story”

— Royston Noell

What does the song mean to you, and what do you hope the listener takes away from ‘Live Everyday’?

I see ‘Live Everyday’ as a really uplifting anthem about living life to the fullest and embracing every moment as if it were your last. The lyrics express a yearning for purpose and personal growth, encouraging the listener to pursue their dreams without fear, take risks, and make the most of the time they have. The song emphasizes the importance of being the author of your own story, taking control of your life, and not letting opportunities slip by. It’s a motivational message about valuing each day, pushing forward, and creating a life filled with memories and no regrets. 

Do you have a favourite line from the track or a part that resonates with you in particular?

“I’m gonna tell me its alright  

To keep on chasing my dream”

This is from the pre-chorus, and I think it’s such an important mantra that we could all use in our everyday lives if our head gets in the way of our things we want to achieve. At the end of the day, if you can’t remind yourself to keep chasing your dreams, block all the noise out and focus on the end goal, you have to trust that the universe will make it alright for you. That’s how I see it anyway, hahaha!

“these songs form a cohesive narrative about moving from darkness to light”

— Royston Noell

‘Live Everyday’ features on your ‘Sunrise’ EP; why did you choose this song as the “focus” track?

For me, ‘Live Everyday’ fully encapsulates the essence of the EP, urging you to seize every opportunity, live fearlessly, and create a life without regrets. Together, these songs form a cohesive narrative about moving from darkness to light, pursuing passions, and living each day as if it were the last. That’s something that was really important to me to share with the world.

What else can fans expect from ‘Sunrise’?

From Chapter One centering in on the initial struggles of self-acceptance, to Chapter Two exploring the transition from comfort to following one’s dreams, to closing out with Chapter Three representing the culmination of this journey, I really hope that it can inspire the listener to fully embrace living in the moment and enjoying the rewards of their efforts.

“I didn’t want to put out just anything”

— Royston Noell

Fans have been waiting on this EP for a while now. Was there a reason for the delay, or was it part of a strategy to build the anticipation?

I didn't want to put out just anything, I could have rushed into this. If I had released an EP a year ago, it wouldn't have been a strong body of work. This is an album about the different journeys I undertook that have helped me find myself, find my voice, push myself for my dreams and remember to still have fun while doing it. You know, the most beautiful thing about sunrise is that no matter what's going on in your world, there is another day promised, and the sun will rise. There's always a chance for light, even if there's a stormy or cloudy day.

Were there any special or standout moments for you during the making of ‘Sunrise’?

Overall, I think it’s really that I put a lot of my heart and soul into this. This EP is the output from the creative journey I undertook after winning Idol. This project has been a long time coming, but I’m so grateful I had the time needed to truly put together a body of work that I was proud of. To really figure out what I wanted to say and give to the world as an artist. During this time, I found a reason to express myself a little more, I truly found how to operate as an artist. I’ve still got a lot more to learn and a lot more to do, but as of today, I’ve found a place with my voice, with my creative output, to finally have something that I can say with confidence. The title Sunrise symbolizes more than just being in the light; it also represents the transition from darkness to illumination, capturing the journey of self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and living in the moment whilst embracing each day as if it were your last.

“I’ve grown so much as a recording artist, and looking back, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. ”

— Royston Noell

Did you learn anything or discover something new about yourself in the recording process?

Yes, I learned a lot about recording vocals throughout this process. Singing in the studio is completely different from performing live, and before working on this EP, I didn’t have much studio experience. Over time, I’ve grown so much as a recording artist, and looking back, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.

How are you planning to celebrate the release milestone privately?

I plan to spend time with friends and celebrate this massive milestone for me. It feels amazing to finally get this body of work out there.  

“I cannot wait to see my amazing fans and supporters.”

— Royston Noell

Are there plans to tour after the EP’s release?

Yes, we’re in the works of putting on some shows. I cannot wait to see my amazing fans and supporters.  

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?

A person on my team I would love to give a shout-out to who doesn't usually get one is my marketing manager at Sony, Talina. I’ve worked closely with her a lot on this EP, and I am so grateful for her. She’s a queen! I’m grateful for everyone at Sony and Private Idaho x.  

Do you have a message for the loyal Royston Noell fans and supporters?

Thank you for being with me through this crazy journey. There were a lot of personal things going on after winning Idol with my mental health, and it’s taken me a while to fully come out on the other side, but it feels amazing to be here now. Although I haven't opened up too much about this, thank you for being on this journey with me, and I hope you love ‘Sunrise’ x.

LISTEN: SUNRISE EP

WATCH: FULL EP VISUALS

ASSETS: SUNRISE EP - OUT FEB 28

LINKFIRE: SUNRISE EP

SOCIALS: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube 

SUNRISE EP Track List  

Chapter 1 - The Blooming 

1. Say It Loud 

2. No Longer Running 

Chapter 2 - The Climb 

3. Dreaming 

4. Way Up  