Brother and Sister Act Offer a Positive Spin

Interviewed By Rick Moore on Sept 10, 2012:

Siblings Lee and Elaine Roy have been playing music since they were in grade school. But it's only been for the past few years that the bluegrass duo known as The Roys has been getting the attention they deserve for their family harmonies.

New England natives who grew up in far eastern Canada, The Roys came to Nashville six years ago to play in the music capital of America. Since then, their first album on the Rural Rhythm Records label, Lonesome Whistle, earned them a spot on Billboard's Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 chart, and their new CD, New Day Dawning, featuring Nashville's finest session players and co-writes with some big-name songwriters, has just been released.

The duo is also the reigning Inspirational Country Music Bluegrass Artist of the Year, and with their new album they stay true to their bluegrass roots while trying to infuse some positive vibes. "There's such negativity in the world that we want to inspire people, to put a little bit of hope out there if we can," said Elaine, who plays guitar and sings. The duo is an odds-on favorite for more recognition at the Inspirational Country Music Faith, Family & Country Awards Show on October 18.

The Roys have been touring non-stop, opening for some major artists as well as playing for crowds who are just there to see the talented brother-sister act. "This summer we've been slammed (with dates)," Elaine said. "We've been extremely busy and extremely fortunate that our music seems to really be on a roll right now." The Roys have travelled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, and even performed in Australia earlier this year. The Roys have also appeared on numerous television outlets, including Great American Country and RFD-TV.

As an opening act, The Roys have shared the stage with the likes of Lady Antebellum, John Rich, Luke Bryan and more, quite a feat for an act that plays a type of music that is country's cousin but isn't something that today's country industry has a lot in common with.

"We've been very fortunate to open for people like Jason Aldean and Eric Church," said Lee, who concentrates on mandolin and vocals, although he plays other instruments as well. "We actually did more of a mainstream country record, and it's very difficult to get airplay, to compete with the major labels and the major indies. So we went back to where our heart was, to just doing good music that we love that is more traditional. Somehow, in doing so, we've ended up getting to open for these major country artists, to have a Jason Aldean come up and say, 'Wow, we really miss this kind of music' and to really embrace what we do."

"Still Standing" is the first single from New Day Dawning, which features members of Ricky Skaggs' Kentucky Thunder, Dobro ace Randy Kohrs, Michael W. Smith drummer Steve Brewster and the Time Jumpers' accordionist Jeff Taylor. Recorded at Skaggs Place Studios, the album includes two songs co-written with one of Nashville's most successful songwriters, Steve Dean.

"We were fortunate to run into Steve at the ACMs (Academy of Country Music awards) a few years ago, and we hit it off and ended up writing together," Lee said. "We're big fans of Steve's and he's a great guy and we love writing with him." Dean has had major cuts by the likes of George Strait, Rodney Atkins and others. Another songwriting partner on the album is Jenee Fleenor, fiddle player and background vocalist with Blake Shelton.

So for now The Roys are living the dream, continuing to hit the road in support of the new album and taking their music to the masses who, so far, are welcoming it with open ears. "We've just been really fortunate to be able to do what we're doing, to be able to play music we love and have the success we're having," Lee said. "We're definitely blessed."