RYL0

Tell us about your new music.

My sound has changed a lot over the years, but I would say that everything I’ve explored falls under the pop umbrella with a huge electronic influence. Right now, my music is very upbeat, energetic, and more in line with dance & hyperpop. But more than genre, I’m inspired by the idea of worldbuilding and letting the music reflect the overall story I want to tell as an artist. For my most recent project, “Last Resort: Beach Club”, I wanted to make something that felt like a mental vacation in the tropics with the love of your life, so that has been my direction as an artist this past year.
*available on Spotify and IG

How did you get started in the music industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I’ve always loved pop and dance music. Growing up, I remember my parents being super impressed with the way I always knew every word to every song on Z100. For many years, I wanted to be this EDM DJ Superstar à la Calvin Harris, but I didn’t seriously consider pursuing a career in pop music until I was in college (about 10 years later).

It wasn’t until Summer 2017 that I felt inspired to start writing. Lorde just dropped Melodrama and Lana released Lust for Life, and I remember opening up my laptop to mess around with Garageband with the intention of writing something really poetic. The first few years of my career were super self-sufficient and totally DIY, but once I started finding a sound that really worked for me within the “hyperpop” scene, things really started to click.

What inspired you to be part OUTLOUD?

When given the opportunity to join OUTLOUD, I felt really proud of myself and also honored to be acknowledged by this huge platform. Having been in LA for so long at this point, of course it’s been a goal of mine to be included on the lineup. I’ve always admired the community OUTLOUD events bring together, in addition to the incredible talent OUTLOUD hosts and uplifts. I love performing in general, but to continue to perform for the wider LGBTQ+ community that has uplifted and spotlighted me throughout these past few years will always be a huge inspiration to me.

How do you want to make an impact through your art?

I want my music to feel like a journey for people. I want each song to feel like its own story, and want every project to feel like an adventure that anyone can experience. I’m a fantasy storyteller at the end of the day, and that’s why I make music in the first place. Of course, it’s extremely important to continue to make space for political messages through art, but I find that my artwork has been most impactful to my fans when it functions as an escape. I want people to listen to my music as a soundtrack for their own imagination, and inspire listeners to be their most free and fluid selves.

Have you faced any challenges or stereotypes as an LGBTQ+ artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

I’m really fortunate to be able to say that I haven’t been particularly impacted by stereotypes or faced many challenges being queer, because I primarily exist in queer spaces. I started my career in LA, and the first show I ever played was a Pride DIY house show. A lot of those first few shows I played were drag shows in Long Beach or parties with queer promoters. Even today, many of the shows I play are integral to the queer, underground culture here in LA. I’ve always been extremely grateful to feel so supported and uplifted by this community.

Can you share a particular moment in your career that you consider a triumph or milestone?

Playing Weho Pride was honestly so triumphant for me because I was playing on San Vicente Blvd., right across the street from the building I used to intern in. I would work the front desk, roll calls, and greet high-profile clients, all while still being in college, having just put out my debut EP in 2019. In those moments, I never felt further from where I wanted to be, and it felt discouraging. Five years later, to play an event that I previously attended with my friends felt like a huge reflection of all of the work I’ve poured into myself and my career as an artist.

How do you think the music industry can better support and represent LGBTQ+ artists?

Honestly, there’s a lot the music industry can do better, but the first thing that comes to mind is pushing for more representation in the Pop space. This even applies to many marginalized identities outside of queerness. As a black queer woman myself, the stereotypical look of Popstar is outdated. I also know many gay pop boys of all backgrounds who would agree with that sentiment too. I think decentralizing proximity to whiteness, skinniness, and western heterosexual sex appeal, in general, would work hand in hand to push for better representation of LGBTQ+ artists in the industry.

Can you describe your creative process when developing new music or albums?

I usually think about the world that the music exists in first, which lends itself well to my creative writing and visual arts background. After that, I like to come up with the title relatively early on to act as a general thesis for the project. Once I establish those guidelines for myself, I like to then figure out what kind of songs need to exist in order to effectively tell the story in my head.

What has been your favorite project or performance so far, and why?

My favorite performance so far was at Elsewhere in Brooklyn for my debut headline show this past March. I was so nervous leading up to the show, and still editing my setlist the day of, but it was by far my most elaborate and detailed set. Typically, my sets range from 20 to30 minutes, but for that show I played 45 minutes straight and made all of the transitions myself. I also designed the stage with a bunch of pool floaties and incorporated some props – it was really awesome especially since everyone was coming up to me afterward to tell me how much they loved the details. I also got to curate the lineup to feature my friends: HYRA, ChiChi, DJ Re:code, and Oppaslayer. It was my first time being able to provide the full RYL0 experience which definitely relies on the more theatrical elements of performing.

What advice would you give to other aspiring LGBTQ+ musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?

A lot of times people get too worried about “making their mark” in the industry before going to a local show and supporting the community around them. My advice would be to try to avoid skipping steps, and support your fellow artists first! Go to your local shows and get involved in the community around you. One thing I observed very early on is that at the end of the day, people really only want to work with their friends. So make friends who make music, work with them, go to their shows, and ride for them all the time. You never know where things may lead.

What are your goals for the future, both in terms of your music career and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community?

As an advocate, I want to continue to build a safe community where people can find comfort and safety within. There is absolutely no room for transphobia, homophobia, or any other form of evil prejudice in the RYL0VE community, so I want to continue to grow and allow more people into the culture I’ve slowly started to build around my music.

What do you want to say to the OUTLOUD and Queer  communities?

Thank you so much for having me and making me feel welcome. Although I’ve lived in LA for the past 7 years, I didn’t really start feeling at home here until I got more involved with the beautiful queer community here & I seriously would not be where I am today without the love, acceptance, and support of this community.

What other LGBTQ+ artists do you want to give a shout out to?

Shoutout to That Kid, Mel 4Ever, Veondre, Madison Rose, Bronze Avery, Michael Medrano, and Bentley Robles