ROIL Announces Debut Album ‘Living Outside the Closet’

Danielle Holian
2 hours ago
2 min read

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Belgium-based queer indie-pop artist shares an honest, emotional, and witty journey through identity, masculinity, heartbreak, and healing.

Belgium-based singer-songwriter ROIL announces the release of his upcoming album Living Outside the Closet. Blending indie pop, alternative textures, and deeply personal storytelling, the album captures the realities of growing up queer, learning authenticity, and finding connection after pain.

ROIL is the musical project of Ryo Sakai, a half-Thai, half-Japanese artist born in 1991 whose songwriting reflects experiences of coming out, navigating relationships, and redefining masculinity and self-worth. Across the album, ROIL balances vulnerability with humour, pairing intimate lyrics with atmospheric pop production inspired by artists such as Conan Gray, Troye Sivan, Phoebe Bridgers, Chappell Roan, and Rex Orange County.

“Living Outside the Closet is about surviving emotionally and finally allowing yourself to exist honestly,” says ROIL. “It’s about loneliness, identity, love, shame, confidence, and realising that being authentic can be painful but also freeing.”

Raised in Asia during the 2000s, ROIL grew up facing the challenges many queer teens experienced at the time — struggling with acceptance from peers, family expectations, relationships, and the process of finding independence. His musical background began early through cello and keyboards, with influences ranging from classical music and jazz to Thai rock and J-pop. Over time, his sound evolved toward British alternative and emotionally driven pop, drawing inspiration from artists and bands such as Supertramp, The Smiths, Snow Patrol, Alanis Morissette, and The Cranberries.

The album’s tracks move between melancholic confession and sharp self-awareness. Songs like “manhood” explore his complicated relationship with masculinity with both sincerity and humor, while “I don’t mind” reflects the resilience that develops after enduring judgment and emotional setbacks. Elsewhere, tracks like “Straight Guy”, “Outside the Closet”, and “Shittier Than Goodbye” tackle longing, identity, and heartbreak with raw honesty.

With a sound rooted in indie pop and alternative music, ROIL places strong emphasis on lyricism and expressive vocals, using music as both personal healing and a way to connect with listeners who may see their own stories reflected in his songs.

“With Living Outside the Closet, ROIL delivers a deeply personal yet universally relatable debut; fearless, emotional, and unapologetically honest. His ability to blend vulnerability, humour, and alternative pop sensibilities makes this record feel both intimate and timely,” shares music publicist Danielle Holian, Decent Music PR.

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