While some artists dip a toe into genre-blending, Danny Riley kicks the door down with boots on. The rising country maverick is turning heads and shaking dance floors with 'Walk the Line', a feel-good anthem that fuses the dusty charm of honky-tonk with the slick confidence of modern country and the edge of Red Dirt grit. It’s country music, but not as you know it.
Written in a flash of inspiration and born from a studio jam session, 'Walk the Line' showcases Riley’s knack for storytelling and groove; weaving bouncing guitars, stomping rhythm, and a dancing harmonica into something that’s as fun as it is unapologetically authentic. It’s the kind of song that makes you raise your glass and your boots.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Country, 70’s Soul, and R&B
What was the first album you remember owning?
Boyz II Men - Evolution
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Till You Can’t by Cody Johnson
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I journal out all my thoughts and things I’ve been going through so I have a starting place of what I want to talk about.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Zach Top, Luke Combs, Kameron Marlowe.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Luke Combs
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hearing people sing the words to songs I poured my heart into writing and producing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Doing it all alone as an independent artist.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Not to hold on to music. Put it out into the world before I outgrow it and service my fans.
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Danny Riley's new single 'Walk The Line' is out now. Check it out in the player below.