Inspired by life and his family, emerging artist Asaiah Riley is on the come-up. With his individuality and unique music, the artist is the one to watch for 2021. We sit down with him and get to know him a little bit more below.
What inspires your music?
I think my inspiration comes from my experiences. I know that, in my life, I’ve been through a lot and I’ve seen a lot. A lot of good times and a lot of bad. I feel as though music is my only escape from certain situations. As cheesy as it sounds – it’s very cathartic. I can try to write a million songs at random but I’ve found that every song I’ve written that “works” comes easiest when I’m just letting go of certain situations and feelings… I never have to try too hard for it. It just comes when it comes.
How did you get into music?
My love for music started because of my family. None of them are musicians themselves but music was something that was constantly playing in my household. My Dad liked to listen to everything from Metallica to Eminem to classic Aussie Rock Bands and my Mum was always playing things like Spice Girls and Australian singer/songwriters like Missy Higgins. I remember loving all of it. I got older and discovered things for myself and built upon the foundation that my parents had already laid out. Michael Jackson was the first big thing that really made me love it, though. I dressed like him and knew all the songs back to front and had all the Music Video DVD’s. I really studied him.
When I was in High School, I started playing in bands and doing gigs and practicing my song writing and stuff. It’s only just gotten to the point to where it is now. But yeah… blame my parents I guess!
What have you got coming up for you next?
2021 is panning out to be a big year for my career. I’ve got a lot of songs in the woodwork and have a big vision of what I want to achieve. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see!
Tell us about your recent release?
tha UGLY life. It was written in less than an hour and recorded almost as fast. It’s the perfect debut single for me, in my opinion. My goal was to let the audience know who I am! It’s a fun, upbeat indie-pop vibe but some of the lyrics are a lil bit deep and witty. It definitely has meaning to it. It’s cool!
What can we expect from you in the coming years?
Content. I feel like, right now, there’s so much happening behind the scenes and I’m anticipating so much. I have to focus on building my audience and getting my songs further than just 1K plays. I really wanna be in this for the long run.
How does it feel to release music during these times?
It’s definitely weird. I was putting it off for so long just because I felt like music was the least important thing that the world needed… at least from me! I knew I wanted my debut to be a “moment”. I wanted people to hear it. I knew that if I had released it mid-year as opposed to when I did a month ago, no one would’ve given a shit. We’re all going through so much. Maybe it’s gotten a lil better now and I feel like it’s appropriate to be a lil selfish again and get people to hear my stuff. I don’t know. It’s weird!
