Gotta live up to the new url lol, but fr I made this playlist a while ago and keep adding to it so check it out for some of the best AZ bands including a lot of my friends who are way more talented than me 😂
Rio Wiley, if you haven't listened you have to now. Rio, just released his new EP "Young Ghost" which consists of some very nice sounds, give it a listen and don't sleep on him. Check out these few questions we had the pleasure asking him and get to know him a bit more! All the love, Alex from ED.
Electric Daze: Congrats on the new EP "Young Ghost" man, I'm really digging these tunes! Tell us a little about it and you?
Rio Wiley: Thank you, I am so very happy to be releasing this finally! Well, I'm Rio (if that wasn't obvious haha), however I play under the moniker Rio Wiley, which is my solo indie rock project. I used to sing and write for I Remember Burning, a post hardcore band here in Arizona. We put out two records and decided to move on musically and thus Rio Wiley formed! Right now I produce and write music when I am not teaching 4th graders. I actually graduated from Arizona State University with business degrees and am currently finishing my Master's degree in education. Kind of setting up my plan B so I can comfortably pursue my plan A of touring and writing full time. Needless to say, my days are busy and exhausting, but always fulfilling!
ED: How long have you been working on this EP? How'd you come up with the name? What's the most important thing to writing?
RW: Gosh, well I've been writing songs away from I Remember Burning since we formed back in 2012. But I think I can really say the recording and bringing to life of this EP began back in February 2016 when I released my first single. We finished recording in June and began promotions in September.
Rio Wiley is actually my first and middle name. I am named after my great grandmother, who had a really big influence in my family. She passed when I was only 1, but I know she must have been a pretty incredible woman for my parents to name me after her. The moniker is really a stage name, if you will!
If I could pick one thing that is most important to me besides the lyricism, it would be the chorus. Any good song is gonna have a great chorus and a memorable melody. The lyrics play a huge role in reeling people in to that area of the song, too.
ED: You recently played a show in Phoenix right? How was that? What's your favorite thing about playing a live show?
RW: I did! It was my CD release show with Something Like December, The Breaking Pattern, and Alex Mullins and the Royal. All amazing musicians and good hearted people. Be sure to check out their records as well! I couldn't say enough good things about the show. We almost sold out, and that itself is so humbling.
My favorite part of any show is interacting with the crowd and seeing fans sing along. It was amazing to see people singing along at the CD release show before my album was even released! Such an honor.
ED: 2016 is coming to an end, what's one of your favorite memories of 2016?
RW: Honestly, releasing this record. It represents the closing of a really tough chapter in my life, and it's great to feel the release. However I did also graduate from ASU and start teaching 4th grade, which are also memories I will never forget.
The 2016 Presidential Election? Definitely (un)forgettable.
ED: Do you have any touring planned anytime soon?
RW: I have something in the works right now for winter and spring, but can't say too much yet until it's all confirmed! But I will say that yes, there is touring in the near future.
ED: Can you remember what was your first piece of music that made you fall in love with music?
RW: So many artists and songs have inspired me, but my favorite band of all time is Foo Fighters. The song writing and lyricism of Dave Grohl is genius to me. I remember playing one of my first guitars when I was 13 and covering their songs in my bedroom every day. They definitely got me into rock music. I would also throw Anberlin and Jimmy Eat World up there!
ED: If you were stranded on an island, what's three things you must have with you?
RW: I always love this question, because I have a different answer every time: an acoustic guitar, a lighter, and a copy of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace.
ED: Before we sign off is there anything else you'd like to include or say? Thank you so much man!
RW: To any fan or friend, future or present, I cannot thank you enough for your support. Follow me everywhere @riowiley. Check out my new record about what happens when your deepest insecurities, anxieties, and emotions drive away your sleep. "young ghost" available now!
