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Publication Date: 23rd November 2006
They see themselves more 'outside than in' as far as the UK gospel music industry goes.
...but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
...but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
ROUCHEON \\ SMOOFLOW \\ KIEYEN
CATCH UP
I'm a HUGE fan of ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. HUGE.
They were one of the first groups I did a big 'Special' on, way back in 2000/2001 when I was just starting out with UK Gospel.com (there were four of them back then), and I remember meeting SMOOFLOW and ROUCHEON at SMOOFLOW's mum's
place in Clapham, South London.
Things have moved on quite a bit since then. First, there were three and now (as at late 2006) they've become just two, in husband and wife SMOOFLOW and ROUCHEON respectively. But that's not to discount their son (two-year old) KIEYEN
who is OFFICIALLY a member of the group.
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD have made a success of the difficult 'out-of-the-church and into-the-streets' path also walked by people like GREENJADE and FOUR KORNERZ. In that time they have developed a growing number of friends and supporters, both in the mainstream and gospel network, having themselves been supporters of quite
They were one of the first groups I did a big 'Special' on, way back in 2000/2001 when I was just starting out with UK Gospel.com (there were four of them back then), and I remember meeting SMOOFLOW and ROUCHEON at SMOOFLOW's mum's
place in Clapham, South London.
Things have moved on quite a bit since then. First, there were three and now (as at late 2006) they've become just two, in husband and wife SMOOFLOW and ROUCHEON respectively. But that's not to discount their son (two-year old) KIEYEN
who is OFFICIALLY a member of the group.
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD have made a success of the difficult 'out-of-the-church and into-the-streets' path also walked by people like GREENJADE and FOUR KORNERZ. In that time they have developed a growing number of friends and supporters, both in the mainstream and gospel network, having themselves been supporters of quite
a few worthy charitable street-level causes.
SMOOFLOW has been a consistent driving force, the perfect foil for ROUCHEON's unassuming and warm personality, and in recent years he has not only added the role of producer to proceedings but is heavily involved in an increasingly important division of contemporary gospel music, video production.
Their current album, BUILT TO LAST, (the final one with the three-member line-up) has been doing very well on UKG Shop. Even though SILAS (who incidentally is ROUCHEON's brother) is no longer an active member of the group, they still occasionally perform together, and both SILAS and SMOOFLOW were on stage together recently at (the TRYUMF-organised) GHETTO GLORY.
I'd been meaning to touch base with them for months, and I finally got the chance to catch up a while back. SMOOFLOW talks about what RP have been up to, and his
take on the state of the industry...
SMOOFLOW has been a consistent driving force, the perfect foil for ROUCHEON's unassuming and warm personality, and in recent years he has not only added the role of producer to proceedings but is heavily involved in an increasingly important division of contemporary gospel music, video production.
Their current album, BUILT TO LAST, (the final one with the three-member line-up) has been doing very well on UKG Shop. Even though SILAS (who incidentally is ROUCHEON's brother) is no longer an active member of the group, they still occasionally perform together, and both SILAS and SMOOFLOW were on stage together recently at (the TRYUMF-organised) GHETTO GLORY.
I'd been meaning to touch base with them for months, and I finally got the chance to catch up a while back. SMOOFLOW talks about what RP have been up to, and his
take on the state of the industry...
YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN QUITE BUSY RECENTLY...
We've had a busy performance calendar doing lots of
promotion; our videos have been played on RMUSIC and
CHANNEL U, we've recently had our track 'ROYAL
PRIESTHOOD' featured in the film LIFE & LYRICS starring
ASHER D.
I've been producing for various artists such as BRIAN HARVEY
(formerly of E17), for PHOEBE ONE, BIG BROVAS, and we've generally working hard to establish ourselves.
Instead of investing money in getting a video done, we decided to invest money in the know-how, so we can continually produce videos as we see fit.
To date we have completed about 6 videos. We have also produced videos for TRYUMF, ADONYE GREEN, L DUBZY and various artists. We recently invested more money in equipment, so the quality of the videos will be greatly improved with time and experience.
promotion; our videos have been played on RMUSIC and
CHANNEL U, we've recently had our track 'ROYAL
PRIESTHOOD' featured in the film LIFE & LYRICS starring
ASHER D.
I've been producing for various artists such as BRIAN HARVEY
(formerly of E17), for PHOEBE ONE, BIG BROVAS, and we've generally working hard to establish ourselves.
Instead of investing money in getting a video done, we decided to invest money in the know-how, so we can continually produce videos as we see fit.
To date we have completed about 6 videos. We have also produced videos for TRYUMF, ADONYE GREEN, L DUBZY and various artists. We recently invested more money in equipment, so the quality of the videos will be greatly improved with time and experience.
AND THEN YOU REALLY GOT INTO VIDEOS, BIG TIME!
TO BE HONEST, THE QUALITY OF THE VIDEOS OUT AT THE MOMENT LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED...
TO BE HONEST, THE QUALITY OF THE VIDEOS OUT AT THE MOMENT LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED...
