Preview: Royel Otis and bby at The Anthem

On Sept. 14, 2025, Royel Otis will bring their “meet me in the car” tour to The Anthem in Washington, D.C. Royel Otis will be joined by bby, an up-and-coming indie group hailing from London. The Australian duo—Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic—have exploded in popularity over the past year. They’ve gone from promising newcomers in the industry to one of indie pop’s most talked about groups following the virality of their covers of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” and The Cranberries' “Linger.” Their 2024 debut album, Pratts & Pain, was met with critical acclaim, winning four ARIA awards. The group recently released their sophomore album, hickey, to both fan and critic praise. Sam Walker-Smart wrote for Clash, “hickey is a record that goes down like an ice-cold beer at golden hour—instantly refreshing and deeply satisfying.” 

Now, Royel Otis is taking hickey to the stage. Known for their unpolished, spontaneous energy, Royel Otis thrives on crowd connection, making each performance feel alive. With their momentum at a peak, this show offers DC audiences a chance to catch an act in the midst of its ascension—equal parts celebratory and intimate, and entirely unmissable.