Offering up an experimentation on the very fundamentals of R&B, London’s George Riley is undoubtedly one of the most unique voices to emerge from her city and her genre since the turn of the decade. From 2022’s dark, brooding ’22 project “Running In Waves” to last year’s spritely, gorgeous EP “Un/limited Love”, Riley has shown her creative dichotomy and an incredible breadth of vision despite only being in the tender years of her career.
This year, Riley yet to release. “I’ve really stuck my teeth into writing and I’m really focused on fun,” is what she puts the casual hiatus down to, but we can expect new music soon, with even sharper directions. This year has seen her also pushing on her live output, which will include a forthcoming set at Field Day. Riley will be bringing her effervescent energy to London’s Victoria Park alongside the likes of Justice, PinkPantheress, John Glacier and horsegiirL on 24th August.
Ahead of the festival, we caught up with Riley, defining the essence of her artistry, reflecting on her discography, and pinpointing what to expect from a live set from her.
Listen to Riley’s latest EP…
Read the full interview…
Hey George! How has your year been so far?
This year has been kinda strange but kinda great also. There’s been so much change but I also weirdly feel very settled. It’s Brat summer but I’m taking it pretty easy, I’ve just got my head down writing and recording, eating olives and drinking Campari.
Talk us through your musical origins? How did you first start writing and performing?
I’ve always sang and performed it’s a big part of who I am. I love to be silly and make people laugh and put on a show whether theres a stage or not. It just sort of became something I couldn’t help but pursue and so when I finished uni studying philosophy and politics I thought well it’s now or never I’d better get on with it, otherwise I’ll end up at a think tank.
How would you describe the essence of your artistry?
I have a very carefree approach. I try to do whatever feels fun and right in the moment. I write very quickly. Most songs I write in about 15 minutes and if it’s not there I move on. I’m very prolific and not precious at all I just keep writing and going until I get bored. I definitely take on board something Mica Levi and Tirzah once said I think which is “carefree not careless”. I rarely think about the outcome just about the act of creation and how lucky I am to get to do it.
Who would you musically file yourself next to?
Tough question. Obviously Kelela is my queen forever and into eternity and getting to support her on a few shows and kinda have her approval and blessing was everything to me. I’m not sure I can say file my name next to but I am inspired by so so many; Kelis, Janet, Madonna, Britney. I’ve been writing lots of pop adjacent music so I’m forever in awe and inspired by the pop girls who did it big and also so different. It’s so much harder to get right than I ever realised.
How do you reflect on your discography to date?
I saw someone on twitter describe their past work like bad tattoos which resonated with me. They’re pieces in time representing very specific moments in my life. Some of it I love and some has bad memories attached but all of it I grow to love and even more the minute it reaches a new audience because it takes on a new life.
Specifically last November’s brilliant EP,, “Un/limited Love”, how do you feel now the project has been out for a while, in terms of writing process and its reception?
Thank you! This was an incredibly fun challenge. I very much love this record and am very proud of it. I didn’t really promote it however. Honestly because I didn’t know how and I’m still figuring that out but I learnt so so much making it and I think it’ll have longevity, I do actually love every song on there.
How has your sound been progressing of late?
I’ve come from quite a moody world and it’s made me desperate to go in the opposite direction. I think “Un/limited Love” was half a step there but I want to go much much bigger.
You’re playing at Field day, what can attendees expect from your set?
I can’t wait. I think expect a good time – and new music !
What’s the festival survival guide?
I’m not gonna lie to you I’m very unprepared and usually in inappropriate footwear. I just bring myself – I am the vibes.
Is there a previous live show that you’ve played that has stood out as a favourite?
I absolutely loved supporting Janelle Monae at Brixton academy a few weeks ago – my dream venue I’ve been going there since I was a teenager and Janelle, my god what a show what a performer. All round really honoured to be part of that in a small way.