The music videos will improve with time, experiences and better ideas. A good concept, location and professionalism go along way. I would not advice any up and coming artist to spend 2 to 3 grand on a video because 99.9 % of the time your will not see that money back in the UK.
Your video might be on rotation for about 3 to 4 weeks and then it's off the air and that's your money finished. Guess this is a good time to let everyone know that I shoot music videos for real cheap.
Your video might be on rotation for about 3 to 4 weeks and then it's off the air and that's your money finished. Guess this is a good time to let everyone know that I shoot music videos for real cheap.
I SUPPOSE THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR JUST GETTING OUT THERE AND JUST STRAIGHT UP GRINDING. I STILL WOULD LIKE TO SEE GOOD QUALITY VIDEOS PRETTY SOON, THOUGH...
SPEAKING OF GRINDING: A FEW YEARS AGO THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD PROFILE SUDDENLY BECAME MUCH HIGHER IN THE MAINSTREAM INDUSTRY THAN THE GOSPEL SCENE...
SPEAKING OF GRINDING: A FEW YEARS AGO THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD PROFILE SUDDENLY BECAME MUCH HIGHER IN THE MAINSTREAM INDUSTRY THAN THE GOSPEL SCENE...
We've always worked towards achieving maximum exposure and have
been working very hard to promote ourselves both within the mainstream
industry and the gospel scene.
Being in the finals of MOBO UNSIGNED back in 2002 and 2003 helped
us to build that profile and get recognition from those who may have
never known of us otherwise. Also our appearance in UMA UNSIGNED 2004 has helped to keep the name on the forefront of peoples' minds.
Aside from the track being featured on the LIFE & LYRICS film we will also be featured on a forthcoming compilation album alongside the great ERIC B AND RAKIM, ESTELLE, SWAY and few more to look out for, so we're keeping busy investing into our vision.
been working very hard to promote ourselves both within the mainstream
industry and the gospel scene.
Being in the finals of MOBO UNSIGNED back in 2002 and 2003 helped
us to build that profile and get recognition from those who may have
never known of us otherwise. Also our appearance in UMA UNSIGNED 2004 has helped to keep the name on the forefront of peoples' minds.
Aside from the track being featured on the LIFE & LYRICS film we will also be featured on a forthcoming compilation album alongside the great ERIC B AND RAKIM, ESTELLE, SWAY and few more to look out for, so we're keeping busy investing into our vision.
I ASK ALMOST EVERYONE I SPEAK TO THIS QUESTION: IN YOUR VIEW, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR GOSPEL MUSIC TO REPRESENT ON THOSE KINDS OF PLATFORMS?
SOME SUGGEST PUTTING GOSPEL MUSIC ALONGSIDE MAINSTREAM MUSIC IS POSSIBLY NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE EMBRACING...?
SOME SUGGEST PUTTING GOSPEL MUSIC ALONGSIDE MAINSTREAM MUSIC IS POSSIBLY NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE EMBRACING...?
Devil music is very much [about] camouflage. I do God's music but I'm going to camouflage it like a Vietnamese, and my bullets are going to unload without a location give-away.
The world can see all these gospel artists coming from a mile away. But no-one is going to be ready for the ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. When we do blow it is going to be a complete take over. I'm trying to take gospel to the top of the mainstream. Something that is very much impossible without God.
The world can see all these gospel artists coming from a mile away. But no-one is going to be ready for the ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. When we do blow it is going to be a complete take over. I'm trying to take gospel to the top of the mainstream. Something that is very much impossible without God.
Too many gospel artists are programmed with a gospel formula
on how to perform... If I paid £10 to get into this concert that
was advertised as a concert, you better perform!
on how to perform... If I paid £10 to get into this concert that
was advertised as a concert, you better perform!
I'VE BEEN TO SHOWS OF YOURS WHERE YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT DRINK AND SWEAR, BUT THEY SEEM TO HAVE A VERY CLEAR RESPECT FOR WHOM AND WHAT YOU REPRESENT.
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THAT KIND OF BALANCE...?
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THAT KIND OF BALANCE...?
The music we do is from the heart. We rap to touch people. We make beats to touch people. We are not trying to physically save them but give them an option.
The people feel that and acknowledge the realness. Too many gospel artists are programmed with a gospel formula on how to perform to unsaved people (e.g. gospel saying: "I'm not here
to perform but minister..."). If I paid £10 to get into this concert that was advertised as a
concert, you better perform!
Most artists at times look very cheesy or just ignorant. That is why 90% of them can only travel from church to church. Church entertainers. Nothing wrong with that. Just know your role within the body.
The people feel that and acknowledge the realness. Too many gospel artists are programmed with a gospel formula on how to perform to unsaved people (e.g. gospel saying: "I'm not here
to perform but minister..."). If I paid £10 to get into this concert that was advertised as a
concert, you better perform!
Most artists at times look very cheesy or just ignorant. That is why 90% of them can only travel from church to church. Church entertainers. Nothing wrong with that. Just know your role within the body.
