2026 will be an important year for the Australian duo with performances at the most important festivals in the world.
Royel Otisone of the bands that quickly earned their place in our playlists With its fresh sound in the indie rock world, it has remained in the public's taste, with two studio materials, Pratts & Pain (2024) and Hickey (2025) have visited several cities around the world, in addition to making us dance with their covers of “Murder on the Dancefloor” of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and “Linger” of The Cranberries. We had the opportunity to talk with Otis Pavlovic about what has come with their latest studio material, their plans for 2026 and what they expect from their first tour of Mexico with a show at the West Pavilion of CDMX, and its participation in the Tecate Pa'l Norte in Monterrey, in addition to having a sideshow prior to the festival.
Indie Rocks!: First of all, thanks for the good time. Starting off, how do you feel about all the fan and press reception towards the album? Hickey by Royel Otis? How do you see the reviews on TikTok, the fan reception at the shows? What can you tell us about it?
Royel Otis: The reception and response at the shows has been incredible. I'm always surprised when we get to different cities around the world. The fans who have been with us from the beginning have been very supportive, which is amazing. Overall, the reception has been friendly and great.
GO!: Yes, yes. Okay. I also want to know if there are plans for a new edition of the album, like with the previous one.
RO: I don't know if we're allowed to say it, but… stay tuned.
GO!: Okay, perfect. Now, last year they had a lot of shows, not only individual shows, but visits to multiple festivals around the world. How does it feel to play in countries you didn't even know?
RO: It's always crazy. You usually don't have much time in those countries, like a day or two at most, but it's still great. You get a sense of what people are like just by playing in front of them. Every country has a different crowd: some prefer to stay back watching, others want to show you that they are there, waving their arms and getting excited. It's different, but great to see so many places on tour.
GO!: One of my favorite things about tour life is when they ask for mystery songs from fans at the shows. venues. Does that happen a lot?
RO: The note? Yes, the “Letter from Roy”. I forgot that one.
GO!: Okay. Also, do you have a pre-stage routine or anything for good luck at shows?
RO: It depends on the show, but we usually listen to music before to get into the mood. mood. Always change; Every day is different, especially if you play often. Some days you want to sit down before playing, other days you need to get pumped up. We play games too.
GO!: Good, good. Okay. Now, how do you balance taking care of your physical and mental health during life on tour?
RO: Yes, definitely. We have someone who comes sometimes, a guy named Martywho is a yoga teacher. We don't do much yoga with him, but he teaches us stretches and breathing techniques. He's more of a mentor and friend: we go for walks, we exercise. We have to find balance, and we incorporate it more and more into the tour.
GO!: Okay. And now, in March they finally come on tour to Mexico: an individual show in CDMX, another in Monterrey, and they will also be at the festival Tecate Pa'l Norte in Monterrey. How do you feel to be part of this? Fans have traveled the world saying “you have to go to Mexico!”
RO: Yes, I feel that there has been support from Mexico from early on. I can't wait; I have never been, but from what I have been told, I will eat tacos, quesadillas, enjoy the shows and the people. I'm sure it will be great, although I don't know what to expect.
GO!: a small spoiler: Get ready for the weather in Monterrey, it is not as warm as CDMX, but it is okay for this time of year. You will enjoy the trip to Monterrey.
RO: Oh really? Brilliant.
GO!: Okay. In addition to the tour through Mexico, they will play in Coachella and in South America: Picnic Stereo Festival in Colombia and Lollapalooza. How do you feel visiting these countries for the first time?
RO: Excited. I've never been to South America, so everything will be new: new places, new experiences. I've heard the crowds in South America and Mexico are incredible. Coachella It's the first time for me; looks like the Glastonbury from America, so if it's similar, I can't wait.
GO!: Okay. Also, last year I heard a lot of Royel Otis songs in TV shows and movies. Have you noticed it? Is it a surprise, like a friend telling you “I heard your song on TV”?
RO: They tell us if it's going to appear on a TV show, but we don't see everything. Sometimes a friend says “he was in this or that,” and it's funny. It's great.
GO!: Anywhere random Where have they heard one of your songs, like on the subway or in a store?
RO: Yes, a lot lately. The last time was at Zara, I heard one. It's funny to hear songs that aren't singles in places like that. We were in the women's clothing section and it sounded “Clawfoot”, We don't even play live anymore. And in a small town in Australia, in a bakery, it was playing “Common Home.” Very funny.
GO!: Okay, I have two more questions. The first: can we expect new music this year, or first the tour and then?
RO: There will be music this year. I don't know how much or to what extent, but I'm sure some songs will come out.
GO!: Okay, I can wait. And the last one: any message for your Mexican fans?
RO: I can't wait to meet you, hang out, see you at shows, and eat tacos with you this year. Have fun!
