Interview: Liam Keates-Ryley Chats About His Debut Single, ‘Runnin’

Meanjin/Brisbane-based funk-pop artist Liam Keates-Ryley has unveiled his vibrant debut single ‘RUNNIN’‘ – produced by the artist in his home studio, also shared by Toby Hobart and Julian Munyard. To celebrate the debut single, we caught up with Liam to find find out more about the release and more!

Thanks for talking with AAA Backstage! How do you feel finally having your own release out there?

Thanks so much for having me! Honestly, it’s taken a massive weight off my shoulders. RUNNIN’ is the first full song I’ve written and finished in 5 years. I’m yet to come to the conclusion of why that is the case, but I just knew 2024 was the year for change, and I’m really excited to just get the ball rolling with my musical journey as an artist.

‘RUNNIN’’ has been described as a vibrant uplifting debut single. How do you feel the message embedded in the lyrics holds up against this feel-good soundscape?

I feel as if the lyrics juxtaposed the vibrancy of the instrumental quite well. Not that the lyrics are super down and sad, but I feel the energy of the music kind of takes the themes of commitment and relationships and gives it a bit more of a playful feel behind it. Hopefully, that way people can relate to the themes and interpret them in any way that allows the song to give them happiness.

What kind of non-musical inspirations drive your artistic vision and stage presence?

I’d always had a love for the old school. My parents exposed me to a lot of classic music growing up and I think they really helped me create a passion for the vintage image and sound that I aspire to replicate. I love the 70’s and everything it represents and I try to put elements of those past times into my music whether that’s lyrically or musically.

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You’ve supported the likes of Pacific Avenue, JUNO and Lachie Gill. Who are some cool Aussie acts you’d like on the bill of your first headline show?

I think we’re so lucky in Australia to have so many extremely talented original artists all over the country. I think if I had to name a few acts who I’d love to see perform at one of my shows, it’d definitely be the likes of Lazy Wax, Young Franco, Julian Munyard, Emma Volard or Cosmo’s Midnight.

You’ve expressed an intent to prioritise audience involvement in your music. What part do you feel the community has to play in forming the meaning behind your music?

The music that I’ve written is actually very rarely about experiences that I personally have gone through. I like to write based on little concepts or stories I hear from other people and put it into my own perspective. Without a community of people behind me, it’d be impossible to write. The people that listen to and support my music actually end up being heavily involved in the writing process without them even noticing which is something that I think is really special.  Not only this, but I love the thought of audience interaction without my songs and I really hope that’s something that I can translate into live shows in the near future.

What plans do you have for the next half of the year? Any upcoming shows on the horizon?

I definitely want to release more music this year. These next few songs incorporate a bit more of an electronic feel, so I’m really excited to incorporate that into my pre-existing genre. I’m also planning on getting myself out there and performing as a support act for a few Australian artists with the goal of building a solid fanbase and doing my first headline show at the end of this year or early next year.