Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiana Alana Lewis
Hi Rhiana Alana , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My earliest memories in life are ones of me singing my heart out in any back yard that my family had. For some reason in every back yard, we also had some kind of porch, or platform that looked like a stage. I would always pretend to be preforming on them. I have always had a deep immense love for music, I honestly think that music chose me. At the age of 13 I taught myself how to play guitar, by writing my own songs. Out of mostly laziness, and never wanting to sound like anyone else, I just kept writing and writing, and refused to learn any one else songs Outside of this one Pearl Jam song, that I played so much everyone hated it. From there I taught myself, piano, bass, percussion, and ukulele. Ive been in SO many different bands from Punk Rock and Death Metal , to country and folk.
When I was based out of L.A it was so hard to be unknown , and book gigs. So I would call up a venue, ask for the whole night, and then book the whole evening myself. I played with many bands that I did this with, some of the most memorable would be “Kunundrum”,”Tremellow” ,”Johnny Got A Lighter”and “Rhiana and the Texans”. I played in so many different projects, but I am now currently a solo artist playing the genre that is very true to my soul, and mind.
I moved to Hawaii several years ago, and was taken on by label ” Indie Union” who is currently recording my 5 song EP. So far we have released two singles. One of the singles ” Dont Wanna Fall” was entered in NPR Tiny Desk contest, and was featured by NPR as a Desk of the day.
Most recently released single is called ” Anxious Attachment Style”, which is a blend of Indie/ Pop/ Chill wave, and I am absolutely in love with it. Currently Ive been touring different Hawaii Islands, But Im so excited that Im actually coming to L.A to play some gigs!
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?
There are many things that are hard about being a musician. Finding a way to be honest and vunverable about what I have experienced has been a challenge in itself. Most of my songs are written in time of extreme emotion, and I find when I share that work I get a little scared. To be so open about things that are happen to me has been so very challenging. But ultimately, I realized that when I share what Ive been through it gives hopes in a multitude of ways. First and foremost, I tend to hear from people that they can relate, and Im like PHEW, Im not alone! But then it also makes me feel like, wow I am so excited that person no longer feels alone. I am so thankful to be able to articulate and process with and for others.
It really is hard to believe that you will make it in this industry , and then behave as such. It is a little de-lu-lu to believe such a that you cane make it big in this industry. But for me, Ive always believed that this was a God given gift, and that it was my destiny. Ive pushed and shoved so much to get where I am today. It is also hard to find solid band mates that commit, and stick with music. I miss so many of my band mates that Ive played with, and its sad to say a lot of them aren’t playing music anymore. So many gave up on their dreams that are SUPER talented people. But I get it, its super hard to push on through this. Ive sacrificed having a family, having relationships, and missed so many important things to pursue music , its not for the faint of heart.
Booking, promoting, merchandise, social media, all of that as a type b artist can be a NIGHTMARE. I have to wear so many hats, and sometimes I feel like Im going out go my mind doing all of it. It is also hard to feel like, you are just pushing so hard to the next thing its hard to relish in any success, as im like “OKAY WHATS NEXT”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently based out of Honolulu, Hawaii, but have been touring and playing music all over the varying islands, and soon will be back in Los Angeles. My voice has widely been compares to that of Amy Winehouse, that is prob what I hear the most often. But aside form sounding like her, my genre is definitely unique. I am OBSESSED with electronic music, but I also play a lot of folk, love to rap, and dance. So my music has blends of a lot of genres. My music has my life poured into it. The most recent song I released, was the most vulnerable ever ever been on public. Im so excited to share my stories. Even as I post on my social media, and share my story, its SO hard. As soon as I post it I want to take it down! But I think this is also part of the healing journey for me, and know that its important to share WHAT Im writing about. So giddy up people!
What matters most to you? Why?
First and foremost the relationship that I have with God is my number one PERIODT. I would never harp on people like ” YOU GOTTA BELIEVE IN GOD!!!”. For me, having this deep relationship with God, has meant everything to me. I find so much hope, peace, love and joy in the love that I feel. It has helped me to heal and work through a lot of the hell on on earth that I have been through. Truly I feel SO blessed that I get to play music! I think of that every day, like… not everyone gets to, and I feel SO blessed to be able to have it literally be pouring out of my soul.
Music matters SO much to me as well. I often say that music is my soul mate. There is not one thing I feel closer to than music. Its a part of me, and Im a part of it. We co-exist in a way that I cant even explain, but to say that without music, I would die.
Family matters to me, I grew up with so many siblings, and we are all super close still. I talk to my sisters almost every day. None of us live close to each other anymore, but my family has this massive group message and we talk every day. Its a really sweet thing to have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://RhianaAlanaLewis.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rhianaalanalewis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT8On7a9qaT7ISa_IjacMlw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ririhawaii/popular-tracks
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hswDYfAOLjUeGlzMIb3xK?si=_q6psKNlRJeKANLVVgYrWg
Image Credits
Ilikea Ferg – Indie Union
