Introduced to music at a young age by her parents, Riley grew up listening to everyone from Van Halen, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac to Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Billy Joel, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. Dad influenced her love for classic rock, while mom sang in church and cultivated Riley’s passion for gospel. Both sides ultimately informed her path as a songwriter.
After logging countless hours in sessions, her first single “Broken Prayers” took flight in 2017 and racked up 30 million-plus streams. In support of her 2018 self-titled debut album, she hit the road for the first time with Tauren Wells and grew into a powerhouse presence on stage.
In 2019, she teased out her next chapter with “Fighting For Me,” which amassed over 80 million global streams. Thus far, she’s gathered nearly 210 million total career streams and 50 million YouTube views to date.
Riley will be releasing her sophomore album, Godsend very soon which is supposed to be a 12 track long reflection on her experiences over the last few years touching on heartbreak, loneliness, and other challenges that come with growing up in a way that is easily relatable, no matter what stage of life you may be in.
At only 21-years-old, Riley has already cut her teeth in the industry, having worked in writers’ rooms throughout Nashville since the age of 14 and garnering over 210 million global streams and 50 million YouTube views along the way.
Her most recent single, “Keep On Hoping,” is also her most successful launch to date with nearly 5 million global streams and is currently climbing the Billboard Charts. Her new record Godsend really welcomes a new era for Riley. Out this Friday you can pre-save it HERE
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
Coming off of my previous record, I knew that I wanted to take some time to figure out thematically, sonically, and lyrically what I wanted to create for the next album. Over the course of the past two and a half years, I spent hours upon hours in the studio experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
My goal was simply to create honest and authentic music. Quite naturally the songs I was creating started to form a cohesive story that felt like an album. The genesis of this record started in a beautifully organic way, and we found a way to maintain that throughout the writing and production process.
How many hours a day do you spend making music?
I think my brain’s default is to filter life through the scope of lyrics and melodies. If I’m not actively in the studio writing or creating, I’m usually jotting down ideas and concepts in the notes section of my phone, or I’m recording voice memos throughout the day. I genuinely don’t know how not to! ha.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Typically, I try to experience life to the fullest in every way possible. Actively seeking to feel every emotion (good and bad) is huge in keeping myself inspired. I also love listening to other people’s stories and experiences. Creatively, listening to music is also a massive inspiration to me.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Olivia Rodrigo’s new record. I’m so excited about the music she’s making.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
My upcoming album “Godsend”, releasing on June 4th, all started with a title. The title “Godsend” has been living in my phone for years now. Sitting down to finally write the title in April of 2020 started to lay the foundation for the record we would complete over the course of the next year.
I’m so excited for listeners to finally have this collection of songs and stories. It’s personal, authentic, and raw – I think people will find their own stories intertwined within this record.
What’s the future looking like for you?
I’m thrilled to put out this record and start touring again. As I wrote this album, I continually visualized playing it live. I’m really looking forward to that this year.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
I tend to pull inspiration from all around me. From magazines, to social media, to books and television… I’m a very visual creator. Lately I’ve been super inspired by a more monochromatic aesthetic and clean lines.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I’m really proud of this record. Throughout lockdown, we fought to make this record happen. From building a studio in my basement to zoom sessions, I knew I was ready to put out a meaningful body of work. I’m really proud of my team, and I’m really proud of this collection of songs.
What is your advice for aspiring artists that want to achieve what you achieved?
Focus on working hard in the moment you’re in. Success is often found in the work you put in that no one ever hears or sees.
