River Lane Stronger Interview

River Lane Becomes 'Stronger' With Her Brand New Single

You'd have to look hard to find a more down to earth person than River Lane. River started her working life as an Australian tradie before turning towards making music. River exudes that regional Australian warmth.

Growing up in regional South Australia River has the bragging rights of being the first busker in her hometown of Mannum ( population 2164). This is a town where the mighty Murray River runs through which has left an indelible mark on River's style.

'Stronger' is the first single to be lifted from the forthcoming EP 'Older' Which will be released later in 2019. River previously release was the 'Time' EP in 2017.

Listen here.

''Stronger to me is about beating my demons and realising I'm good enough, that I don't need to hide. I wanted it to be upbeat and powerful like we all deserve to be'' River Lane.

River grew up listening to her father's record collection of mostly 70's rock. Seeing the way her father was lifted and transported by music struck a chord. The music bug was emeded and there was no turning back!

''He always has a story about where he was when he heard that song. I want to write a song that becomes a soundtrack to someone's greatest moments. I was always too shy to sing in public but it didn't stop me from learning a few different instruments growing up. It wasn't until I turned 22 that I somehow found the courage and I've never looked back'' River Lane.

After performing at Melbourne's Uberfest in 2016, River won South Australia's Festival of Original Music Studio Open competition (2017) and released her debut EP' Time' (2017). The debut single 'Head High' was picked up by Triple J Roots and All and regional radio.

The songwriting inspiration for River can be sometimes random. She'll wake up in the middle of the night with a song and have to write it down. Sometimes she'll forget where she wrote it, then find a scribbled note a couple days later. ''I have to get all the lyrics out at once while I'm in the moment. I do make changes to certain words in the recording process but the whole idea has to be there or I end up scrapping it'' River Lane.

Interview with River Lane

Question: How would you describe your music?

River Lane: I've never really been able to put my music into a category. I go through music phases pretty quickly so by the time I've finished an EP its full of different influences and styles.


Question: What inspired you to quit your trade and turn to music?

River Lane: Music has always been the dream for me but finding the courage to pursue my dream took a long time. My trade is a way to fund my life. To pay for the memories I now write about.

Question: What inspired the song Stronger?

River Lane: Stronger is probably my most personal work. I just go to a point in my life where it was time to let go of the past and my mistakes and get on with it. It felt good to let go, like I was instantly stronger for it. So I wrote a song about it.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

River Lane: At the moment its Stronger because its new and exciting for me but my favourite cover to play would have to be "I Want You To Want Me" by Cheap Trick. It's one of my favourite songs and instantly makes me feel like a rockstar.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

River Lane: At this stage in my career it would be anyone from a major record label… hahaha. Or Elton John. I would love to say Elton John was at my show.


Question: Do you prefer performing live, or recording?

River Lane: I love both but if I had to choose I would say recording. Making a song from nothing and watching it grow into something beautiful is a feeling I'll never get used to. Being in a studio surrounded by so much talent is humbling.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?
River Lane: Moments motivate me. If I feel something that needs to be written down then it has to happen there and then. Inspiration strikes at any time.


Question: Which music/artists, are you currently listing to?

River Lane: Like I said before, I go through music phases pretty quickly depending on how I'm feeling or what show/movie I've just watched. This week for example I've gone from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Lady Gaga.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

River Lane: Music has always been the best way for me to communicate. Without it I wouldn't have made a lot of the friends I have. I owe a lot to music so I just want to be able to give back to it.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

River Lane: I would love to collaborate with Mumford and Sons; such a talented bunch of blokes with great songs.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

River Lane: I started out as a three piece band rather than a solo artist and due to personal reasons the band split and I was on my own. I didn't believe I had what it takes to perform without that safety net or write music that was good enough to be heard. Overcoming that fear and self-doubt has been the biggest challenge.

Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

River Lane: Being able to continually surprise myself at what I'm capable of. Being a shy and closed off kid, to get on stage and sing my own thoughts and feelings to a bunch of people over and over again honestly amazes me. I never thought I'd be able to do that. And as of recently, I had someone tell me that listening to my single Stronger helped him feel stronger in a moment of need. That blows my mind.


Question: Can you share your socials?

River Lane: YouTube
Facebook
@riverlanemusic/


Interview by Brooke Hunter