Walker & Royce: Biography, Discography and More | EDM Encyclopedia

5:49 am

Introduction

Walker & Royce are an American electronic music production duo whose career spans from 2013 to the present. Based in the United States, they have carved out a distinct space within the deep house landscape through a steady output of albums and EPs. Their first release arrived in 2013, and they continue to produce new music into 2024, demonstrating over a decade of studio activity.

A significant portion of their catalog is tied to Dirtybird Records, an independent electronic music label based in San Francisco, California. Claude VonStroke founded the imprint in January 2005, building it around a style he describes as “tech funk.” The label focuses on party music designed for dance floors, catering to crowds seeking a laid-back vibe rather than aggressive peak-time anthemics. Dirtybird achieved recognition by winning Underground Label of the Year at the International Dance Music Awards during the Winter Music Conference in both 2013 and 2014. Walker & Royce fit seamlessly into this label ethos, delivering tracks that merge quirky sound design with steady, rhythmic grooves tailored for club environments.

Over their active years, the duo has balanced full-length album projects with shorter EP releases. This approach has allowed them to explore broader thematic concepts across albums while reacting quickly to trends and dance floor demands through individual EP drops. Their trajectory shows a methodical build: establishing their sound early, refining it through mid-career EPs, and maturing into a modern deep house act with a firm grasp on both production finesse and dance floor utility.

Genre and Style

Operating primarily within deep house, Walker & Royce approach the genre with an emphasis on rhythmic interplay and bassline-driven arrangements. Rather than relying on soaring vocals or big-room synth leads, their productions center around subtle melodic fragments, crisp drum programming, and vocal samples chopped and pitched to function as rhythmic instruments. This technique gives their tracks a hypnotic quality, pulling listeners in through repetition and syncopation.

The deep house Sound

Their relationship with Dirtybird Records heavily informs their sonic identity. The label’s “tech funk” aesthetic prioritizes groove and swing, qualities Walker & Royce embed into their kick drums, bass patches, and percussive loops. They balance low-end weight with high-frequency detail, ensuring their mixes translate effectively on large club sound systems. The duo avoids relying on big breakdowns or predictable builds, instead maintaining a steady tension and release cycle designed to keep crowds moving without disrupting the flow of a DJ set.

Vocally, the duo treats voices as textural elements. Whether using short spoken phrases or pitch-shifted stabs, they integrate vocal samples directly into the groove. This approach strips away traditional song structures, leaning into a format better suited for extended mixing and layering. Their style connects the deeper, more introspective ends of house music with a functional, party-ready energy, creating tracks that serve equally as standalone listens and DJ tools.

Key Releases

The duo’s album catalog consists of three full-length projects. Their debut, I Surrender, arrived in 2013, introducing their sound to the electronic music landscape. Four years later, Self Help was released in 2017, representing a significant step in their artistic development. Their most recent album, No Big Deal, dropped in 2024, marking their latest statement over a decade into their career.

  • I Surrender
  • Self Help
  • No Big Deal
  • Sausages / Like That
  • Close Your Eyes EP

Discography Highlights

Between these albums, Walker & Royce released five EPs that further defined their studio output. In 2016, Sausages / Like That showcased their ability to craft individual tracks built for DJ sets. Two years later, the Close Your Eyes EP arrived in 2018. The year 2019 proved particularly productive, yielding two separate releases: Bodies Do The Talking and Rave Grave. Most recently, Just What The World Needs was released in 2023.

This discography outlines a clear timeline. Starting with their first release in 2013, the duo maintained a consistent presence through 2024. Their output balances the deeper exploration afforded by full-length albums with the immediacy of EPs, ensuring a regular flow of material. Each release fits within their established deep house framework while allowing big room house for variation in tempo, vocal sampling, and rhythmic complexity across an eleven-year span.

Famous Tracks

I Surrender: Released in 2013, I Surrender is Walker & Royce’s debut album on Dirtybird Records. The record features tracks like “I’m Ready,” which showcases the duo’s signature deep house sound and their ability to blend elements of funk and soul into their music.

Self Help: In 2017, Walker & Royce released Self Help, an album that continued to build on the success of their debut. Tracks like “I Can’t Be Me” demonstrate the duo’s growth in both songwriting and production, with a mix of deep house grooves and catchy hooks.

No Big Deal: Scheduled for release in 2024, No Big Deal is Walker & Royce’s upcoming album. This project promises to further solidify their position as one of the leading voices in deep house music. With themes ranging from personal growth to societal issues, this album is expected to be a comprehensive exploration of contemporary life through the lens of their signature sound.

Live Performances

Sonoma County Fair: 2015: Walker & Royce made waves at the Sonoma County Fair in California. Their set was praised for its energy and ability to transport audiences into a deep house paradise, with standout tracks like “I’m Ready” and “Self Help” resonating throughout the venue.

Notable Shows

Dirtybird Record Label Party: 2016: The duo’s performance at Dirtybird’s record label party in San Francisco was another highlight. Their live set showcased their ability to create a dynamic atmosphere, with EDM fans dancing and singing along to hits like “I’m Ready” and “Self Help.”

Winter Music Conference: 2017: At the Winter Music Conference, Walker & Royce performed at the established Ultra Music Festival. Their performance was noted for its seamless integration of deep house beats with soulful vocals, leaving a lasting impression on attendees who witnessed their live show.

Why They Matter

Deep House Innovators: Walker & Royce have significantly contributed to the evolution and popularity of deep house music. Their ability to blend funk and soul elements into their tracks has made them a go-to artists for those seeking something more than typical dance floor fare.

Impact on deep house

Dance Floor Favorites: Tracks like “I’m Ready” and “Self Help” have become staples at clubs and festivals, with Walker & Royce’s live performances consistently drawing crowds. Their ability to create an immersive experience on stage has cemented their status as one of the most beloved artists in the deep house genre.

Artistic Growth: From their debut album I Surrender to their latest project No Big Deal, Walker & Royce have shown a remarkable growth and evolution. Their ability to tackle complex themes while maintaining their signature EDM sound has earned them respect from both critics and fans alike.

Digital Impact: Through their work with Dirtybird Records, Walker & Royce have not only expanded the reach of deep house music for djs but also influenced other artists in the genre. Their collaborations and performances continue to inspire new generations of producers and DJs.

Community Builders: By consistently engaging with fans through live shows and social media, Walker & Royce has built a strong community around their EDM music. This connection is evident in their ability to create memorable experiences that resonate with listeners on both an emotional and musical level.

Explore more HOUSE HITS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST.

Discover more 2025 EDM playlist and EDM festivals coverage on the 4D4M blog.