1 of 2
2 of 2
We talk to Riley Clemmons on her new album, what it was like singing with Lauren Alaina and being on Spotify's Nashville billboard.
You are a born-and-raised Nashvillian. Have you always loved music and how did you get into the industry?
I fell in love with music as a little girl, watching my mom sing in the choir at church. Being born and raised in Nashville, I was constantly surrounded by people who worked in the music industry including artists, songwriters and agents. Because of that, being a songwriter never felt like an impossible dream. I met my manager when I was 13 and started learning to co-write in Nashville around that time.
Your album Godsend is being released on June 4. What was the motivation behind that album?
This album is truly a collection of stories and experiences. My only goal was to create something authentic. As I walked through heartbreak, doubts, questions, fears and success, I wrote it down through music. I wrote the title track “Godsend” at the beginning of 2020, and that song is what laid the foundation of the record we finished over the course of the year. I hope listeners will find themselves and their stories within the lyrics and melodies of these songs.
Is your music inspired by events in your life or things you have personally experienced?
Yes to both! I pull inspiration directly from what I’m experiencing in my life. I also pull a lot of inspiration from the people around me and what they’re going through.
Spotify is featuring you on their Nashville billboard during release week. What was it like receiving that news?
I drive by that billboard every day... it’s surreal. Genuinely, I was shocked and I most definitely cried. I’m so grateful to Spotify for such an incredible opportunity.
Your song “Over and Over” features Lauren Alaina. What was that like working with her?
As soon as my team started talking about bringing in an artist to feature on “Over and Over,” Lauren was my immediate first choice. She’s such a beautifully talented human and she brought so much emotion and new energy to the track. I would love to collaborate with her again in the future.
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your music career so far?
It’s absolutely going to sound cheesy, but the most fulfilling accomplishment is hearing stories of how people are connecting to my music. The songs I write start in such a vulnerable, private place, so watching people listen and relate is the highlight for me.
Where do you see yourself headed (both musically and personally) in the next few years?
After a year of writing and recording, I’m so ready and excited to be back out on the road playing the new music. Over the next few years, I look forward to continuing to release music that I love and traveling with the people that I love while I do it. Personally, I’m excited for the growth and experience that’ll inspire the lyrics and melodies to come.