STRONG WORDS... WE'LL SEE WHAT THE READER REACTION TO IT WILL BE...
AND NOW THE GROUP IS GOING THRU A NEW PHASE:
AND NOW THE GROUP IS GOING THRU A NEW PHASE:
Yes. SMOOFLOW and ROUCHEON are now the faces of
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. SILAS is still on the grind, and we
still do some stuff together, and continue to establish
the direction we individually feel we're called to.
FERO stands for FEMI (which is my name), and ROUCHEON.
Quite simply we felt it time to establish our business as
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. SILAS is still on the grind, and we
still do some stuff together, and continue to establish
the direction we individually feel we're called to.
FERO stands for FEMI (which is my name), and ROUCHEON.
Quite simply we felt it time to establish our business as
AND 'FERO' IS NOW LIVE; NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY,
NEW WEBSITE...
NEW WEBSITE...
L-R SMOOFLOW (holding KIEYEN), ADONYE GREEN
(far end) and SILAS (with mic), at GHETTO GLORY Oct 06
(far end) and SILAS (with mic), at GHETTO GLORY Oct 06
partners and launch our record company, taking on the full financial responsibilities, creating our own brand and negotiating within the music business.
As SMOOFLOW I'm currently managing and producing for an artist named ADONYE GREEN.
We went into management for the experience of it. The same way we started making beats, making videos and building websites.
We were always doing the work of a record company so we just thought why not set one up from all the money we have recently made. Also if we ever get signed we can negotiate so we obtain some form of creative control.
As SMOOFLOW I'm currently managing and producing for an artist named ADONYE GREEN.
We went into management for the experience of it. The same way we started making beats, making videos and building websites.
We were always doing the work of a record company so we just thought why not set one up from all the money we have recently made. Also if we ever get signed we can negotiate so we obtain some form of creative control.
WHY DID YOU FEEL YOU HAD TO GO INTO ARTIST MANAGEMENT?
AND WHAT'S NEXT FOR ROYAL PRIESTHOOD..?
AND WHAT'S NEXT FOR ROYAL PRIESTHOOD..?
Over the coming months there are lots of exciting projects taking place. We were excited by the release of the film LIFE & LYRICS, we'll be back in the studio working on a new album, video production for other artists
Log on to our website and register for our newsletter. That's how we update everyone on what's next...
Log on to our website and register for our newsletter. That's how we update everyone on what's next...
I'm in a strange place in my life right now.
Amid a whole lot of debate about propriety, what Christians in daily life and the arts
should - and shouldn't - be doing, there exists the real need for urgency in reaching the world in the face of a very real horror to come.
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD are on the sort of mission that I must admit to only secretly aspiring to: the broadcast of the gospel at all costs, across all platforms...
Somewhere at the back of my mind I can't help but think something grave and hugely consequential is taking place around us while we (rightly or wrongly) debate.
> We've either got this whole thing so mixed up that the message of Christ
has lost its relevance even to us...
> or we've become so obsessed with the propriety of the packaging of the
Amid a whole lot of debate about propriety, what Christians in daily life and the arts
should - and shouldn't - be doing, there exists the real need for urgency in reaching the world in the face of a very real horror to come.
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD are on the sort of mission that I must admit to only secretly aspiring to: the broadcast of the gospel at all costs, across all platforms...
Somewhere at the back of my mind I can't help but think something grave and hugely consequential is taking place around us while we (rightly or wrongly) debate.
> We've either got this whole thing so mixed up that the message of Christ
has lost its relevance even to us...
> or we've become so obsessed with the propriety of the packaging of the
message, that the gospel itself has become ineffective.
My conviction sways between both poles on a daily basis, so don't ask me what I think. Although the context is different, I feel a connection with Paul's message to the Philippians when he talks about the fact that regardless of what happens to him
(he's in chains and incarcerated at that point), it's all good as long as the gospel is preached (Philippians 1 - look it up. Links at the bottom of this piece).
However, I've an admiration for people like ROYAL PRIESTHOOD that just 'get up and do'.
Is it better to have tried to reach beyond the cosy walls of the church, into the world, in a way that some might contest (and at the risk of being wrong), or do we make sure we get the 'how' right and THEN go out...?
Sadly, I don't have any smooth, Christian cliché answers...
My conviction sways between both poles on a daily basis, so don't ask me what I think. Although the context is different, I feel a connection with Paul's message to the Philippians when he talks about the fact that regardless of what happens to him
(he's in chains and incarcerated at that point), it's all good as long as the gospel is preached (Philippians 1 - look it up. Links at the bottom of this piece).
However, I've an admiration for people like ROYAL PRIESTHOOD that just 'get up and do'.
Is it better to have tried to reach beyond the cosy walls of the church, into the world, in a way that some might contest (and at the risk of being wrong), or do we make sure we get the 'how' right and THEN go out...?
Sadly, I don't have any smooth, Christian cliché answers...
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