Renowned multi-instrumentalist, producer, and band leader Khris Royal will perform at the iconic Le Bon Temps Roule on June 29 at 11 p.m.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Khris Royal’s musical journey began at seven when he picked up the saxophone. His talent and passion for music led him to start producing and writing his own compositions by age fourteen. Recognizing his immense potential, Royal was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Eager to explore new horizons, Royal ventured to Boston to further his studies in studio engineering. However, it was the allure of playing alongside a multitude of talented musicians that ultimately fueled his artistic aspirations. Combining his technical expertise with his love for music production, Royal mastered producing music on his laptop.
Khris Royal. Photo by OffBeat/Noé Cugny.
The next chapter in Royal’s career saw him being called to Los Angeles to join the horn section known as Regiment. Working under the guidance of two-time Grammy Award-winning producer and musician Theron Feemster, also known as Neff-U, Royal contributed his saxophone skills to provide dynamic backgrounds for acclaimed hip-hop and R&B artists, including Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, and Ashanti. The group even appeared on Season Two of Cartoon Network’s popular show, The Boondocks. However, Royal’s desire to thrive as a front-and-center musician motivated him to seek a different path. Royal swiftly packed his bags and decided to return to his beloved New Orleans where he created his band, Dark Matter.
Returning to his roots, Royal embarked on a fresh chapter in his career, strongly emphasizing live performances. He eagerly embraced every opportunity to sit in and collaborate with talented musicians in New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, leaving a lasting impression on his peers. Over time, Royal cultivated significant relationships with prominent local artists, including George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, Fred Wesley, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Galactic, and numerous others.
For more information on Khris Royal’s performance at Le Bon Temps Roule visit the venue’s website.
