Q&A: Living and Creating Truthfully, Reiley Releases Debut EP ‘brb, having an identity crisis’
THROUGHOUT HIS RISE INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY — Reiley (Rani Peterson) continued to vocalize his dreams, never wavering in his pursuit to become the biggest recording artist in history. Hailing from the Faroe Islands and signing with Atlantic Records, the singer-songwriter has much more in store for the world to see.
Reiley’s creativity and ambition shine through on his debut EP, brb, having an identity crisis. The three-track EP consists of “You,” “Superman,” and “Strange Love.”
Leading off with an upbeat pop atmosphere, Reiley sings about missing someone from his past while at the same time being with someone new. In “Superman,” the singer’s favorite song, he relates to his family and his struggles growing up. With a lively surge in energy, he ends the EP with “Strange Love,” a colorful dance-pop track that will bring you to your feet in seconds.
Although the pandemic halted his original plans for live shows, Reiley continues to find joy in his studio writing music and videos. While talking with Luna, Reiley dropped a hint about his future project and excitement about his next era of music.
Read below to learn more about the pop singer and his debut EP brb, having an identity crisis.
LUNA: Congrats on the release of your debut EP, brb, having an identity crisis! How are you feeling now that the music is out?
REILEY: Thank you so much. I'm super thrilled to have more music out for my fans to listen to. I've wanted to release more music for a long time, so it feels great to put out a three track EP!
LUNA: The pandemic has brought change to a lot of people. How is REILEY the musician, as well as Rani the person, doing during these chaotic times?
REILEY: Honestly, it's hard to distinguish the two at this point. My career bleeds into almost every part of my life, so I don't really consider them separate. But I'm doing well! I was very fortunate that nothing really changed for me; I usually like to hide away in my studio anyway, creating videos and writing. But traveling has definitely been more difficult, so I'm very ready to do more of that again!
LUNA: Has seeing people’s positive reactions to the EP led to any new inspiration in the studio?
REILEY: For sure. I feel like every era inspires the other, so I'm already onto the next and planning exciting stuff!
LUNA: Out of the three songs on the EP, which is your favorite and why?
REILEY: That's hard! I feel like it has to be “Superman.” It was one of the first songs I ever wrote where I felt like I had written something fully authentic. Not just "based on an experience," but actually accurately conveying the story and emotion I experienced during this particular situation.
LUNA: Brb, having an identity crisis intends to show your more vulnerable and authentic self to the world. What advice can you give to listeners who also want to live their lives more truthfully?
REILEY: A quick guide to truthfulness is, well, to speak the truth and be honest with yourself and others. Beautiful things happen when we share vulnerable sides of ourselves to others (and to ourselves).
LUNA: Out of everything else, what is one thing you want others to take away from your music?
REILEY: Well, my music spans wide, so it would be hard to pick only one thing to say. But take “Superman” for example. I hope that people can perhaps see themselves in my music and find comfort in a shared experience (or struggle). Not that music always has to be that deep — I would also love for people to just casually enjoy my music.
LUNA: Since your debut single, “Let It Ring,” was released earlier last year, what has been your favorite experience or memory?
REILEY: I would probably have said performing the songs, but due to pandemic reasons, I have not been able to yet. So maybe the music video shoots. Music videos are my other burning passion, so those days have been super inspiring.
LUNA: What is one song from your childhood that continues to inspire your creative vision?
REILEY: “Fireflies” by Owl City is my all-time favorite. I love how poppy and colorful it is. I feel like it would still be relevant had it come out today.
LUNA: In 10 years (music-related or not), what is one thing you hope to accomplish?
REILEY: I hope to continue to do what inspires me every day. I hope I have the same drive and spirit. Knowing myself, I predict that in 10 years time, I will have a joint feeling of accomplishment and hunger for more.
LUNA: Looking towards the future, are there any spoilers you can give to your listeners about what they can expect next? Music? Collabs? Tour?
REILEY: Sample from 2001. I'll leave it at that.
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