Royal Blood are an English rock duo formed in Brighton in 2013. The band's sound is reminiscent of and rooted in blues rock and hard rock. Royal Blood consists of only two members, bass player Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher. Kerr's playing style is notable in that his several effects pedals used while recording and performing live allow his bass to sound like a standard lead guitar. Their self-titled debut album was released in August 2014 and their second album, How Did We Get So Dark?
Hotwax is 25 year old Florida musician Adam Keilbach. Since July 2011, he has spent his time teaching himself music composition, crafting downtempo electronic tunes with engaging hooks and atmospheric beats. He has released a series of EPs such as his Despondence EP (Bad Pop) and Dawn Emerges EP (Vacant Magic) in 2014 and 2015, respectively, in addition to releases on compilations from Intelligent Sound and acclaimed, now defunct tape label Purr Tapes. He has also contributed remixes for artists like Brennan Henderson FKA James Deen, CONCLÎVE, and Mark Redito FKA Spazzkid.
In June 2017, the debut album from Hotwax had arrived. Communicator, a 12 song effort filled with textured, lush soundscapes and ethereal melodies was released via Olympia, WA label 2060 Records, which included a small run of cassettes. The album features guitar from Nate Wagner of Leaaves and Lord Bendtner, and vocals from synthwave artist Navigateur as well as chillwave vocalist and producer Steffalloo, who has worked with the likes of xxyyxx, Chrome Sparks, Sun Glitters, and more.
