What inspired you to pursue music?
I’m not sure I can label it. Music has always been a part of my life since I can remember. I am always singing something or humming a tune. If I’m not singing, I am dancing throughout my house with random dance steps here and there. I am also learning to play guitar, ukulele and piano. Music is who I am; I couldn’t imagine life with out it. I wouldn’t be me without music.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I am fourteen years old. I live near Toronto, Canada with my parents, my two brothers and my dogs, Kevin and Phil. I have been singing, dancing and involved in music most of my life. I love it; it’s my passion. I was a competitive dancer for eight years, doing all kinds of dance (ballet, jazz, acro., etc.). I have also done musical theater: 8 shows for three companies. I have lived in Costa Rica and Ecuador each for six weeks with my family and I have lived in a small town in Brittany, France for nine weeks on a school exchange with a French family.
What artists do you look up to right now?
I like a lot of different genres of music. I look up to Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. They are strong, powerful and independent women. Taylor Swift has been my inspiration for as long as i can remember.They have strong values and stay true to them–I like that.
You are gearing up for the release of your debut single! Can you tell us what this song means to you?
This song is about struggling with things and learning that there are people in your life who really care about you. They are there to love and support you no matter what. The song is about overcoming these struggles and finding yourself on the other side.
What do you hope your supporters will think of your debut single?
These ideas and feelings behind this song mean a lot to me; it’s very personal. I hope people can relate to it and find meaning in their own lives. I hope they can see that we all have struggles, no matter who we are, or where we live, or what we believe, and that we are stronger than we think we are. We can get through it; we can soar high.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I am continuing to write and we will begin work on my next song soon.
Are you excited to start performing your own original music live for your supporters?
Yes, I want to share my stories. I hope that we can connect in that moment where we all can feel confident to be ourselves. I want to continue to grow as an artist and a person and I want to share that with them.
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
I want to show them who I am and who I can become. I may be young, but I have experienced a lot in my life. I also know there is so much more I want to see and do. I want them to see a girl who has a passion for music; a girl who has a dream; a girl who is trying to make her way in the world. I want them to see me and I want to see them. I hope they will be inspired to share their stories and to show their true selves. I want us to connect in a meaningful way.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
I use Instagram the most. It is my go-to. A picture can say so much…often more than words–kind of like a song with its music and emotion. I like to interact with people who leave comments; it means so much to me that someone would reach out like that.
Why do you think social media is so important for artists today?
I think it gives them a voice. It lets them connect directly with people on a personal level. There is a direct line between artist and supporter without the filters of other media. I started learning about what is possible in this business by connecting through social media. In fact, I was found by BluePurple Music through my own Instagram feed. I started by posting me singing in my living room and now look where I am. There is so much potential in social media.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I can’t wait to share “Soaring High” with you. It means so much to me; it’s a dream come true. But it is only the beginning; it is just the start of my journey. I hope we can share this adventure; let’s learn, love and grow…together. Riley.
