How did you get your Artist name? 

My real name is unique so I just went with that!

How did you get into creating?

I've always loved music, and primarily got a guitar because I wanted to write songs. I wrote songs off and on all throughout high school and college, and once I graduated I was itching to dive into songwriting with all my new found free time.

Where are you from?

 I grew up in Southwest Missouri, but live in St. Louis now.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I watched a lot of YouTube videos to pick up guitar and songwriting tips. Whenever I would learn something new, I'd try to incorporate that into a song. Whether it was a chord shape or song structure trick or whatever it was. It wouldn't always result in a good song, but experimentation itself has made me a lot better I think.

What does your current setup look like?

I record in a friend's studio in his apartment. I'm not a production guru, so honestly I couldn't tell you much about the gear I've recorded on.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

 My biggest inspiration musically is definitely The Classic Crime. They're my favorite band. They inspire me because their lyrics always sound like a truly lived experience. They sound honest, and that level of transparency is something I strive for in my own music as well.

What is your goal when you create? 

My goal is to be honest and truly express myself. I write songs very autobiographically, and my hope is that someone out there can relate to how I'm feeling and my music helps them express themselves in a more deep and meaningful way.

Why do you create?

I create to be expressive and share my authentic human experience.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

My go-to song right now is definitely "I Don't Really Care" by Mat Kearney. I've been on a huge Mat Kearney kick lately, his new record is great. "I Don't Really Care" is about breaking free from the pressure of social media and comparison, which can be a real struggle as an up and coming artist trying to be heard. Also, that song just has some major swagger, the kick drum pattern is next level!

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

 I would love to be able to play a living room tour one day. I love the idea of an intimate acoustic show with a small crowd. Right now, I'm building up a fanbase, making connections, and growing my platform in order to make that happen someday.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Don't feel like you have to be able to do everything all at once. Actually, chances are you won't even know what you need to do until you start doing it. The main thing is starting. Once you start, you'll gradually pick up the skills over time that are necessary to be successful!

Tell us about your most recent release:

One More Night” is an anthem for those unforgettable nights. It is carpe diem embodied through dazzling synths, a crisp backbeat, and an ear wormy hook. All these elements make for an instantly accessible song destined to be half sung-half yelled amongst good company. “One More Night" feels like a reset for me. As an artist, it’s a leap into a brand new genre. On a personal level, this song is the embodiment of reconnecting with myself. It’s about living in the moment and being carefree, which is something I feel like I’m finally starting to get back to. It's a beautiful juxtaposition to my debut EP "Make a Way." On that EP there was a lot of doubt and confusion, and that bled through. "One More Night" stands directly opposed to that with it's optimistic and poppy energy. It's good representation of where I am now in life. I'm feeling happy, content, and wholly myself again. I think "One More Night" is really a celebration of that growth for me.

Listen to 'One More Night' https://open.spotify.com/track/3eLsD5Sphey0ycRlOdbr6j?si=19162dfa8b3848af

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyhirsheymusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HirsheyMusic

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/rileyhirsheymusic

Photography credit: Hannah Kate Photography
Instagram: @hkatephoto

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