RILEY DOWNING
BIO
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
START IT OVER (2021)
Start It Over Album Press Release Here
“...like Johnny Cash with a hangover… His brain is abuzz with sounds and ideas, which makes his solo debut a thrill.” - Uncut Magazine
"No matter how well Start It Over fits into the current realities of the world — and it does — Downing’s voice and lyrics will continue speaking for generations to come, and in one way or another, will keep conjuring memories of bygone eras." - No Depression
"...an ode to staying hopeful and appreciating life's happy moments, no matter how small they might be. Alongside the whiskey-soothed lyrical storytelling, there’s a warm, subtle grit to the instrumentation that you can’t help but be allured by. It evokes that same kind of cathartic release as cracking open a beer at the end of a long day – it’s easy, carefree and served with a laidback philosophy of trusting that everything’s gonna be just fine." - Holler
”Riley Downing’s Start It Over harnesses the beauty and power of music.” - The Boot
“The debut solo album from the lynchpin of New Orleans’ The Deslondes is a down-home, dusty triumph…” - Uncut Magazine
"Once you're on board with Downing's elusive, often entrancing vibe, you'll wonder why it took a pandemic for him to hit center stage." 8 out of 10 Stars - Holler
"...the music has that magical dusky glow, as if the recording sessions were being illuminated by candles and Christmas tree lights and fueled by rye whiskey and weed." - Paste Magazine
"Undoubtedly, you’ll be lured in by this project that will have you wondering how it could feel so comforting and familiar on one level and completely refreshing on another." - Glide Magazine
"Start It Over is a remarkably satisfying record that gets better every time you go back to it." - Americana Highways
Press Highlights:
American Songwriter: Feature & “Deep Breath” Video Premiere Here
Holler: New Artist of the Week & “Good To See Ya” Premiere Here
Flood Magazine: “I’m Not Ready” Premiere Here
Rolling Stone Country: “Deep Breath” Music Picks of the Week: March 1st Here
The Boot: “Start It Over” Video Premiere & Feature Here
Holler: 8 out of 10 Star Album Review Here
Holler: Live Session Here
No Depression: Album Review Here
Glide Magazine: Album Review Here
Americana Highways: Album Review Here
The Bluegrass Situation: 5+5 Feature & Playlist Here
Ditty TV: 5 Questions Feature & Live Session Here
Paste Magazine: Album Review Here
Gems On VHS: Session Here