Pop Thoughts With Rilan
Rilan has always had a taste for the more edgy side of music and his new single "Blindfolds" definitely nails that. The single is accompanied by a highly visual music video that will leave you wanting more. Rilan has also released other singles and videos in the past, as well as being on the final season of Glee. "Blindfolds", however, is a moment where he isn't holding back, and it works. I have gotten the amazing chance to interview him on the new video, as well as challenges he faces as an artist.
In what ways did Glee help you as an artist and performer?
Glee gave me a social push which put me in a setting that had people looking at me. I was playing such a different character in the show than who I am in real life. I had to slick back my hair and wear preppy uniforms when in real life that's not really me. I like the more edgy side with ripped jeans and eyeliner. The character was really type A and I wasn't, but fans did end up relating to me. I was the weird one and fans where connecting with me with that which was awesome. It was an amazing show to be a part of. I'm thankful for the opportunity and have made friendships through it too.
I noticed a different and more edgy look in your new "Blindfolds" music video compared to your past videos with "Hotel" and "Chemical". The overall visuals in "Blindfolds" are more intense as well, which look great. What motivated you to go that direction with the video?
"Chemical" was actually my first video and was a demo. That video was mostly black and white, which I like a lot and that was where I felt most comfortable. I figured that there is no male in the music industry really going balls to the wall. I had looked up to Prince, David Bowie, and Madonna when I was younger which is where I also was drawing inspiration. I wanted the video to be a reintroduction to who I am as and artist and to just go for it. I had some of my team wondering where the video was heading and I reassured them that it was weird, but it was going to work out.
What are some challenges you face as an artist that is still getting there music out there to everyone?
Nowadays, music is a different ballgame than it used to be. You used to have to get your name out to a big record label and work with them, but now it is a bit different. Social media plays a huge part in it now. You don't have to chase down a huge record label and spend tons of money doing so, you can simply do it for your own budget and get your name out there with social media. The biggest problem is getting through the trends because I'm not with it. Lounge music is super popular now, with Drake and Rihanna, and that is just not me. I like the aggressive, 80's like music. I have the challenge of making uncool music cool. I could try and produce music to follow the trends but everyone would tell that it's not who I am. I like to maintain integrity with my music. Since I'm not going to follow the trend, I just find myself in an uphill battle sometimes. I have had trouble fitting in my whole life, and getting my music out there is another one of these situations, but I've just learned to go for it.
Any advice to upcoming artists who may be struggling on where they want to go as an artist?
Artists that succeed are artists that are authentic. You have to present yourself honestly and say what you mean. Everyone can see right through it if you're not being honest, especially with social media. Social media is connecting us artists to the fans more than ever before and you have to just be you and to be passionate on what you're doing.
Any guilty pleasures of people you follow on social media?
I love to follow thefatjewish on Instagram. The memes that he produces are hilarious! I often like to occasionally look up on Kylie Jenner's Instagram feed to see what all my friends that I actually follow are mimicking.
Rilan is offering everyone a life lesson on to just be who they want to be. You don't need to worry about what others may think, you just need to be honest to yourself and to just go for it.
A huge thanks to Rilan for taking the time to talk to me and be sure to check out the full video for "Blindfolds" and prepare to add it to your summer playlist.
Follow @iamrilan
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