There is something unmistakable about a band that truly functions as a unit. You hear it in the spaces between the notes, in the push and pull of tempo, in the way one instrument leans forward while another instinctively holds back. Downtown Royalty have built their identity on that chemistry, and with “Homemade Bad”, they deliver a record that feels lived in, road tested, and unapologetically real.
Hailing from Wichita Falls, Texas, Downtown Royalty is comprised of Michael Kately on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Forehand on guitar and vocals, Files Little on bass, and Josiah Botts on drums. The group has existed in various forms since 2014, but the arrival of Botts a few years ago sharpened their collective edge. Since then, the band has not only expanded its catalog but elevated its live presence, tightening the bolts on a sound that merges rock, blues, funk, and soul without ever feeling calculated.
What separates Downtown Royalty from many contemporaries is their refusal to chase trends. Their songs are written in rooms, not on spreadsheets. Their performances are driven by feel, not backing tracks. The result is a catalog that feels cohesive because it is born from four musicians writing and playing together, each voice contributing to the whole. On “Homemade Bad”, that band first mentality translates into nine tracks that breathe, surge, and simmer with equal conviction.
The album opens with “The Sauce”, and from the first measure it is clear that subtlety is not the point. Built on a mid tempo blues rock foundation, the track struts forward with confidence. The rhythm section lays down a thick, muscular groove while blues infused guitars weave rhythm and lead lines that feel less like decoration and more like conversation. Kately’s vocals carry a knowing edge, hinting at subtext rather than spelling it out. The ambiguity in the lyrics invites interpretation, creating a layered listening experience that deepens with each spin. When the lead guitar finally crests, it does so with expressive flair, nodding to Hendrix inspired rawness while maintaining a modern alternative bite.
“Wild Child” shifts gears into open highway territory. There is a Southern groove embedded in its bones, a sense of movement that conjures dusty nights and neon lights without drifting into nostalgia. The structure is tight, almost deceptively so, allowing the song’s rebellious energy to feel focused rather than chaotic. Lyrically, the portrait of a free spirit is drawn with nuance. Freedom here is both liberation and liability. Forehand’s textured guitar layers complement Kately’s more aggressive phrasing, while Little and Botts lock into a groove that feels effortless but precise. It is rock and roll served straight up, but crafted with intention.
Then comes “Warning”, arguably one of the album’s defining moments. It begins with restraint, almost hushed, as if gathering its thoughts. The vocals are soulful and grounded, carrying emotional weight without theatrical excess. Clean and slightly distorted guitars coexist in the verses, leaving space for the bass to pulse beneath and the drums to build tension. When the track accelerates, the shift feels earned rather than forced. The riffs are immediately memorable, yet the real power lies in the dramatic arc. Lyrically, it feels like standing at a precipice, aware that the next decision could alter everything. Musically, the band mirrors that tipping point, escalating into a chorus that lands with impact and clarity.
The contemplative “Even Though (Secrets)” reveals another side of Downtown Royalty. Organ tones color the arrangement, adding warmth and subtle depth. The bass line moves with complexity and intention, while a slightly funky guitar injects motion into what could otherwise be a straightforward ballad. When the chorus swells, it does so like a contained storm, powerful but controlled. The song’s meditation on hidden truths and unspoken burdens resonates universally. Rather than judging, the lyrics extend empathy, acknowledging that everyone carries something beneath the surface. The interplay between quiet verses and expansive choruses underscores the emotional tension at its core.
With “You Nasty”, the band leans into attitude. The groove is bass driven and assertive, recalling classic arena rock swagger while maintaining a contemporary edge. The verses simmer with a thoughtful restraint before the chorus crashes in, heavy and undeniably catchy. Thematically, the track sketches a character study of disrespect and arrogance. Yet instead of preaching, the band observes, allowing the music’s oscillation between intensity and subtle irony to carry the message. It is a testament to their compositional skill that such a punchy track never feels one-dimensional.
The album’s emotional center arrives with “Mark’s Song”, a stripped back acoustic ballad that places vulnerability front and center. Without the armor of distortion, the songwriting stands exposed. The vocals feel intimate, almost conversational, as themes of change, longing, and uncertainty unfold. The absence of bombast does not weaken the record’s momentum. Instead, it offers a necessary breath, a moment of reflection within the album’s broader arc. The arrangement remains disciplined, allowing the emotional resonance to emerge naturally rather than being forced.
“Midnight Beauty Queen” balances contemplation with subtle propulsion. The verses flirt with indie pop melodicism layered over a funk rock undercurrent, while the chorus pushes forward with controlled intensity. The lyrical portrait of a complex figure who shines in darkness yet wrestles with unseen struggles during the day is rendered with sensitivity. Vocally, Kately navigates the space between tenderness and strength, never tipping into melodrama. The song’s dynamics mirror its subject, alternating between shadow and illumination.
The understated “Love It Ain’t Simple” slows the tempo and opens space. Delicate instrumentation and a restrained arrangement allow the themes of belonging and complicated intimacy to unfold organically. There is a maturity here that speaks to lived experience. Rather than dramatizing love’s challenges, the song acknowledges them quietly, almost reverently. The power lies in what is not said as much as what is. It is a reminder that simplicity in arrangement can amplify emotional complexity.
Closing the record, “Fighting Words” provides a thoughtful yet powerful finale. The composition builds in deliberate arcs, each section adding weight without overwhelming the listener. The guitar solo showcases technical ability but never descends into self-indulgence. Instead, it serves the song’s narrative about the potency of language and the fractures words can create. As an epilogue to “Homemade Bad”, it encapsulates the band’s strengths: dynamic control, emotional depth, and a commitment to structure over spectacle.
Across the album, the mixing and mastering deserve recognition. The production is clean yet organic, giving each instrument room to breathe. Little’s bass lines are present and purposeful. Botts’ drumming drives with precision and energy, anchoring even the loosest grooves. Forehand’s textured guitar work adds depth alongside Kately’s more fiery leads. Together, they create a sonic landscape that feels cohesive without sacrificing individuality.
The influence of artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, and The Black Crowes can be traced in the expressive guitar phrasing, modern rock dynamics, melodic sensibility, and loose, lived in arrangements. Yet Downtown Royalty never sound derivative. Instead, they filter those touchstones through their own experiences, crafting songs that reflect Texas grit and universal emotion in equal measure.
With “Homemade Bad”, Downtown Royalty are not merely releasing another collection of tracks. They are staking a claim. This is a band that values chemistry over convenience, authenticity over algorithm. Their momentum across the Texas music scene continues to build, fueled by relentless touring, constant writing, and an ever-expanding digital presence. Continuing on this trajectory, the band’s hidden gem status may not last much longer.
For listeners craving handcrafted rock that prioritizes feel, dynamics, and musicianship, “Homemade Bad” stands as both invitation and declaration. Downtown Royalty are not chasing the spotlight. They are earning it, one song, one stage, one room at a time.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Website: www.downtownroyalty.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bse1PrzXv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtown_royalty_band
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@downtown.royalty
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pOjsNcwfEmuZqUlUeXJDZ?si=ceFFuOsFSwOA8PfL974oRA
For all booking inquiries contact management@downtownroyalty.com