On Tuesday afternoon, a small surprise appeared on the Intents Festival timetable: streamer and influencer Royalistiq was announced as an act on the Boombox stage. On Friday, May 31, he’ll perform there from 18:00 to 18:30. The hype surrounding Royalistiq has now earned him a spot on an official festival stage.
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A familiar face in the scene
Royalistiq has long been known as a fan of the harder styles. He previously made an unannounced appearance on the Intents mainstage during a set by Sound Rush, and more recently appeared at Kingsdance with an original track in collaboration with Bössels and Roosterz. In that track – featuring vocals from Roy himself – he raps: (Translation) “Boosterz on the track, madness, I knew it. Who the fck is ready for a record with Royalistiq?” His love for the hardstyle classic Year of Summer has also become legendary among his followers.
“I want to play the tracks I’ve worn out myself”
For Roy, the booking came as a surprise: “After previewing my new track with Bössels and Roosterz, I got into a conversation with the Intents team. We quickly agreed: this track had to play a role. And of course, I didn’t hesitate for a second.” The hype around that track clearly played a part in the decision.
Although he has no prior DJ experience, Roy is taking the challenge seriously: “Intents was kind enough to deliver a DJ setup to my home so I could practice properly. Ever since that call, I’ve been training every day.” He now practices daily with a friend and is being mentored by artists like Vertile and Roosterz. For Roy, it’s not just about the moment, but about putting on a set that feels authentic to him: “I want to play the tracks I’ve completely worn out myself. Think raw hardstyle and uptempo. Just pure energy.”
Mixed reactions
Royalistiq’s addition to the lineup has sparked discussion within the hardstyle community. Producer Neroz voiced criticism on Instagram Stories, pointing out that many young producers spend 40+ hours on a single track, hoping for a shot at a major festival like Intents. For some, giving that stage time to someone from outside the music scene feels like a slap in the face.
Intents: “We’re expecting a packed area during his set”
We also asked Intents for a response to the buzz around the booking. The festival explains: “The Boombox is where we make space for innovation and surprises. When the track by Royalistiq, Bössels and Roosterz went viral, we knew we had to get him on board. We love pushing boundaries and giving creators from outside the traditional music scene a chance. We’re expecting a full area during his set — and for those not into it, there are plenty of other options on Friday.”
Roy understands that it’s a sensitive topic, but stays true to himself: “When you get offered something this wild, of course you grab it with both hands. It might not be a technically perfect set, but it will be full of real energy and passion for the music I’ve loved for years.”
On TikTok, the reactions are largely positive. Many fans say they’ll definitely be at his set, with some claiming “the Boombox won’t be big enough for this showcase.” Whether this debut marks the start of something
What’s next?
When asked if this could be the beginning of a music career, Roy stays humble: “Who knows. First, I’m going all in for the Boombox stage at Intents, and then we’ll see what comes next.”
