Interview with Ænly Guitarist Riggs

July 03, 2020

Interview with Ænly Guitarist Riggs

By Mick Michaels

The Cosmick View: Hello, Riggs and welcome to The Cosmick View Thanks for taking some time to chat with us, it’s greatly appreciated!

CV: So many things can define an artist; their sound, their style, their look...even their attitude. What do you think makes an artist unique, even iconic? Is it something more than just the music?
Riggs: We think as long as you are genuine with your message, you’ll be good! And yes, we believe it’s also more than music because it can help someone out in a time of need.

CV: Is being a "rock star" still a relevant term in today's music industry? Is it something worth aspiring to become especially for a young, up and coming artist?
Riggs: We don’t think it’s really relevant anymore. We think aspiring to become the better version of yourself is way more important. If you concentrate on that, we think you’ll be good!

CV: From your experience, does songwriting tend to define the band or does the band inevitably define the songwriting in your opinion? Meaning, can specific songwriting styles or formulas pigeon hole a band over time, creating limitations or does that particular style create a level of freedom and uniqueness?
Riggs: That can definitely create unique ideas and open up new doors to a new way of thinking. Best part of songwriting is there are no holds barred…you can create anything you want and be influenced by one another.

CV: Given that there has been so many major developments and changes over the last several decades, would you consider the music industry to be a viable and stable enough environment for new artists and bands to even attempt to make a successful career, or at any rate, a living, in your opinion?
Riggs: It can be, but the main focus should be that you’re having fun with your ideas. Anything that comes after is definitely a bonus!

CV: How would you describe the difference between an artist who follows trends and one who sets them?
Riggs: Really, it’s a “lone wolf” mentality…you have to find the inspiration within to keep evolving!

CV: Has digital technology made everyone an artist on some level in your opinion? Has such access, from a consumer standpoint, changed the game for more seasoned artists to find and maintain their audience?
Riggs: Everyone is creative in their own way, and if digital technology helped them convey what they want, then we’re all for it! And we see it gets tough for seasoned artists but we also see them evolving into the new age, so it works out in their favor as well!

CV: Can a band truly interact with its fans and still maintain a level of individual privacy without crossing the line and giving up their “personal space” in your opinion?
Riggs: Yes and no. We’re implementing ourselves emotionally into our music, so that takes a barrier of privacy down, but a far as personal lives, we believe that you should be the same on and off stage. The way we are with fans is a portrayal of how we are in our personal lives.

CV: Do you feel music still holds a place in our current culture of social media distancing and instant gratification? Does music still have the same meaning as it once did in our world?
Riggs: We think more than ever now! People need music in order to escape the everyday life! It’s a heart beat that will never stop.

CV: What's one thing being in a Rock band taught you that you feel you would not have learned elsewhere?
Riggs: To be open-hearted with your personal struggles. Being in a band brings out your certain vulnerabilities that you have to address in a musical way…and we absolutely dig it!

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming post COVID-19?
Riggs: Well, we have a new single coming out late June called “Up in Smoke”, after that, we’re planning to hit the venues hard as soon as they open!

CV: Thank you again Riggs for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Riggs: Thank you so much, we enjoyed answering your questions! Take care!!

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.