(Gulf Shores)

Today's Hobnobgulfshores.com Hangout Music Festival Profile is Khris Royal and Dark Matter.

From traditional jazz to electronic funk, Khris Royal is a dynamic saxophonist and multi-talented young artist whose instrumental dexterity and prowess as a band leader commands attention every time he takes the stage. Royal is putting ambition and experience to work, searing his mark on the New Orleans music scene and beyond. The New Orleans native began playing the saxophone at seven years old, and producing and writing music at fourteen.  To date, Royal has played with everyone from Bobby Brown, to Soulive, to Alvin Batiste, to The Sam Kininger Band. The impressive young artist has recorded with Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Nelly and The Game, Erykah Badu, Goapele, D.J. Quick, and is also featured with the Regiment on Season 2 of The Boondocks. Royal has made a name for himself within the New Orleans music scene, playing regularly with renowned local musicians including Dr. John, Zigaboo Modeliste, Big Sam's Funky Nation, and Troy Andrews, among others. In addition to leading his own band, Khris Royal & Dark Matter, Royal is the only horn player currently on tour with the legendary George Porter Jr. and his Runnin' Pardners.

Khris Royal was born to be a musician. This exceptional New Orleans native began playing the saxophone at seven years old, and producing and writing music at fourteen. Royal‘s musical talents were nurtured at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) High School, in classrooms once shared by jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Terrence Blanchard, and Donald Harrison. At the young age of sixteen, Royal was granted a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. To date, Royal has played with Bobby Brown, Erykah Badu, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis, Christian Scott, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, Tony Clifton, The Sam Kininger Band, and Johnta Austin. The impressive young artist has recorded with Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Nelly and The Game, Erykah Badu, Goapele, D.J. Quick, Ciff Hines, and is also featured with the Regiment on Season 2 of The Boondocks. Royal has also made a name for himself within the New Orleans music scene, playing regularly with renowned local musicians including George Porter Jr, Zigaboo Modeliste, Fred Wesley, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Troy Andrews, Corey Henry, Soul Rebels, Glen David Andrews, Russell Batiste, Groovesect, The Wild Magnolias, Maurice Brown, Herlin Riley , Kirk Joseph, Terence Higgins, and Good Enough for Good Times among others. Khris Royal is a multi-talented artist who has the experience and ambition necessary to sear his mark on the New Orleans music scene. Along with his band, Royal is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impression both locally on the New Orleans music scene and nationally.

Khris Royal & Dark Matter are a young alternative funk band on the forefront of the New Orleans music scene. KRDM are poised to make an impact in a way similar to the other notable funksters from New Orleans. The band is fearlessly led by dynamic saxophonist Khris Royal, who has shared the stage with Erykah Badu, Lettuce, George Porter Jr, “Big Sam” Williams, and many more. To create their signature sound, Khris Royal employs the electric sounds of Groovesect's Danny Abel on Guitar, DJ Raymond on Bass, the stylistic harmonies of Kyle Roussell on keys and the energetic drumming of fellow Runnin' Pardner, Terrence Houston. This innovative group of New Orleans natives brings fresh flavor to the sometimes predictable funk music scene. Khris Royal & Dark Matter’s Space- Funk Jazz-fusion is outta sight and sure to keep you guessing and begging for more.

Catch Khris Royal & Dark Matter every Weds in March @ the Maple Leaf Bar!