We recently had the chance to connect with Rio Thorogood and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Rio, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I am very proud to have performed at the House of Blues as a solo artist not once, but twice this year! It’s such an iconic venue and I’ve met some other talented artists while playing there. I love performing at their Foundation Room’s acoustic happy hour. Its great exposure for me and allows me to showcase the genres of music I play, such as folk and singer-songwriter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rio Thorogood and I am a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. After three years of working as a music blogger and hosting my own radio show, I am now stepping into the spotlight and showcasing my own music. I have been playing gigs in and around the Los Angeles and So-Cal area for almost a year. You can find me on weekends at the iconic Viper Room on the Sunset Strip, or in Anaheim at the House of Blues.
I grew up with a very musical family, my father being a musician himself. He allowed me to explore my creativity and never pushed me into following in his footsteps…it just happened naturally. I have performed with him from the ages of as young as 2 all the way to my late teens.
Initially, I wanted to explore theatre and acting. Every school production from kindergarten to senior year of high school I was in. I even received my BA from the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts. All the while, however, music persisted and I was constantly writing songs, taking voice lessons, and performing at open mics. But I will always and forever be a theatre nerd and yes, I do love CATS the musical no matter what anyone says!
I started releasing my music on SoundCloud about two years ago and more recently on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. My style is very folksy with singer-songwriter vibes. If you see me perform live, you will definitely hear a Linda Kronstadt cover (she’s been my musical idol since I was 10!), some of my originals, and maybe a classic protest song from the 60s. I am very inspired by Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, among many others.
As of now, I’m currently working on releasing a new single at the end of July and a Lady Gaga cover to add to my live shows!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. I have always admired his work ethic and his professionalism. He inspires me every day and my goal is to have the same stamina should I go on tour. Performing shows in all 50 US states in 50 days is a true feat!
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Listening to the Beatles…honestly, it still helps me now. Specifically, my mother’s rendition of “Good Night” off of the White Album. That was my favorite lullaby as a child.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admire artists like Bob Dylan and The Beatles for their activism and writing songs that reflected the times of the 60s. They were more concerned for standing up for what’s right instead of their public image.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m listening to my records while drinking a nice cup of coffee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riothorogood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riothorogood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575503406232
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RioThorogood/featured
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/riothorogood
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riothorogood
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2iGJSZTpiBxVd45GGjwXa5?si=H_kM0uSVTjeCjrP_7GH_Jw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rio-thorogood/1803865148
Image Credits
Kalynn Barnum
Sandra Jamaleddine
