Today, we’re introducing you to our Artist of the Week, Riley Biederer! The singer recently finished a tour with Nick Carter, her run on NBC’s The Voice and releasing her debut EP “To Me And You.” Read more below to learn about Riley!
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1. Introduce yourself!
What’s up, my name is Riley!
2. Describe your sound to our readers who may not have heard of your music before.
I would describe my stuff as kind of a cross between pop and soul. A little like Jessie J or Tori Kelly!
3. What are your biggest musical influences?
My grandma sang and I would have to say she’s a big influence on me. And then for those who already know me, there’s the obvious answers like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, etc. All the ladies who sing pop but have a little bit of a soulful edge. And Taylor for her insane songwriting abilities. There’s a band called Parachute and they aren’t really in the same genre, but I’m so inspired by almost everything they’ve ever put out. The writing is unbelievable.
4. Describe your songwriting process.
I’m big on melodies. I usually go there first, whether it’s with instruments or tracks or whatever. Melodies pop up in my head and that’s usually the first thing I lay down. Just random gibberish words that come to me and from there we try and weed out the ones we like and write lyrics to those. Then we just lay it all down!
5. If you could plan your dream tour, who would be on it and why?
That’s a tough one. Obviously I think it would be a dream to tour with Rihanna. She’s probably one of my biggest influences as an artist and someone I really look up to. Also, I think Tori Kelly is one of the most talented people in the game right now and I feel like she would be a blast to be on the road with. Then again, I gotta bring in Parachute. Those dudes put on SUCH a good show. I just saw them in Atlanta about a week ago and they blew my mind, so talented. I think I would tie it all together and bring out Taylor Swift as well, sort of bridging the gap between the heavy pop of Rihanna and the more rock side of Parachute. THAT would be a badass tour.
6. Along with that, what’s your dream venue?
Gosh, well…I just got off tour and we played at some super awesome places. Obviously, stadium shows is the goal and since I’ve been going to shows at Phillips Arena all my life here in Atlanta, I think it would be so sick to sell out Phillips Arena. Just because I’ve seen so many of my favorite people there, it would be sort of an honor.
7. What’s something you have to do before every show you play?
I’m not huge on rituals or superstitions but I definitely had a routine on tour. I would say I get dressed, do all my makeup, warm up my vocals, and then me and my band get in a big circle and do the whole “hands in the middle 1,2,3 ______” cheer. We usually chose something different to scream every night based on where we were or inside jokes we had come up with along the way. It was kind of just our thing.
8. You recently were on a tour with Nick Carter, what’s one thing people may not know about touring?
One thing that people may not know about touring is that it really is NOT as luxurious as you think it is. And it’s way way way more tiring than it looks from the outside. I never lose my voice, it’s really rare that I get hoarse or tired but the second half of the tour I really struggled vocally from all the back to back performances. Also, behind the scenes it’s one giant party. We are never doing anything serious haha. So much goofing off and craziness happens backstage. I remember we played in New Jersey and after the show, my band and Nick’s band, we all went to play Laser Tag and arcade games. I felt like we were all like 10 years old haha.
9. You’re about to release your EP, what was the songwriting and recording process like?
It was a long process. Me and the two dudes I wrote/recorded the record with actually spent like a total of three years writing together. When it came time to chose the songs and the producer it just sort of felt obvious to go with Nate and Scott. We had so many good songs together and the EP needed to come together quickly and it all sort of worked out perfectly. I think for me, the songs on the EP sort of grow with me as I grew up. I think when people hear that, they’’ll sort of get a sense of where I was and where I’m going.
10. Where do you get your inspirations for your music?
The most human experiences mostly. Falling in love, getting your heartbroken. Experiencing something that you just want people to know about. Sometimes when people go through something, they like to confront it head on or vent or express it in whatever way makes them feel better. I think I write songs. When I go through something exciting or sad it just feels right to put it down in music.
Rapid Fire Questions:
1. Justin Bieber or One Direction?
If I have to choose, Bieber all the way.
2. Coffee or tea?
Neither!
3. More peanut butter or more jelly?
More peanut butter for sure. LESS jelly.
4. Lakes or Oceans?
Oooo, this is a tough one. I think since I grew up around lakes, I have to say oceans! MUCH more of a treat.
5. Beach or Mountains?
My dad is gonna kill me for saying this because he’s a diehard mountains guy, but beach all the way. Sorry Dad!
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