Project Description
Interview with
RILEY PEARCE
Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs
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As a kid, Riley Pearce accidentally learnt guitar left handed while mirroring his idols on TV. From humble beginnings busking at farmers markets and playing open mic nights in Perth, alt-folk artist Riley Pearce is now selling out shows across Australia, winning awards and touring internationally. Breakout single ‘Brave’ has clocked up over 20 million plays on Spotify alone, making it clear that his reflective songwriting and chilled-out coastal vibes resonates with more than just folk music lovers.
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Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?
Definitely not, I got a commerce degree because I really wanted to be the person who created the funny television ads or one day run my own business. I suppose in a way I’m doing that.
How did you get into songwriting? Does it come easy to you?
I was busking a lot after high school and wanted to give it a shot and see how I’d go with a plan to make a CD of the songs I’d written and give it out to people at the market. I have a complicated relationship with songwriting, it’s definitely improving and we’re learning how to be friends but it was really tough at the start. I don’t have any music theory background but I’ve since learned that doesn’t really matter.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
Some cheesey song with my little cousin when I was maybe 14 and he was 8.
Your latest release, ‘Brave’, was released last week. What is it about? What inspired you to write the single originally?
Brave originally came out in 2015 and has done really well for my music career since so I thought an acoustic version of the track would seem fitting. At the time my little brother was about to go on his first big school camp and was nervous about spending the time away from the family and getting homesick. We have a very close relationship and I was about to head to the US for 6 months and knew that’d be hard for both of us.
How does it feel to have had your song played over 20 million times and used on TV?
It definitely doesn’t feel real. It’s great to get little messages from people from all corners of the globe saying the song helped them get through a tough time or that they really resonated with it or heard it in their favourite show. That’s the part that humbles me.
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You have supported some major artists, including Tash Sultana and Kim Churchill. Do you have one supporting performance or experience that stands out for you?
I got to play two shows with the amazing UK artist Lucy Rose, her entire performance and demeanour oozed professionalism and sincerity and that’s all I ever inspire to be myself. That and playing with Kim, first song in my guitar string broke and he was kind enough to change my string whilst I borrowed his guitar.
What’s next for you in 2019? Can we expect to see you play live again anytime soon?
Hopefully, I’m doing a lot of writing, improving my skillset and I head off to Europe for a tour with Garrett Kato mid September.
If you could tour with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
This is a tricky question. It’s hard to know if you haven’t met them before. Tour life can be full on so its always great to know you get along with someone you’ll be spending heaps of time with.
What is the Perth music scene like for emerging young artists such as yourself?
It’s great but its so damn far away from the rest of the Aus scene and that can make things like touring or getting on industry radar harder.
Do you have any new music in the works?
Always
What do you hope to achieve in the next few years of your music career?
Hoping to make it to the US for shows at some stage, never been there but very keen to see what I can make from it. Also NZ is so close but for some reason I haven’t played a show there yet either.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – The Loved Ones – Flyte
Artist – Leif Vollebekk
Movie – Hot Rod
Place to visit – Lorne
Venue to play – Only played it once but Astor Theatre.
Food – Ice Cream
Drink – Ginger Beer
Person in History – Family
Tattoo – I only have one
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Check out RILEY PEARCE below
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