They turned heartbreak into a band. The story of ROYA

They turned heartbreak into a band. The story of ROYA

From On the Record with Poppy Reid by Curious Media

April 11, 2026 · 43 min · Season 1 · Episode 12

About this episode

Danish duo Roya discusses their journey of turning raw emotion into music and the creation of their hit song 'Cruise'.

Emotion. Connection. Creation. In this powerful conversation, Danish duo Roya open up about what it really takes to turn raw emotion into music that connects with millions. They also take us behind the scenes into just how their hit song “Cruise” was created. This is not just a story about songs. This is a story about feeling. From their first meeting that felt like “the missing part” of their lives, to the moment they realised they couldn’t give their music to anyone else, Roya share how vulnerability, instinct, and trust shaped their journey. They speak candidly about: • The moment Roya was born; and why there was “no turning back” • Turning heartbreak into music in real time • Why being an artist feels like “walking around the world with one layer less skin” • Creating songs that hurt… but also heal • Overthinking vs trusting the process • How letting go led to their biggest breakthrough • Building a deep creative and emotional connection This episode goes beyond music. It’s about emotion, identity, and creating from a place of truth. Watch till the end; because what they reveal about where their songs come from will change the way you listen to music. Poppy Reid is dressed by…

People in this episode

Host: Poppy Reid

Guest: Roya

Topics covered

  • emotion
  • music creation
  • heartbreak
  • artistry
  • vulnerability

Keywords

  • connection
  • identity
  • truth
  • creative process

Mentioned in this episode

Products: American Apparel

Books & works: Cruise

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