Making music with East Coast charm and that honours the hardworking, blue-collar folk and “everyman”, is country recording artist, Riley Taylor. With multiple accolades and over 3 million global digital streams to his name, it’s clear Riley’s down-to-earth nature, authenticity and unique brand of country is resonating with fans.
On August 23rd, he released his new summer country drinking song, “Five Beers From Now”, which received widespread support from editorial playlists across Amazon Music and Spotify. This November, Riley will also be hitting the road as direct support for fellow Canadian country artist Owen Riegling on his nationwide “The Old Dirt Road Trip” Tour.
Recently, I spoke with Riley about how he got his start in country music, his latest single, the upcoming tour and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue country music specifically?
Riley Taylor: Country music was a no-brainer for me. It’s what I grew up around, it’s what my family has lived for years and what we always will be. My uncle always played around the fire at family parties since I was a young fella. I always thought, and still think, that the guy who gets everybody singing is the coolest guy at the party. That’s the guy I wanted to be. Now I get to be, that’s pretty cool if you ask me!
Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you want to share via your music/artistry? Why is this message important to you?
Riley Taylor: I want to share the message of the common person. I’m nobody special and I don’t want people to get that message through my music. I want them to feel like they know me, like I remind them of a friend they have. While every once in a while tapping into a deeper emotion that the common person might have trouble articulating.
Kyla Pearson: On August 23rd, you released your latest single, “Five Beers From Now”-- which you co-wrote with fellow Canadian country artists, Aaron Goodvin & Daryl Scott. Can you tell us a bit more about it, as well as the songwriting & recording process?
Riley Taylor: “Five Beers From Now” was the summer song we were looking for. I feel like it delivers a light-hearted, easily digestible message of remembering that life is a marathon and not a sprint. A reminder to not take things so seriously, it’s okay to let loose, have a good time. This song was a fairly easy one to write if I’m being honest. Aaron and Daryl are so good in their own ways, there must be close to a million songs between them by now! I’m lucky to be able to work with guys as talented as those two. They make me look good, and that’s a tall task!
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting for fans to listen to the song in order to fully experience it?
Riley Taylor: The ideal setting to enjoy this song is on the way home after a long week, on your way to a party, in a bar, or just whenever you feel like cracking a cold beer… or five!
Kyla Pearson: “Five Beers” also received widespread editorial playlist support across major streaming platforms, including making the release-week cover of Amazon Music’s “Breakthrough Country” playlist. What has all this meant to you, especially as an indie artist?
Riley Taylor: These opportunities and displays of support never cease to amaze me. I come from humble beginnings as an artist, so these things are never expected, but always appreciated. The people putting these playlists together really help keep dreams alive for tons of artists like me!
Kyla Pearson: This November, you’re heading on tour alongside Owen Riegling, as part of his nationwide “The Old Dirt Road Trip” Tour. Are you excited to hit the road? What can fans who head out expect from the live show?
Riley Taylor: I can’t wait for this tour. I’ve been both a friend and a fan of Owen’s for a couple of years now and to see what he’s been doing in the Canadian scene has been nothing short of incredible to watch. It’s inspiring. Fans can expect a night they won’t soon forget. I’ve seen Owen’s show many times now and I swear it’s just better every time, even when you think it couldn’t be any better than the last. For most of the dates, I’ll be rocking my acoustic guitar to kick off the show. I’m going to try and get the people feeling something, and then bring it back up to party mode just before I have to get off stage. These shows are going to be great!
Kyla Pearson: Anything else you'd like fans to know?
Riley Taylor: I’m working on an album to be released just before going out on The Old Dirt Road Trip. That wasn’t planned, but I’m happy it worked out that way! This album will include my previously released singles along with a whole bunch of new stuff. We’re going for 30 songs, 10 of those being live, off-the-floor recordings. I’m so excited to get this out and give anyone who’s been following me a full listening experience that showcases more sides of me as an artist. It’s going to have everything from ballads to honkytonk tunes, to modernized-sounding stuff. I’m throwing the kitchen sink at em’ this time, and I can’t friggin’ wait!
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Fans interested in seeing Riley Taylor perform live at one of the upcoming “The Old Dirt Road Trip” tour dates can find more information and secure their tickets HERE. Fans are also encouraged to follow Riley on socials, so they don’t miss any of his upcoming releases or independent shows.
Listen to "Five Beers From Now":
Stay up to Date with Riley Taylor:
Diamond, Lee. Lee Diamond Media. “Featured: Canadian country artist Riley Taylor (far left) in the recording studio. PC: Lee Diamond from Lee Diamond Media.”. Courtesy of Riley Taylor. Accessed Oct 1 2024.
Diamond, Lee. Lee Diamond Media. “Featured: Canadian country artist, Riley Taylor. PC: Lee Diamond from Lee Diamond Media.”. Courtesy of Riley Taylor. Accessed Oct 1 2024.
Taylor, Riley. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Sep 17 2024.
Taylor, Riley. @rileytaylor_rt. “A big old Thursday Thank you…” Instagram, Aug 29 2024, <https://www.instagram.com/p/C_QfMZGON3E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==>.
Taylor, Riley. @rileytaylor_rt. “Go on get your pre-sale tickets for the ODRT this November! …” Instagram, Sept 10 2024, <https://www.instagram.com/p/C_v2kD3P23x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==>.
Taylor, Riley. “Five Beers From Now.” Spotify, Honky Tonk Recording Co. Aug 23 2024. <https://open.spotify.com/track/6LGAKE2ueo1S3K74wST2zU?si=caedd528855c4ab1>.
