Latest Song Furthers His Formula of Connecting with His Alabama Roots Through Music and Experiencing the World Through His Love of Hunting and the Outdoors
Written by Matt Corirossi
Historic world traveler and writer Ibn Battuta was once quoted as, “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” This adventurous advice reflects the vital role of visiting new places and meeting unique people in shaping personal development. People are not meant to surround themselves with the same scenery and interact with the same groups throughout their entire life. By doing so, the possibility of spontaneously encountering an unfamiliar situation diminishes. When individuals know what to expect, they do not challenge themselves or their perceptions. More importantly, they do not experience a wealth of opportunities and observations that they can transfer to others. An individual grows by getting out of their comfort zone and into the uncomfortable. These circumstances require an assessment of the scene, adaptation when needed, and a different utilization of their skills. Additionally, someone’s worldview will change when presented with fresh exchanges. The person will acquire a fuller understanding and empathy for others and a desire to share what they learned. For artists, different scenarios ensure that they have a wide variety of material to ignite their creative spark. Narratives cultivated turns into art that is presented to others. The more frequent the wandering, the more plentiful and complex the resulting output will become.
Jacksonville, Alabama-born and raised country music artist Riley Green has built his musical career through two distinct approaches. For creative inspiration, Green prefers to remain in his home state of Alabama and collaborate with the same tribe of collaborators. He does not feel the pressure to branch out into Nashville and work with the trendiest writers or producers. The extended time together forces each member to get to know each other intensely. The work increasingly feels more personal and autobiographical as Green’s own voice is reflected in the lyrics. Green discussed the benefits of a smaller artistic circle to publication Holler as, “I think one of the best things you can be now is different. I don't think my stuff is better, it’s just that it’s mine. Nobody else can write it because I write it from the little place in Alabama where I grew up. Not being in Nashville is what helped me find my own thing.” However, it is impossible for someone to know what is exclusive to their home area if they do not open themselves up to new terrain. Green frequently travels through his passion for the wilderness and touring. Green is an avid hunter, especially for waterfowl, and his love of duck hunting earned him the nickname of “Duckman”. His two worlds collided as he went duck hunting with fellow country artist Thomas Rhett before they recorded their #1 hit “Half of Me”. Green further described his penchant for roaming to publication Backstage Country as, “My favorite thing about huntin’ in general is goin’ somewhere that you would never go otherwise. That’s the one thing I like about playin’ music, too. I tell my buddies all the time, like we ended up in Silas, Alabama, down at this little hole in the wall bar and riding home, I was like, ‘Man, you know, we would never see half the stuff we see if it wasn’t for me playin’ music.’ And hunting’s the same way.” This balance of security and exploration led to the release of his latest single “Rather Be”. “Rather Be” was released on July 26th via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment and is available now on all major streaming services.
“Rather Be” Cover Art. Photograph Courtesy of Riley Green/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Green grew up in a family that was involved in the music industry and that translated into a love of songwriting and performing. The catalyst to pursue music came from his grandfather, Buford Green. Riley would pass the time by listening to country, bluegrass, and southern gospel with his grandfather and playing the household guitar. This left a significant hold on Riley as he credits Buford as his greatest creative influence and the person who taught him the tools to be a viable artist. Subsequently, he was the reason for his appreciation of classic country and his musical style that is rooted in traditional country sounds.
Green’s first public performances involved his family as Buford turned his great-grandparents’ home into a music hall, the Golden Saw Music Hall. The venue was a mix of entertainment and wildlife admiration as local artists were given the chance to gig among a backdrop of taxidermy every Friday night. Green was included in the roster of regular performers. He perfected a list of cover songs that received an enthusiastic response. His first performance was “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard. Included in the set was his version of the Roy Acuff classics, “Wreck on the Highway” and “Precious Jewel”. These covers would pave the way for him to begin writing his original songs in the future.
As Green was invested in sports during high school, there was never an exact moment where music became a serious profession. He remained in music because he enjoyed it and he appreciated the connections gained through expressing himself. Green challenged himself to write songs that would resonate with his audience, convince them to attend his shows, and encourage them to recite his words back to him. As he achieved success, the crowds became larger and the participation more buoyant.
Green released his debut self-titled EP in 2013. The momentum of that release led to the release of two more EPs Bury Me in Dixie and County Line. As he released the three EPs, Green became known for his constant touring in the Southeast. He built a loyal fan base in the region and produced numerous sold-out shows. Green transferred his desire to remain in contact with his audience in real life to social media, as he was known for his active engagement online. Green’s music video for “Bury Me in Dixie” resonated as it received millions of views. Green also acquired an audience through starring in his own hunting show In the Hunt with Riley Green on DirtRoadTV. The show allows viewers to follow along as Green tracks down various animals in the wilderness. Record labels took notice of Green’s accolades and in 2018, Green announced his record deal with BMLG (Big Machine Label Group Records). This record label was later renamed Nashville Harbor & Records Entertainment in 2024. The record label re-released Green’s previous three EPs along with a new EP Outlaws Like Us.
With the label’s help, Green began a steady supply of releases including his debut album Different ‘Round Here, a live album We’re Out Here: Live, sophomore album Ain’t My Last Rodeo, and latest album Way Out Here. He amassed three Number 1 hits “There Was This Girl”, “Half of Me” with Thomas Rhett, and “Different ‘Round Here” with Luke Combs. Green was honored as the ACM (Academy of Country Music) 2020 New Male Artist of the Year, the 2020 MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT (Country Music Television) “Listen Up Artist”, and selected as one of the CRS (Country Radio Seminar)’s 2020 New Faces. Green is presently experiencing numerous achievements. His current radio single “Damn Good Day to Leave” reached the Top 25 on the country radio charts. His duet with country artist Ella Langley “You Look Like You Love Me” is a viral sensation and reached Number 16 on Billboard’s TikTok Top 50 Chart. Lastly, he released his latest single “Rather Be”.
“Rather Be”, written by Dan Isbell and Randy Montana and produced by Dann Huff, is the ultimate theme song for anyone who has reached the breaking point in a relationship. The blunt lyrics do not mince words by telling an audience exactly how a significant other feels when their romantic interest begins to nag. The stream of consciousness lyrics provides a checklist of better alternatives than the current scenario. Despite the honesty, the overall tone is playful and optimistic with a sense that the tension will eventually subside, and the union will get back on track. Green selected to release this track as he felt that it would be a good sampling of future releases, all scheduled for this year. As a companion visual, Green released a lyric video on his YouTube channel. The lyric video can be found below:
Despite his busy schedule, Green carves enough time for hunting. During his breaks, he can be found hunting on his farm in Jacksonville, Alabama. Recently, he took to social media to show his prized efforts during early morning turkey hunts. Green’s followers eagerly shared their congratulations on a job completed. Outside of his home, while in Nebraska for a tour stop, he went whitetail deer hunting. Hunting and apparel company Realtree documented the experience. The entire video can be found on Realtree’s Facebook page.
Those looking to stay updated on Green’s music can follow him online at rileygreenmusic.com.
Green has perfected the balance of cherishing the distinct characteristics of rural Alabama while recognizing the importance of stepping outside of that to become fully aware of life’s experiences. The result is a viewpoint that consistently is his own while appealing to a fervent base that is far removed from the specific reference. This musical approach continues with his latest release “Rather Be”.