Sioux Falls Musician Evelyn Riley: A Journey Of Passion And Perseverance
Maybe I'll get to that someday. Those are words that many say to themselves. It could be starting a new business, cleaning out the garage or something like sharing your talent with people. The words were on paper, with a few ideas for a melody. Now, it would seem the time was right for Evelyn Riley.
Evelyn grew up on Sioux Falls' west side. She said she always liked music. Amy Grant and Shania Twain were early influences. As she grew older, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. But it wasn't till time away from home while going to school at Belmont University in Nashville, that music took hold in a different therapeutic way.
Evelyn Riley is also a stage name, like I use, JD Collins. She chose Evelyn, a Grandma from East River and Riley, a Grandmother from West River! Most Sioux Falls natives know her better as Brittany Thune-Lindberg
Riley recently stopped by the studios and told me it was a breakup that jump-started her to write some of her feelings down on paper. She mentioned she even had a melody or two to go with those thoughts and feelings. Those ideas, now on paper went into a box. She graduated, went to work and now 10 years later decided to open it up and pursue her musical venture.
She thought, Evelyn Riley you could do this, and she set out, with a plan. She found some talented locals to help with the recording. She created her website. Photos were taken, and the ball started to roll.
Riley recently sent me a copy of her song and asked what I thought. I was impressed. Sometimes people send me a recording off a phone. That doesn't matter. What does matter is, she has her idea and something she's always wanted to do. Sing. Her first song is called Always Love You. I've included a short clip of it here.
If you would like to hear more about Riley you can check out her website here or Instagram @evelynrileyofficial. If you like what you see and hear, make sure you share what you like with your friends.
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Gallery Credit: JD Collins-Townsquare Media