Hailing from Perth, Australia, Riley Pearce has got this whole singer-songwriter thing nailed. Not only has he picked up a ‘WAM Song of the Year’ Award and seen his music featured in a hit US TV show, but he’s been making waves on both sides of the Indian Ocean (look, just because he’s Australian and we’ve mentioned waves, doesn’t mean you can just assume he’s into surfing). We caught up with Riley over an e-beer to discuss, well, everything…
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Riley! For those who haven’t heard your latest track “Misplaced”, how would you describe it?
I kind of like describing that song as upliftingly reflective. It’s sad – but it’s a good sad. Therapeutic I hope.
We loved the narrative of the video. What was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! So much of a couple’s relationship is spent travelling in a car, and for me, it’s been in that particular car (we filmed it in my Holden Viva, my first and only car). There are so many different emotions and dynamic shifts couples experience so I wanted to reflect that.
Any plans for an EP in the works?
Hopefully, if all goes well, I’ll put out a new EP next year. I’m working on a bunch of things and prepping for a big 2018. The new EP will hopefully be a big part of it all.
One of your tracks was recently featured in the hit US show Shadowhunters. The question is, do you believe in ghosts?
I believe in spirits and the presence of people once they pass away but ghosts as something you can see or their spooky nature… probably not. If you’re a ghost and you’re reading this… please don’t prove me wrong.
So, that being said, if you were trapped in a haunted house, what would be your weapon of choice?
Is hiding a weapon?
Sure, we’re feeling kind today. This year saw you play your first international shows here in London. What did you make of it?
Loved it, great vibes, I happened to catch a good week of weather in early April so everyone was out drinking and enjoying the sun. I’ll definitely be back next year.
Great to know London welcomed you with open arms. Have there been any live performances over the course of your career thus far that stand out for being particularly crazy or eventful?
Hmmm, I was supporting one of my idols on a run of shows and first song in I snapped a string. I didn’t have a spare guitar but he was kind enough to lend me his whilst he fixed my string behind me. What a legend. Kim Churchill – get around his music.
Most embarrassing moment on or offstage? (It’s fine, we’re all friends here.)
Probably when I played at the wrong wedding for 15 minutes…. It’s a long story but it ended with a very sweaty Riley, 800m away from where he originally set up and just making it on time to play the aisle song.
We love new music, what three emerging acts would you recommend to look out for at the moment and why?
Alexander Biggs, The Money War and Flyte (not sure how big they actually are but I rate their new album highly!). All have really great original sounds and some seriously high-quality songwriting
We have a tradition of asking bands which 3 items sum them up (it can be as weird and wonderful as you want; some bands include food from their homeland, items they take everywhere, things that sum up their sound, it can be anything) what would your 3 items be and why?
My waterbottle, bananas (I eat about 3 a day), and a little soft footy that I like to kick around to brainstorm ideas.
