What inspired you to begin a career in music?
My mom had a career in the industry and we had a studio in our house while I was growing up. Babysitters and family members would say that I’d sit outside the studio door as a child and just listen. I don’t have any specific memory of when I actually became inspired by music, I think it was just always there.
What differs you and your sound from other up and coming artists in the music industry?
I don’t really think of genres when I write music. I always do my best to follow my creative instinct and whatever comes up is what I go with. You have to trust yourself.
Your latest release ‘90s Baby’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and explain the meaning behind the track?
Sure! This song was written at the beginning of 2019. I wrote it with 3 amazing writers, Taylor Dahlia, Juliette Reilly and John Dyke. Originally, I was supposed to have a writing session with just one of them but each of us had separate dates set up with each other so we just combined the co-write. The song was written to a pop track but I had a different vision for it. I knew it’d sound more like me if it was slowed down and recorded with live instruments. One of my best friends CJ-O produced the track with me and really went above and beyond creating the energy it has now. Lyrically, the song is a love letter to my childhood. I packed so many fun references from the ‘90s hoping to provide a little nostalgic escape for people from the beautiful mess that is 2020.
Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as a musician, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
Bad days are inevitable but what really gets me through is my manager Bryan, my family and friends. Since my mother was in the business she always has great insight to pass down to me. I keep my circle very small and the people that are in it have my best interest at heart as I do theirs.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
Haha, this is a hard one. Honestly, it’s always the newest song that has been written. I just keep topping myself and improving after every song I write. I will never stop growing with songwriting and that’s what makes it so special.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?
I think it was in January of 2020 that I had my first “wow” moment. I had played my first show ever as Ria Marie in 2019 and in less than a year I was in New York playing for iHeartRadio.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Make sure you love the process! This is the hardest thing to enjoy and I continue to work on that. If you don’t enjoy the process and you’re only in it for the end goal then you will never be happy.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
Well I had so much planned in 2020 and obviously, none of that panned out but I’m glad it didn’t. This year ended up being a growing year in a way that I didn’t expect. You can’t plan anything you’ve just gotta be in flow and allow for the universe to take you to where you’re supposed to go. I like to reference a song I wrote called “Dancing Through the Fog.” It means that you have to keep projecting positivity and dance through what you can’t see in front of you.
Did you learn any new skills during lockdown?
Yes, I did! I’ve created so many great habits for my health during lockdown and I feel better than ever. I started writing sync songs with a producer that works in music supervision, continued to teach myself piano, studied songwriting and started getting back into acting. I’m actually in a film production that will air for a week in December. If you want to check it out, here is the link.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’ve been working really hard on a project so you will be hearing a lot more from me at the beginning of next year!
‘90s Baby’ is available now via all major platforms.
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