Ryélle brings a sweet, sultry vibe to R&B, her records include minimal but effective harmonies with hard-hitting instrumentation. Ryélle writes her music from experience, when she finds it difficult to express herself she turns to song.
Interview conducted October 08, 2021
By Dan Locke
R&B singer/songwriter Ryélle releases her new single “Love” and the song’s official Mario-directed music video, premiered today (5/19/2021) by ThisIsRnB. Produced by multi-platinum producer De-Capo (credits include T-Pain, Iggy Azalea, and more) and mixed by Grammy-nominated engineer/songwriter Chad C-Note Roper, the song describes fleeting love in the noncommittal gray area of romance. Ryélle‘s love interest portrayed in the video is oblivious to the mysterious hourglass that counts down the amount of time he has left to make a commitment.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up as the oldest of 4 living in a single parent home with my mother.
What part (neighbor) of Buffalo are you from?
I grew up in the lower West side of Buffalo.
How did you discover music?
I was very into the radio as a child. Then it became live music at church and school choirs.
How did you start writing music?
I started writing poetry just to get my feelings out. From there I would reformat my words into music lyrics.
What was your first performance like?
It was a Valentine’s Day theme show in NYC at a coffee shop. Live music and good vibes.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first record is called Swim, I worked with a very talented producer/engineer on this record.
How was your visit to the Apollo?
Visiting the Apollo is always great. There’s so much talent in one space!
Why did you decide to just use your last name?
I decided to use my last name because it felt unique to me and to who I am.
How did you get the idea of your short film?
The idea for my short film came from the music that I created. I usually write my songs in story form so with the video I wanted to expand on that narrative.
Will there be a part two of the film?
You’ll have to stay connected to find out!
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Cardio and lots of water!
How do you feel about streaming music? Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital is where it’s at. I feel like vinyl is for people who are heavy in collecting music.
Since you are now living in NYC. What food do you miss from Buffalo?
Buffalo wings from this spot called La Nova’s! The BEST!
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
I feel that we are living in very real-time and social issues should be taken seriously by everyone.
What is the mental health situation of the United State? How can the public help doctors and nurses on the front line?
The public can help by following proper protocols to stay safe when going outside and interacting with others.
You once said, “Every time I perform. I feel reborn. I feel brand new.” Do you think it will be different because you have not performed in months?
Yes, I’m feeling the effects of not being able to perform. Luckily, we still have the internet and people are locked in.
Do you think kids should go back to school his fall?
That is not my call, but education should obviously be a priority.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Any Destiny’s Child record for sure! It was my childhood dream to be in a girl group.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think the music industry will adapt like it always does.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Mostly self-reflecting and redefining what I want to do in the future.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I mostly rediscovered myself and how important self-care is.
Tell me about your home studio?
My home studio is the truth! During this quarantine it has definitely come through for me.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
I may have something special. You’ll have to stay connected to find out.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home. Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I don’t see why not. As I mentioned the music industry will adjust with the times.
Live Nation is starting to do the first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — which started on July 10, 2020. Now there are many other Drive-in concerts popping up. Do you think this is something you would be willing to do?
I’d be down for that!
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
It will probably have to be an outside thing with limited entry.
With Social Distance being the norm, do you feel that it may be the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
I hope not!
What about Holographic concerts in living rooms?
Sounds very cool actually.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself happy, healthy and making music for the masses.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thanks for taking the time to chat with me! Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
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