We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Riley Lynch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Riley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I always loved music when I was younger, but it was around the age of twelve that I realized it was something I wanted to pursue seriously. I would spend hours in my dad’s home office singing along to YouTube videos of the pop hits that defined that time. I was drawn to artists like Kesha and Demi Lovato, and I loved anything I heard on the radio that made me feel something big and immediate. Eventually, my parents signed me up for singing lessons, and through that, my vocal coach suggested that I audition for The X Factor USA. I had not even heard of the show at the time, but once I learned about it, I became completely focused on the idea and knew I was meant to be on it.
That experience set off a period of growth and self-acceptance that I truly cannot imagine my life without. It brought a lot to the surface and taught me to trust myself in ways I had never experienced before. Music became the one space where I felt complete confidence, even when I struggled with it in other areas of my life. I still remember my first sold-out show in Boston, the love and support from the people who listened, and writing my first original songs, even if they were not very good at the time. Performing in front of my idols and being in rooms I had only dreamed of shaped me in ways that continue to influence me today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a singer, songwriter, and performer who got my start on The X Factor USA at fifteen, and I have been creating and performing ever since. My music blends raw emotion with melodic pop influences, often exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. Over the years, my work has reached hundreds of thousands of streams across platforms, which has allowed me to connect with listeners in deeply personal ways. What I am most proud of is the honesty that drives everything I create. I want people to feel seen in my songs and to know that they are not alone in what they experience. Above all, my goal as an artist is to continue building a body of work that feels authentic, emotionally resonant, and true to who I am, both in sound and in spirit.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I was seventeen, I went through a very difficult period in my life and made the decision to enter treatment for my mental health. It was one of the hardest but most important choices I have ever made. That experience completely reshaped how I approach myself, my art, and the world around me. I’ve spent the years since continuing to prioritize my mental health and learning to live in a way that feels genuine and aligned with who I am. Recovery gave me a second chance at life, and my music is often a reflection of that process.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think the most impactful thing society can do is to value creativity as essential rather than optional. Supporting artists means creating accessible spaces, fair pay structures, and resources that allow people to pursue their craft without sacrificing their well-being. It also means fostering a culture that celebrates authenticity over virality. When artists are encouraged to take creative risks, tell the truth, and feel supported in doing so, it benefits everyone. Art reflects and heals the human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cageriot.ffm.to/rileylynch
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rileynlynch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileynlynch?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/rileynlynch?s=21&t=yNldHf8-2O5Kzg7XKWRFyw
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rileynlynch?si=P6Qre79DxwS6qYUx
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/vbFEyNkDTVLFjB4ITY
