Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was born and raised in Napa, California, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Every Saturday morning, my dad would wake my brother and me up with a different record, cassette, or CD, and that was our signal that breakfast was ready. Even after we got home from a drive, I’d stay in the car so he could finish the song and tell me the story behind the artist we were listening to.
That shaped how I listen. I grew up hearing everything, so I never learned to draw lines between genres. I’ll go from screamo to rap to country in the same afternoon, because to me a good song is a good song. That open ear is a big part of how I approach writing and creating music today.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “rian hart”?
A: Right now, my focus is on meeting people where they already are, and that’s social media. I’m sharing my first single through short, honest content, and I’m trying out different ways of shooting content for the song to see what connects. Growth for me is less about being loud and more about being consistent. I’m building one real connection at a time.
To anyone about to discover rian hart: expect something bittersweet. “Good Times” sounds upbeat, but there’s an ache underneath, because that’s how the best memories feel. I blend genres without worrying about the lines, so come in with an open ear. If the song makes you think of your own good times, or the mistakes that came with them, then it did its job.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: My most inspiring artist right now is Emarosa. I’ve followed them for a very long time, and they’ve gone through so many different sounds, from hardcore screamo to post-hardcore to where they are now, which I like to call John Hughes core. It has that 80s nostalgia, the kind of music that puts you in a mood and gives you a warm feeling when you listen. I admire their willingness to risk losing fans to explore new sounds, because that takes real confidence.
As for where I find inspiration, it comes from my own life: the heartbreak, the mistakes, and the good times with my friends. And I never limit myself to one genre, because I grew up hearing everything.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “GOOD TIMES.”?
A: The song tells my story in two parts: a time when I had my heart broken, and a time when I was the one breaking someone else’s. But even through that turmoil, those were some of the best times of my life. I was living in the moment, not worrying about the future, and having, no pun intended, good times with my friends.
It also documents a lot of mistakes I made. But looking back, I wouldn’t trade those moments, because they all shaped who I am today.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Wistful
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “GOOD TIMES”?
A: Yes, a few. The first was getting the notes for the hook just right. It took some time to land on a melody that felt right. On top of that, it was the first song I’ve released on my own, and the first time I sang on my own track, so the whole process was a little nerve-racking.
But I’m glad I pushed through it. Getting past that first hurdle made the next songs feel more doable.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I make music because I have things I want to say, and my hope is that they feel relatable to whoever’s listening. The message is that life is hard, but it’s also beautiful and a gift, so let’s sing the lyrics and dance together.
As for my goals, I want to grow this as big as it can go. I have more songs in the works, and I can’t wait to share them. The big goal is to do music full time, so I can put everything I have into it
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Post Malone
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: It sounds cliché, but enjoy the journey, and get comfortable with failure. Big goals are great, but set small ones too, and celebrate those wins as they come. They’re what keep you going when the big goal feels far away.
And if you want to do this for a living, understand that it takes both skill and luck. You can’t control the luck, but you can keep putting yourself out there so it has a chance to find you. The only way you’re guaranteed to fail is if you quit.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I’d tell him to stop waiting until he feels ready. For a long time I held back because I was nervous, whether it was putting out my own song or singing on my own track, and the nerves never fully go away. You just do it anyway.
I’d also tell him that the mistakes and the heartbreak aren’t wasted. They end up being the material, and they shaped who I am today. And enjoy the good times while you’re in them, because you’ll look back on them more than you realize.
