How Royel Otis Readied a ‘Punchier’ Album Rollout — and Landed Their First Billboard No. 1

“We’re not trying to create virality, but [we’re] always open to move with that when and if it happens,” says Ourness co-founder Andrew Klippel. Andrew Klippel Courtesy Photo Over the past year, Australian rock duo Royel Otis has burst onto the global stage with a series of hits, each bigger than the last. But the band had already seen significant success in their home country, with a trio of EPs — Campus, Bar n Grill and Sofa Kings — and a debut album, Pratts & Pain, on indie label Ourness, which won them awards, recognition and a loyal fan base down under, and some traction on U.S. radio. But it was two one-off cover performances for radio stations in 2024 that propelled them into the mainstream. The first, a cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor,” recorded for Triple J radio in Australia, rocketed to No. 2 on Alternative Airplay last July. And the second, a cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger” recorded for SiriusXM’s live sessions, became their first Hot 100 entry last August, coming in at No. 94 and announcing the band’s arrival. Last November, Ourness partnered with Capitol to propel Royel Otis further, and that development is
Read More