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Interview – Robyn and Ryleigh

By: Remington Fioraso

Robyn and Ryleigh are a pop/country sister duo from Langley, BC.  In May, they released their single “I Found You” to iTunes. I had the chance to ask them a series of questions, so if you’re like me and wanted to find out more about this up & coming country duo, here’s your chance!

Who are your influences?

Our musical influences have been the same since the beginning .  The Dixie Chicks have inspired us since we were little and then when Miranda came along that was a game changer, she’s true to herself and she doesn’t care what anybody thinks!!! Then Carrie Underwood shot to the top and her powerhouse vocals inspired us to be the best singers we can be .

What, or whom, inspired you to begin pursuing music?

We attended a musical elementary school where they offered ukulele as an in and out of school hobby.  The same school was very involved with musicals and school concerts and at a very young age we were introduced to the stage! Mom and Dad heard us both singing in our rooms one day and suggested we start singing together, it took a little while but we did!

When did you begin working with each other?

Ryleigh and I began singing together when we were really young, around campfires and in local coffee shops, but professionally working together since about 2010.

What is the typical writing process like for you both?

I (Robyn) normally start playing a cool tune or singing some lyrics and Ryleigh usually jumps in with a bright idea on how the song or tune should go! In Nashville it was more like booking a meeting but when you get inside the room you just start writing ! It’s  really cool experience.

What was your first reaction when being signed to Royalty Records?

High Five! (with some happy tears) haha We were both so excited to be signed with Royalty, especially after meeting Rob Smith (president and CEO of Royalty Records) We knew it was going to be a perfect fit.  Signing was the next step in our music careers and we couldn’t be more excited to tell people it was with Royalty!

How has the reception been for “I Found You” so far?

I Found You, as far as we can tell, is very well liked! Unless all of the radio personnel and other people in the music industry are really really good actors, then the consensus is, they love it! Our friends and family love it as well, they all send me snapchats and messages saying, “Guess what I’m listening to?” while blasting our new single. We love it and we’re so glad to know everyone else is liking it as well!

What are you looking forward to the most being back in the studio?

Being able to record these awesome new songs! We are so looking forward to sharing these new tunes, we know people will enjoy at least one of the songs out of the new batch!

Who are your favourite Canadian artists?

We would have to say Shania Twain (obviously), Dean Brody, Aaron Pritchett, Chad Brownlee, Dallas Smith, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Terri Clark, and Tim Hicks. We have a lot of Canadian favourites, and honestly, knowing now how hard these artists have worked. We love them all because we can look up to each and every one of them.

What can you not leave your home without? 

Ryleigh: Franks Red Hot Sauce, Vicks Vapour Rub, Chapstick, phone.

Robyn: Chapstick and Phone. If i’m leaving to go on the road, I would need my baby! (my guitar)

What are your favourite TV shows?

We don’t watch a lot of TV, but we like movies! Ryleigh loves Harry Potter, Transformers and Taken 1,2 and 3! I like the new TV show “The 100” but I also like movies like Moulin Rouge, White Chicks and Ace Ventura!

What is your favourite app?

My (Robyn) favourite app is Runkeeper so I can track my runs and I also use the Starbucks app. Oh and we both love Snapchat and Instagram!

What is your go-to karaoke song?

We have not sang karaoke in so long ! I (Robyn) used to sing a lot of Pop Singers Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jojo, specifically “Leave (Get Out)” and also lots of Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain!!

What are your favourite things to do in your off-time? 

Spending time with family and friends, working out, spending time outside in the sunshine! Or in the winter as long as there is snowman building or snow donuts on the quad haha. We do lots of fun stuff in our off-time but there’s always music in the back of our minds or playing in the background!

Finally, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?

Thank you to every one who has purchased our single and also thank you to those who come out to our live shows. We love seeing you there! Stay tuned for new music!