Rising country pop artist, Riley Clemmons has always found sanctuary in music. First in the gospel music at church and now in her own songwriting.
Her new single “Healing” is a cathartic release. Through echoing piano, a driving beat, and heartfelt lyrics, Clemmons creates a sense of unity and inspiration.
Clemmons opened up to ECHO about the single, influences, and what to look forward to next.
How did you first become interested in music?
Born and raised in Nashville, I’ve always been around music. Growing up in church, I fell in love with gospel music at a young age… the passion, the vocals. That was the initial draw. From there, I started exploring and finding new sounds & genres, and wanted to find a unique way to pull from a variety of inspiration in my own music.
Who did you listen to growing up and do they have an influence on your music today?
Absolutely. Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Amy Winehouse… the list goes on. It’s eclectic, which gives way to a lot of sonic influence.
What was the inspiration for your new single “Healing”?
Two years ago, I walked into a studio in LA with the title “Healing.” At the time I was watching someone I love deeply walking through a lot of pain. I wanted to write a song of what I wished and hoped for her. Two years later, the song has taken on a new meaning. It felt like the right time to put this out into the world.
What was the writing process like?
It all started with the title. From there, my co-writers and I started finding the mood of the song, building the melodies and lyrics around that. Two years later, we finished the song through video sessions during the pandemic.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to “Healing” what do you imagine it looking like?
Outside. Alone. Eyes closed. Deep breath.
How do you hope people feel after listening to your music?
I hope they know that they’re not alone. I hope they feel a new sense of hope and understanding.
You’ve collaborated with some amazing artists including Lauren Alaina. Who would you love to collaborate with next?
Most definitely Stevie Wonder. (I saw that in every interview, and mean it every time.)
What can fans look forward to next?
New music. I’ve been in the studio, writing & singing nonstop. I’m excited for the next chapter.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein
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Amelia Cordischi, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Juice Box Press, is an accomplished digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in media and communications. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including The Boston Globe. A communications graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Amelia served as manager of Simmons College Radio (“The Shark”), where she also launched and co-hosted her radio show, The Find.
In addition to her editorial work, Amelia is an established freelance photographer, with bylines in Blended Magazine and CelebMix, capturing artists and cultural moments across the music and media landscape. Her career began at WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, the ABC affiliate in Boston, where she gained firsthand experience in broadcast journalism and storytelling.
When she’s not taking photos from the photo pit, interviewing emerging artists, or crafting the next Juice Box Press feature, Amelia can be found thrifting and exploring the world of sustainable fashion.