Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Skinner.
Hi Riley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a musical family and started playing piano, singing, and writing songs as a young kid. I went to Bennington College and studied composition there, and that is where I started to feel like I was finding my artistic voice. I was lucky to have access to a recording studio and talented friends while I was in school there, and I had a lot of freedom to just explore things musically. After graduating, I moved to Seattle where I lived for 8 years.
While living there I started a trip-hop band and also co-founded the folk duo Heddwen, but my solo music was never much of a priority. During the pandemic, I suddenly had a lot of time alone to focus on my music, and all the different sides of my expression started to come through (folk, trip-hop, 90s rock, singer-songwriter, R&B). During that time my dad gave me my first electric guitar, and it started pushing my writing and playing in a more rock direction, which has been super fun to explore. In 2021, I moved to Minneapolis (pretty much sight unseen), gathered a band, and soon after recorded my upcoming album, Surrender, with Holly Hansen at her studio Salon Sonics.
Living in a new city has been so inspiring, and I feel fortunate to be a part of a rich tapestry of other local musicians and artists. Minneapolis is such a hidden gem, and there is so much talent here. I’m playing with a core 3-piece band right now that is fulfilling a lifelong fantasy of fronting a girl band and bringing in special guests for my upcoming release show (November 9th at Hook & Ladder Theatre). Recording this newest release allowed me to explore my 90s influences (Sinead O’Connor, Portishead, The Cranberries, PJ Harvey) and explore the theme of queer identity through the metaphor of nature.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
IT HAS NOT BEEN SMOOTH!
We’re living in a time where there is so little support for the arts in general and independent artists have so many hurdles. I’m honestly just grateful to anyone who continues to take the time to listen to music and support local and independent artists. The work is hard to do, and if it touches even one person, it’s all worth it to me.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve been facing lately is imposter syndrome, which I think a lot of women and queer people experience in the music industry. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong when you don’t often see yourself represented. I’m also just a slow burner — this newest album is many years in the making. I write a lot of material and the process of curating what to record, share, and put energy into is challenging because there is so much I want to do.
I think like most other artists the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a mixed bag — gigs dried up, funds for projects were limited, and collaboration was nearly impossible, but I also had more time to dream than I have had since childhood. In a way, the pandemic shaped my transformation as an artist over the past few years in ways that were challenging but ultimately good. It was like a mirror being held up — who are you and what do you want to do and make with your precious time when you’re alone with yourself? That question changed the work I was doing.
I would also say that writing and performing music has always been extremely vulnerable for me. I feel like I’m putting my whole heart on the line every time I share a song or step on stage. Even though I love sharing my work it’s terrifying!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an electro-folk musician, composer, and singer-songwriter. I am known for my vocal techniques, unique harmonies, and blend of genres. I think the voice is such a special instrument — no one else can sound exactly like you, and you have everything you need built right into you to sing.
I try to use the full expression of my voice as much as possible, which usually means playing around with sweet high notes contrasting dusky low notes, letting my voice break and sound raw, and letting my breath be heard in my recordings. A lot of people comment on my 90s yodel, which I learned from imitating traditional Irish vocal styles. I just love the humanness of singing, and hope that when people hear me sing they can be in that tender space with me.
I’m obsessed with chant and other old folk music and sacred music from around the world and love how open the chords and harmonies are. There is a lot of that influence even in my rock songs. I used to fret over staying in my lane and not mixing genres too much but I just can’t help it. I was raised by two radio DJs and we listened to so much great music when I was growing up. I like to play around with folk, rock, trip-hop, R&B, traditional music, and avant-garde — it all has its place in my brain and eventually comes out in the music I write.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The new album I’m releasing (Surrender) comes out on November 10th!
There will be a release show at Hook & Ladder Theater on November 9th at 7:00 PM. Local bands Rabeca and Hemma will be opening. https://thehookmpls.com/event/hook-rileymaeburns/.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rileyskinner.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rileyskinnermusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileyskinnermusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rileyskinnermusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rileyskinnermusic
- Other: https://rileyskinner.bandcamp.com/
Credit: Rachel Bennett.
Credit: Rachel Bennett
Credit: Chelsea Oxborough
Credit: Chelsea Oxborough
Credit: Chelsea Oxborough
Credit: Chelsea Oxborough
Image Credits
Rachel Bennett and Chelsea Oxborough
