Riley Pearce's new single All My Love is out now! We chat to the musician about the release and more.
Image: Al Parkinson
Australian musician Riley Pearce shared his latest single, All My Love, serving as the second offering from his new EP, Love and All That Stuff, due out early next year. The track celebrates the joy and stillness that comes from having a partner who brings out the best in you. Following the release of Electricity, the pair of songs hint at the overarching theme of the Love and All ThatStuff: navigating life with a special someone.
Anintrospective singer-songwriter, Riley oftenwrites about his difficulty coping with change and his love-hate relationship with nostalgia. With family spread across the globe and his own stretches of living in a number of different cities, Riley’s lyrics reflect that all too human need for connection. His honest songwriting, and relatable storytelling has resonated both in Australia and overseas, with over 50 million streams to date.
All My Love is out now! Read our full interview with Riley Pearce below!
Tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey…
I picked up guitar from a young age and was often busking at the local markets during my high school years. That’s where I started writing music. I enjoyed trying to slip my own songs in without telling anyone and see if the songs felt at home.
Your new single All My Love looks at love and connection, creating a beautiful story with your evocative lyricism that connects with listeners. What was the inspiration for the single?
My wonderful girlfriend Alex, we’ve been together for 5 years now and the song is about being with someone who brings out the best version of you.
What was the creative process behind the development of the track?
The songs go from me and my guitar to a little demo I cook up on my computer where i can play around with different ideas and the song starts to build an identity.
How do you feel your music speaks to listeners?
I hope it makes them feel things, think things and reflect.
You’ve released two EP’s over the past year and a slew of singles. Where do you find your creative inspiration and how has this past year fostered your creativity?
I tend to write in chunks and around a collective concept that seems to linger in my mind for quite a while. That’s generally where my EP’s have come from. This year has helped me establish a healthy routine with my songwriting, I’ve been more intentional with my exercising, alcohol consumption, reading, meditating and it’s been massively beneficial to my writing.
Did you encounter any challenges whilst creating music during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I was lucky enough that I had recorded two EPs in March right before everything shut down. I was then able to spend most of the time in lockdown writing. It was a shame to not be able to play live though. That’s where a lot of the connection and inspiration happens to help fuel the writing process.
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts and why?
Oooh I love this question, always happy to talk about the great local music scene. A few of my faves are Alexander Biggs, Angie McMahon, Noah Dillon, Hollow Coves, The Money War. They’re all doing their own thing and it’s great to see.
Are you working on any new music? Will there be another EP or album release in the coming future?
Yep, All My Love is from an upcoming EP “Love and All That Stuff” which will be out in March 2021.
You have some upcoming shows, including a global live stream. How have you adapted your shows to work within social distancing restrictions and within a virtual context, being streamed to a greater audience rather than touring?
Australia is in a very lucky position where there are minimal distancing restrictions right now. Maybe when I start touring a bit more I’ll get more of a taste of that sort of gig style but at the moment I’m quite lucky. I’m excited to see how the streaming event goes, I haven’t done one like this before.
What can fans expect from your live shows?
My favourite live shows are ones that people bring their picnic rugs, some wine and a few snacks and connect with friends, sitting back and listening to music in a lovely hall or garden. I’ve been doing a lot of these shows in the past few years and they’re always so incredible.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Family, Nature, Time.
Dream collaboration?
Bon Iver.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Twin Solitude - Leif Vollebekk.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Reflective, Hopeful, Honest.
Best song of 2020?
Everything Else Has Gone Wrong - Bombay Bicycle Club.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - although Jose Gonzalez did a very good job.
The best/most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Saltwater Surf Shop in Hamburg.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
The Loved Ones - Flyte.
Best concert you have been to?
Gregory Alan Isakov - Islington Assembly Hall.
Last concert you went to?
Bushfire Relief Gig at Sydney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
“Zero spice tolerance” Spice.
Guilty music pleasure?
No such thing - never be ashamed of the music you like.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Bob Dylan.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Prioritise the things that matter, even when you’re busy.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Every time I get to play live.