As we kick 2024 out the door and welcome 2025 with open arms, join us for a series of interviews with artists who’ve braved the year’s riffs, breakdowns, and questionable soundchecks. We’re diving into their triumphs, challenges, and everything that kept the music industry alive and kicking. We sat down with Riu of progressive metal act RIOGHAN to hear how they experienced 2024.
Hi there! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. This is a 2024 recap, so let’s start with the most obvious one. How was 2024 for you?
I thought 2023 was awesome but apparently, it just keeps getting better. We have made a whole album, met some incredible people, shot some amazing music videos, and did our first tour. Super grateful for everything that has happened in 2024.
You are releasing a new album in 2025 and have already released two new singles, I’m assuming you spent a lot of time working on the album in 2024. What can you tell fans about it?
While our debut “Different Kinds Of Losses” had 10 stories about loss, “Kept” revolves around 10 different stories of being kept in, by, or from something. Musically “Kept” will lean a bit more towards heavier expression, however, very melodic and has a lot of shallow waters and even pop elements within still.
You also recently had a few shows with progressive metal outfit WHEEL. Was there anything memorable that happened for you during these shows?
It was so heartwarming to see how we had existing fans in every city, and after every show, we got so many new ones too! It was so nice to talk with everyone after the show and hear their feedback about the music and the show. This really keeps me going through these winter months.
What were the greatest highlights and biggest challenges for you in 2024?
The greatest highlight will be the hardest to choose but I’ll say it was the autumn tour. I was so excited and also terrified about everything, and in the end, it all cleared up and was such a success. The biggest challenge during the whole year (and my life) has probably been keeping all the schedules as we’ve had so many things going on at the same time!
Other than a new album, what can we expect from RIOGHAN in 2025?
New album, a few more dazzling music videos, and more Rioghan Live! Thanks for the interview!
Interview by Laureline Tilkin
