Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Lynch
Riley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started at 14, after auditioning for The X Factor USA. That was my first experience with the music industry and the pressures that come along with it. As a teenager, I was thrust into public view, which was incredibly exciting but also deeply overwhelming for me. I was still figuring out who I was, not to mention that I had a long and rocky relationship with my mental health ahead of me as well. For years, I felt like I was playing a role that wasn’t truly me—trying to fit the expectations of being a cis, straight teen ‘heartthrob’ when I was grappling with my queer identity. And this was not without personal consequences.
During that time, I started to spiral and turned to substances to cope with my mental health struggles. Fortunately, I got help early, and that was a turning point for me. After treatment, I finally began to explore my identity without boundaries and create music that felt authentic to me for the first time. I’ve always used art as a form of release, and I want my listeners to feel like they’re right there with me, getting it off our chests. I’ve been making music for a decade now, blending genres like rock, pop, and hyper-pop, all while sharing pieces of myself with my audience.
Now, my music reflects my journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It’s gritty, emotional, and vulnerable, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in both a professional and personal sense. Songs like ‘Demons’ and ’sober at the party’ explore themes of inner turmoil and transformation—both I know my listeners can relate to.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been marked by a lot of personal challenges. Early on, after my appearance on The X Factor USA, I was still trying to figure out who I was while dealing with the expectations other people had of me. The disconnect between how others saw me and how I saw myself—especially as I grappled with my queer identity—led to a lot of inner struggle. On top of that, I struggled with my mental health and, for a time, turned to substances as a way to cope. I mention because this is so much more common than any of us would like to admit, and it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. There is no shame in doing so, I promise. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to get help early, but that experience was a major turning point in my life. It forced me to confront a lot of things, including my identity and whether I wanted to live authentically. It hasn’t been easy, but each of these challenges has shaped the person I am and the music I create today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In a general sense, I feel that my music is about breaking the stigma around mental health—there’s so much value in sharing your human experience. Personally, I prefer to do this with strange, punchy sonics combined with blunt, unfiltered lyricism. What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally, from my early days on The X Factor to performing at a gala for the very treatment center that saved my life. What sets me apart is my authenticity—my music is a true reflection of my life journey.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Protect yourself, remember your why, and never be afraid to write about what really matters to you. There is no one else on this planet who can tell your story the way you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cageriot.ffm.to/rileylynch
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileynlynch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileynlynch/
- Twitter: https://x.com/rileynlynch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/rileymusic
