R&B isnât deadâitâs just waiting on the right voice to bring the romance back. Enter an artist whoâs not only got the voice but also the vision. With “Coast in Romance,” Shaun Royal rewinds time to the golden era of slow jams, love letters, and real storytellingâthe kind that made you want to fall in love and stay there. Heâs got Bobby Brown in his DNA, Tevin Campbell in his soul, and a mission: to make love songs matter again.
This is music with a pulse, a purpose, and a whole lot of heart. In this interview, Shaun Royal opens up about why ’90s R&B still hits the deepest, how video games and old-school movies help him out of writerâs block, and how his wife continues to be his greatest muse. Whether heâs behind the mic or behind the boards, heâs all about creating moments that last longer than a playlist.
Why do you think bringing the 90s R&B vibe back to today’s game is essential?
I believe the 90s was a golden era for music and the entertainment industry! I believe that the creativity, originality, and substance were at their peak, especially for R&B! The romance was there! Falling in love, getting married was the thing to do! We need that back, and Iâm bringing it back.
What’s one song from your childhood that inspired “Coast In Romance,” maybe something from Michael Jackson or Stevie Wonder?
Two songs really come to mind: ‘Rock Witâcha’ by Bobby Brown and ‘Can We Talk’ by Tevin Campbell.
What’s one of your songs you would play on repeat? Is it “Coast In Romance”?
Right now, itâs “Coast in Romance”! But stay tuned in. I have over 50 songs recorded, and theyâre pretty much ready to go!
How do you cope with writer’s block?
When I find myself uninspired, I must take a second to remember the why! The why you do a thing is the driving force that inspires you to create! The most effective ways to find my driving forces consist of me spending time with God, hanging with my beautiful wife, chilling with family and friends, playing a few old video games, listening to my favorite artists, watching my favorite movies and TV shows, and exercising by running, lifting weights, and doing old football drills I learned growing up. If not all, some of those things help me get through the process of writerâs block.
We know you also work as a producer, so how do you see yourself as a producer or a singer in the future?
I see myself as someone who helps inspire romance, compassion, and love in the music industry! I see myself as someone who will continue to push the narrative that true love still exists; all it takes is faith and hope.
Is there a 2000s rom-com where “Coast Romance” could fit perfectly?
Most definitely! Love and Basketball and The Wedding Planner.
Where do you find inspiration to write love songs in general?
Honestly, Iâd have to say my wife! You know the way she stands beside me and holds me down It truly inspires me to continue to share the love I experience and express to her. Secondly, Iâve always been a hopeless romantic. I was the guy who would sing “Every Time I Close My Eyes” by Babyface to his girlfriend on the phone, giving chocolates and candy. So, I guess itâs just in me, and love brings it out of me.
How do you motivate your label’s artists to continue following their dreams?
As of now Iâm the only artist on the label, but hypothetically, I would tell the artist to focus on the why! And remember what moved them to create in the first place! Go with that and remember, He who is faithful in little shall be faithful in much.
What’s the future of R&B going to be like for you?
I believe itâs very promising! Iâm ready to get the show on the road and share with the world my perspective on how to find love, how to fall in love, and how to grow and be a better you! ‘Coast in Romance’ is just the beginning; many more to come! Stay tuned. May peace be with you, and God bless.
As Shaun said, stay tunedâheâs just getting started. Follow him on Instagram for the latest updates, and donât forget to stream “Coast in Romance” and more on Spotify. The R&B revival is real, and Shaun’s leading the way.
