Sydney duo Royel Otis swept up Dallas in a wave of dreamy indie pop for their Meet Me in the Car tour.
On Friday, September 19, Royel Otis took the stage for their Meet Me in the Car tour. Members Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic have been steadily building their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the pandemic era.
Kicking off the night was London-based bby, a five-piece that has been steadily making waves since their 2023 debut. With members Benjy Gibson, Deon Graham, Tom Parkin, Jessy Jacquet-Cretides, and Tommaso Medica, the band produced a gritty yet melodic blend of indie rock, grunge, and alternative that instantly hooked the crowd. Their set included their breakout single “hotline,” which perfectly set the tone for the night with its infectious chorus.
A standout moment came during “Leftside,” when Gibson hopped off the stage and joined the crowd at the barricade, creating a connection that carried through the entire set. The crowd resonated with “Fuggit,” a track that channels the frustration of self-growth with lyrics that felt both raw and relatable. The energy was palpable in the audience, a shared understanding of the song’s honest and relatable message. By the time they closed, bby had cemented themselves as an essential part of the night’s energy.
Royel Otis built on that momentum with a set of dreamy melodies. Backed by a glowing LED screen and stage lighting that washed the space in shifting gradients—cool blues melting into soft pinks, warm ambers flashing into electric greens—their sound came alive in color.
The duo leaned into fan favorites like “Sofa King” and “I Wanna Dance With You,” each paired with playful and unique visuals. Pavlovic’s vocals carried the same honeyed quality that made their viral TikTok covers, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” and The Cranberries’ “Linger,” so magnetic, while Maddell’s guitar gave their originals a transient energy.
Highlights from the evening emerged with singles such as “moody,” “car,” and “say something” from their newest album, hickey. But it was the encore, “Oysters in My Pocket,” that closed the night on a euphoric high. Fans danced and shouted lyrics, a collective voice of the 2022 breakout hit and living proof of Royel Otis’ nostalgic world of sound.
I’m a photographer and Biology student at the University of Oklahoma. I enjoy capturing stories through my photography and cherish live music, whether in Oklahoma or Dallas. I love covering events where photography, writing, and culture intersect to showcase remarkable performances. When not shooting, you’ll find me studying or hanging out at a local coffee shop.
