Regal Standard

Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/vocalist/producer Laurence Schroeder, musically known as Regal Standard, is part-sponge and part-mirror. He is in a constant state of absorbing information, ideas and new instruments for creation, and his output is a sonic reflection of his headspace. 

Over the last two decades Laurence has produced and performed in numerous bands as well as his own solo projects. His current songs range from the crunching guitar riffs and heavy-duty drum assault of “Understanding,” to the heart-wrenching and deeply intimate power ballad “Harder and Harder,” and the swinging energy-surge of “Constant Cradle.” Laurence’s songs draw from his rock background and are rooted in organic sounds. At the same time, they embrace all the capabilities of modern technology and are both social commentaries and personal outpourings.

Says Laurence, “I have never felt this free to explore topics outside of the realm of traditional love songs and into something more meaningful and representative of what I currently feel about the state of the world. I’m trying to make sense of it like everyone else, taking responsibility for myself, trying to put some thoughtful observations out into the universe, and having as much fun as I can along the way.” 

His music has drawn shades of comparisons to wide-ranging artists from Scritti Politti and Squeeze to Supertramp, The Cars, Mars Volta, Silversun Pickups and Rage Against the Machine. Of “Understanding,” respected rock critic Katherine Turman (Spin, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard)  says, “It had me from the first second--which is amazing and rare. Amazing energy, production, dynamics. Really incredibly catchy. Timeless, with a touch of Duran Duran and super approachable while still being cool.”

This is a huge maturation from Laurence’s early forays into the music industry at the age of 22 when his Chicago-based power-pop band, ExtraVery was signed to Warner Brothers Records. As the principal musician and co-songwriter, he did extensive recording with marquee producers Steven Hague, John Fields, Greg Archilla and Doug McBride. He has had sessions in major studios across the globe including Mayfair in London, England, Bearsville in Woodstock, New York, House of Blues in Memphis, Tennessee, and Rax Trax and Gravity in Chicago, Illinois. 

Laurence picked up his first instrument, the clarinet, at the age of 10 as part of his school band. His dedication continued through to high school where he expanded to percussion. Wholly self-taught, he graduated to Michigan State University’s nationally renowned Marching Band and Competition Drumline. This self-teaching of instruments carried over to guitar, bass and piano, all of which he plays at the same expert level as drums. 

Laurence lives in Los Angeles, where almost every room in his home is a performance or recording space.