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The Royal Cartel have become one of the hottest groups in Southern England with their outstanding live shows.

“The best unsigned rock band in London at the moment.”
The Gaff London

With many of the band members having studied, gigged and worked at ACM, The Royal Cartel are an ACM band through and through. We caught up with bassist Lzi to find out a little bit more about what’s been happening in Royal Cartel world.

“Oh yeah, I dig it! Best of luck to The Royal Cartel.”
Billy Sheehan Mr. Big / Steve Vai / David Lee Roth

So how did you get onto the bill for Download 2012 (10th Anniversary)?
“We came first in the Marshall Amplification Ultimate Band Contest, a national battle of the bands where we beat 700+ other bands to reach the final. We ended up winning the live event (in Milton Keynes) picking up a years endorsement from Marshall and a slot at Download 2012.”

How does it feel to know you’re going to be playing at the same bill as Black Sabbath, The Prodigy and Metallica?
“It’s unreal! It’s such an honour to be playing alongside three of the biggest names in music! They are all pioneers in their own right. It still hasn’t really sunk in yet though, its our biggest achievement to date and we want to make sure that we make our mark on 2012!”

“The best rock band I’ve heard in years!”
Steve Burnwood CEO of MusicNow

With influences including Soundgarden, Filter, Foo Fighters, Pantera and a fair amount of 90s rock and metal, The Royal Cartel’s self titled debut release, is certain to make an impact on you. Recorded by Mike Hunter of Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, the release manages to bring out the raw energy from the group – something not usually seen in a group so young.

Off the back of their recent support of prog-rockers Marillion in Holland, The Royal Cartel have had the thumbs up from both RoadRunner and EMI. Safe to say the band has a promising future ahead.

Find out more about Royal Cartel or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.