On the 24th of November we’ve got one of Glasgow’s most exciting talents Rianne Downey joining us here at The Bodega so we thought it was only right we got to know her a bit better!
Hey Rianne, we’re really looking forward to welcoming you to The Bodega! How are you feeling ahead of the show?
Why thank you! I’m looking forward to coming. I’ve never even been to Nottingham before so the response to the gig already has totally blown me away. I can’t wait to meet a bunch of new folk, play my tunes to them and have a big ole sing song. Feeling very grateful!
You recently released your new EP ‘Method To My Madness’ and we’re loving it over here, how are you feeling post-release?
I’m glad you guys are loving it! The love and support my EP has received has been so heartwarming. I put my everything into this EP and the fact the songs are resonating with people really means the world, I feel like I’m doing my job right and the years of graft are paying off. Vinyl selling out in a day and being played on Radio 1 & 6, pinch me!! It’s given me the bug to keep writing and releasing songs. If my songs can help anyone in the way music has helped me, then I feel like I’ve made it!
Where does that distinct country tinged pop stem from? Is it something you’ve been surrounded by for a long time?
My granny and papa listened to loads of country on the radio growing up so I think its always been in my subconscious. I always loved country music. Johnny Cash’ Ring of Fire was the first song I had on my first mobile phone haha. I love how raw the music is. I think it’s an amazing thing trying to find the most simple but beautiful way to tell a story or to find the positives, humour, heartache and most importantly, the truths within our human experience and put them on a pedestal so that others can find the words or the answers they’ve been looking for. That’s what I think country/pop music is. Plus I love a good line dance.
A lot of the tracks on the new cut are bitter-sweet, is it important that there’s an emotional depth to your music?
I feel like my best work comes when I write from experience and let myself feel everything that’s in my soul at that time. I think a lot less and just sing the words that need to be sang. Most of the songs I loved and that have helped me throughout my life always seemed to be the songs that came from deep within the writer’s soul and I’d love to carry that on through my music. It’s the best way to connect with yourself and with others when you can put it all out there. And I think that’s why a lot of us love music because it makes us feel connected to/part of something.
What goes into prepping for a tour as extensive as this one?
A lot of rehearsals, Travelodge bookings, setlist rearranging, outfit picking (cowboy boots are a given though)! A whole load of things to think about but I’ve got a lot of gigs over the summer at festivals and sharing the stage with Paul Heaton on his summer tour, that’ll get me match fit and ready to take to the stage in November. My main priority is that everyone who’s bought a ticket has a grand ole time at the gigs and I’ll make sure they do!
Lastly, if money wasn’t a factor, what would be your dream rider?
Unlimited pasta
Unlimited Vocalzones (cause they’re expensive)
American Sour Patch Kids
Pornstar Martini’s made fresh
Catch Rianne Downey at The Bodega on the 24th November 2023. Tickets on sale now.