by kaylee pickens
photo courtesy of riley lynch
“That’s On Me” artist, Riley Lynch, is a new coming of age artist to watch. The 24-year-old newcomer with hits, “7” and “Alone,” is proving that you make your dreams come true whilst being yourself. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Lynch is back with a new track that’s gained instant popularity. “I WISH,” released in late-June, this 3-minute song is rocking fans and playlists far and wide. Unclear had the pleasure to chat with Lynch to discuss coming out, career changes, and new music. You can find Riley Lynch on Instagram and Twitter (@rileynlynch) for updates on live performances, new music, and more!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Riley: “For me, music has always been my one true love and I tend to spend most of my time creating it. I know that so many other artists have said this before, but making music is truly one of the most powerful forms of therapy for me. It’s integral in the maintenance of my sanity.
When I am not making music, I like to spend my time outdoors. Feeling connected and grounded both physically and spiritually are hugely important to me. As someone who has spent much of their life seeking out meaning and connection, both creating music and grounding myself in nature have helped me to find that.”
What are some self-care tips that you would recommend to someone?
Riley: “Self-care is a necessity that I take part in daily. For me, what has been the most helpful is taking time to sit with myself. Life is so incredibly hectic; we consume various types of media and communicate with all sorts of other people every single day. We all need time to rest and recover, and I do what I can to make this a part of my day to day. Whether that be to give myself the evening to decompress, or even just an hour or two to spend with myself and not worry about business. During this time, I will journal, watch a comfort show, or meditate (depending on the intensity of the day).
In addition to recommending taking time to sit with yourself, I also suggest physical self-care. I do my best to take care of my body and mind by staying active, fueling myself with wholesome foods, and being honest with myself about the state of my mental health. If I need it, I will ask for extra help. This is something never to be ashamed of and to make a priority if you are struggling.
Also, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but turn your phone off when/if you can. Unplugging from the noise of social media from time to time can be surprisingly cathartic.”
How would you describe your new song, “I WISH,” in three words?
Riley: “Brain slandering banger! ‘I WISH’ is all about wishing that I couldn’t feel anymore. If you’re like me and have been on a journey with your mental health for quite some time, you can relate. ‘I WISH’ details throwing your hands up, surrendering, and making that desperate call for your feelings to vanish. Maybe if we sing this song together enough it’ll come true?”
Do you have a favorite lyric from your new song?
Riley: “I love the bridge in this song. My favorite lyric is, ‘Maybe somehow I could forget all the things I’ve ever said.’ I am notorious for sitting up in my bed late at night going over everything I’ve ever said while harshly judging myself for it.
My mind gets so fixated on unimportant things. It’s moments like these where I’ve wished for a reprieve from my emotions. I know I’m not the only one who does this. I wanted to make this song to connect with others who feel similarly to me and need to scream these words without fear of judgement, from others, but especially from themselves.”
Your Instagram showcases your iconic nail game. What inspires your nail choices?
Riley: “Firstly, iconic? I’m blushing. I love that you asked this. I spent so long doing the inner work to get to a place where I felt comfortable and powerful expressing myself in all forms, so it makes my little queer heart happy for this to be acknowledged. As far as inspiration surrounding the nails goes, I love anything gothic, impractically long, and usually sharp. The nails usually take notes from the vibe of the music I’m creating and I’m always looking for new designs and ideas. The inclusion of the long nails in the visuals of my art is something I intend to keep doing and intensify going forward. Nail suggestions in my DMs are always welcome, I’d love to get my followers involved in my choices!”
What can your audience expect from your new music?
Riley: “A lot. I have been in this game since I was 14 and on The X Factor. In my new music, the culmination of 10 years of trial, error, self-exploration, self-discovery, relationships, pain, learning, and love is undeniably evident. The music is rock, it’s pop, it’s got hyper pop elements, and a little grunge too. You can hear everything I’ve ever done in these songs and at the same time, so clearly see where this journey is going to take us. I have never felt so excited, supported, and seen before in my career. Thank you to everyone who has stuck by my side in this journey, both new and old. My team is incredible, my support system is incredible, and everyone who has expressed excitement and interest surrounding my art, I value you and hold a place for you so deeply in my heart.”
What’s been the biggest change in your career? Looking back, do you think that affected you?
Riley: “My coming out journey, for sure. When I first started releasing music, I felt like I was playing a role. Cast as the straight, cisgender teen boy suddenly thrust into the spotlight in front of thousands of adoring young female fans.
To have that kind of energy thrown my way while I was just beginning to navigate what I know now to be my queer identity was very difficult. When I finally came out publicly, much to the disapproval of people investing in my career, I knew a shift was about to take place.
I had to come out and begin that journey publicly, for me. If I had never done it, and believe me there were people who did not want me to, I would never have gotten to where I am now.
Since then, I have been fortunate enough to have had the time to be patient with myself to really understand who Riley Lynch is. While it was hard then, being authentically myself has opened doors for me that I truly believe never would have opened otherwise. It’s time to share every part of who I am with the world, not just the easily digestible.”
You tweeted on June 15th that you “can’t wait to perform” for your audience — what are you most looking forward to in these live performances?
Riley: “The reintroduction of ME! It has been way too long since I have been able to play new music in a way that would truly honor the art. I have a ton of new songs on the way and these shows are an opportunity for me to play out released, and unreleased music that will be shared throughout 2022 and beyond.
I also cannot wait to see everyone’s faces in person and get to share the beauty that is live music together again. Specifically, for anyone in LA, keep your eyes peeled for show announcements coming very soon so we can scream the new music together.”
What’s something you wish you knew before starting you career?
Riley: “Music as a profession is not for the faint of heart. This industry is cutthroat and can take even the most passionate of artists, chew them up, and spit them out. I have been walking this road for years, and I have no intentions of a career change. But I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days where it would have just been easier to throw in the towel. Something about me though, I don’t give up easily. If I’m going to be taken down by these industry machines, they’re going to have to work a lot harder than they have been.”
Anything new you’d like to share?
Riley: “Not really new… but my overwhelming commitment to bringing the house down! That said, there are lots of exciting new things coming very soon and I can’t wait to share it all with you.”