Perth-based troubadour Riley Pearce is finishing up the year in style.
Riley released his latest single 'Misplaced' in October, seeing him head out on a national tour and charming audiences with his brand of indie folk-pop.
Before Riley performs at Rosemount Hotel to celebrate New Year's Eve, he answers a few questions about the year that was and what comes next.
Looking back on 2017, what have been some of the highlights of your year?
[Riley] I got to play some shows in London, two sold-out east-coast shows on my tour, put on a bunch of warehouse shows in winter, Richmond won the grand final. But most importantly, my avocado tree produced its first, edible avocado.
How have you found the response to your single 'Misplaced’?
It’s been unreal. It’s super hard sometimes to get your music out to the rest of Australia when you’re living in Perth. I was pretty lucky to get some Triple J and Spotify love for that track and that really helped get the song out to a bunch of fresh ears.
When I went over east in October I had so many people come up and tell me how much they related to the lyrics or that they just loved the vibe, and that means the world to have your music connect in that way.
You released your EP 'Outside The Lines' in February last year; how has your playing and songwriting developed since then?
I think I’m just trying to do things a bit different, focusing on certain areas of my songwriting that I’d like to improve on. Continuing to find and craft my sound.
Any strange tales from your time on the road this year?
I was called by the AFP for a bass player's unattended airport luggage. I dedicated a song to someone using my gig poster as toilet paper, and obliterated a $2,500 guitar travelling to London; so just the usual.
You were also signed to Lemon Tree Music; what does this mean for your career over the next 12 months?
Let’s hope lots. They’ve got a great, global view and will be able to help grow my music in ways I just wouldn’t be able to.
I’ll be able to take a breath and step back from the emails and planning and focus more on writing songs and becoming a better musician; might try to learn drums (sorry neighbours).
You'll be playing New Year's Eve at The Rosemount Hotel; what have you got planned for this show?
Well, Riley Pearce tunes aren’t usually associated with NYE parties, so we’ll be giving everyone a chance to reflect on the ones that got away, their inability to hit their New Year's resolutions or perhaps pick out who they want their New Year's smooch to be with. We might have one dancey song for ya. WATCH OUT!
Will you be making any New Year resolutions?
I want to see more sunsets and maybe sunrises (but let's be real).
If not playing a show, what's your ideal way to spend NYE?
Bunch of friends, clear sky, campfire appreciating everyone's company and how lucky we are.
What are your plans for 2018? Any new music in the works?
I sure hope so. Plan is to do a bunch of writing and recording early and hopefully get an EP out in to the world in the second half of the year.
