Riley Green. Photo Credit: Harper Smith
Country singer-songwriter Riley Green chatted about his new album “Ain’t My Last Rodeo,” and his 2024 Tour.
ACM ‘New Male Artist of the Year’ winner
In 2020, Green was named “New Male Artist of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music (ACM). “That is something that still hasn’t really sunk in, it is pretty crazy to be listed with some of the names that have won it before,” he said.
New album ‘Ain’t My Last Rodeo’
On the song selection process for his new album, Green said, “We had some old songs that fans had been requesting for a while, and then, we’ve had some new ones. So, there is a little bit of everything on there.”
“I wanted to stay true to what has gotten to me to where I am,” he said about the album’s theme. “I wanted to write songs that fans can relate to.”
Music and songwriting inspirations
Regarding his music and songwriting inspirations, he said, “A lot of my songs are inspired by family life and growing up in Northeast Alabama. How I grew up has been the root for a lot of my songs, and where I get my inspiration from.”
Favorite songs on the LP
Green listed “My Last Rodeo,” the title track, as his personal favorite song on the album. “That is a very personal one since it was inspired by my grandfather Buford,” he admitted.
“We always write from our roots and from what we have lived, and the fans can expect that from every album that I put out,” he said.
He also described “Copenhagen in a Cadillac” as a “very fun song.” “Jelly Roll is quite a feature on something like that,” he said. “Also, ‘Damn Country Music’ was a really cool way to start the album off.”
Helping veteran organizations
Speaking of his grandfather, he kickstarted the “Buford Bonds Charitable Fund,” which supports various veteran organizations. It was established by Green in 2023 to support nonprofit organizations around the country which help those who need it the most.
“We are definitely going to be trying to give back as much as we can,” he said.
Love for country music
When asked what he loves the most about the country music genre, he noted that it is the “storytelling” aspect of it. “That is what keeps bringing me back,” he admitted.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he disclosed, “This Ain’t My Last Rodeo.”
2024 ‘Ain’t My Last Rodeo’ Tour
Green shared that he is looking forward to his “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour” in 2024.
“I am very much excited about it,” he said. “It was a great opportunity to go out and do stadium shows with Luke [Combs], and now it will be great to go out and do shows on my own tour with Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley. We are going to make it a really good show.”
“I want the fans to know that this will be an exciting show. Obviously, Tracy Lawrence is a pretty legendary artist, and I am excited for people to hear Ella Langley. I am looking forward to seeing everybody out on the road,” Green added.
The digital age
On being a country artist in the digital age, Green said, “It has been a learning curve for me, it is definitely a different time, but it is great to have different outlets to have people find your music.”
Reflecting upon the last five years
If he were to look back in a rearview mirror over the last five years, Green reflected, “Well, we’ve had No. 1 songs, gold and platinum records, as well as an ACM Award. It has been a crazy last few years ever since I signed my record deal, and it seems to be still growing. It has been an exciting time, for sure.”
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he said, “Every time that I get on stage and play in front of a sold-out crowd is definitely a defining moment, especially when they are singing my songs back to me. That certainly motivates me, and it has helped shaped my songwriting.”
Green acknowledged that each time he plays “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” is “a really cool moment” in his live show.
As part of his pre-show rituals, he noted that he has “something cold to drink.”
Dream female duet choice: Lainey Wilson
On his dream female duet choices in music, he revealed, “Lainey Wilson would be a good one, she is doing really well.”
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “I want to keep writing country songs, and to keep putting out music. Hopefully, keep playing shows and keep gaining new fans.”
For young and aspiring country artists, Green encouraged them “to write as much as they can” and to do that “every day” if they can.
Superpower of choice
If Green were to have any superpower, it would be “to fly” since that way, he would be able “to save a lot of bus hours.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Green explained, “Success is when fans can relate to songs about my life. I think that is the most motivating thing. It is a very validating thing when people sing the songs back to you.”
“Ain’t My Last Rodeo” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about country artist Riley Green and his new music, follow him on Instagram and visit his official website.
