Daily Inspiration: Meet Rylie Bourne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylie Bourne

Hi Rylie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a sweet little small town of about 1200 people in central Illinois. My family has always been very musical (my Grandma and Great Grandpa were musicians) and when I was young my Dad was in a bluegrass band. I spent a lot of my childhood tagging along to festivals with my parents and would sing in my bedroom, but was too stubborn to pursue it until later on. After being around music my whole life, I finally started taking guitar lessons at 17. My Dad was very intent on me being able to play for myself if I wanted to be an artist and ultimately write my own songs… which I am very thankful for now. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without him. I started just playing cover songs at local open mics which eventually turned into longer gigs and opening slots while I was in college at SIUe. When I would get some time off of school I would come down to Nashville to try and network and eventually recorded my first album at 21 years old. The plan was always to move to Nashville as soon as college was over and that’s what I did! I attended a short hands-on music program when I moved here which is sadly no longer a thing. It was called Segue61 and that’s how I met my duo partner and friend, Damon Atkins. We created the duo, LoneHollow, which is where I put all of my time and energy on and off the road for over 6 years. Last year though, I decided it was time for me to stop traveling for awhile and really focus on songwriting again. I don’t want to say I was necessarily “lost” as an artist but I was losing some of my spark – which can definitely happen in this city. So, I’ve spent the last almost year and a half now just writing as much as I can and some pretty incredible things have happened from trusting my gut and making that shift, although it was hard. I’m also planning a wedding right now and it really has been a much needed season of change and rediscovery for me. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth, haha. I moved here when I was 22. I think when you’re young you’re just hopeful and can get a bit ahead of yourself when it comes to your dreams… or at least I did. There were a few times I walked through the first door that opened or felt excited about some of the connections I made that ended up fizzling out over time. It’s just part of the process and this industry can be a massive reality check. You have to grow and pivot, write better songs and learn to take criticism on the chin, be PATIENT, etc. I think a lot of opportunities that I’ve had recently I wouldn’t have been ready for when I was younger. I wouldn’t trade the lessons that got me here for anything.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am country a singer/songwriter and background vocalist, but I have a wide variety of influences and listen to all kinds of music. I’ve always wanted to be known for having a distinct voice and I hope that I am. I’m not the loudest in the room, but I do have my own vibe and interpretation I can bring to a write or a performance and I’ve learned that’s really all that matters. I didn’t study music theory, so I just trust and rely on my ear and I do think that ability sets me apart. I have to give credit to bluegrass for some of that as it will always be a part of me. I love singing harmony both live and in the studio for other artists and that’s another thing I’ve been able to do a lot more of recently! At this point I’m most proud of myself for not giving up. “I’m too far in to turn around.” IYKYK.

Last September I released my latest single ‘simpleton’ about my hometown. Writing that song changed the way I viewed songwriting. Whatever that feeling was that’s now what I am chasing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryliebourne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryliebournemusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryliebournemusic