MDM4M - Riley Armstrong

Modern Disciple Magazine for Men (MDM4M), published in Canada

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

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Do you do a lot of those types of events?
We do some three day events, where we really get to know and encourage people.

What is the most memorable reaction to your music?
Just this past fall, I was in a small town, and these fellas showed up with a sign that said "Riley For Prime Minister"! It threw me off, but at the same time, kinda cool. Receiving email after a show is amazing as well. Hearing about lives that have been encouraged and changed is wild.

Do you ever feel the tendency to shy away from raw honesty in writing your lyrics?
No, for the most part, finding the right way to say it is the challenge. Music can go where conversation can't.
The challenge for my next record is to dig in more. To me, songwriting is like a muscle, you get better at it, stronger, hopefully.
The next record is in the works, I've had some time to chill, now I'm preparing some songs for the studio.

Are there any books or music you've been reading that you would recommend?
If you get a chance, read "The Alchemist", translated into English, an inspiring story about a little boy's quest for a treasure. I am also reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost Of Discipleship", slowly trudging through, since it is really dense powerful reading.
Musically, the new Black Eyed Peas, Damien Rice, the new Dashboard, The Eleventh Hour by Jars Of Clay.

Who do you consider a role model?
Spiritually, my mom, who is a pretty amazing lady. She is very supportive
and I am thankful for her - she is definitely at the top of the list.
Musically, I've always liked the way Radiohead surrounds themselves with
creative people. Everything about their projects is such a good fit - the
artwork, music, videos, and website are all parts of the whole. I'm very
fascinated by that.

Any last words?
I will let MDM4M know when the new record is coming out. If anyone's got a hit song, send it my way! I've been really encouraged and reminded by Bonhoeffer's book of the cost of grace. Sometimes we subscribe to the thought that grace is cheap, and that we treat our salvation flippantly.
I like to challenge people close to me and musically that we hold quite a gift. That beautiful gift that God has given us is something to take very seriously and it should show in our actions or something's wrong, and that's what I want to communicate. I want that to fully transform my life, because you will see the difference. Often, I have to say, "Riley, roll up your sleeves." That's been the challenge to me and you'll be hearing about that on the next record, because that's what's happening now.

Thank you for your time.
Thanks for speaking with me - and I'll see y'all on the road real soon. Did I just say y'all?

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