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Exclusive Interview with Robyn and Ryleigh

Robyn and Ryleigh

About Robyn and Ryleigh

Why country music ?
~ Robyn Gillespie: Why not? Country music is one of the most popular genres out there. Personally, I love it because I grew up listening to it. Shania Twain and Dolly Parton rang in my ears everyday as a child and my mom loved these two country ladies! Also, country is what seems to come out when I write and play music. I love it.
~ Ryleigh Gillespie: I am in love with country music. That’s why. I mean I do love all genres of music, but country is my absolute favorite. It is easy listening and there is a song for every mood.

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Robyn: There are several out there already that fit the bill for me, actually. I really love "Just A Fool" by Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera. "When I Get Where I’m Going" by Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley is another one! I also find it adorable when couples sing together like Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert or Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus also did a duet and I love the sound of their voices together, it always sounds cool when family harmonies come in to play.
~ Ryleigh: This is an easy one for me! Keith Urban and Me. Just kidding… but seriously, I would say Keith Urban and Taylor Swift. They both have such a passion for music that it would be an amazing song.

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ Robyn: "Perfect Date" has to be one of my favorite songs on our new album, Robyn & Ryleigh! It’s my favorite song because it’s fun and gets you in the mood to have a good time but also it’s about love!
~ Ryleigh: "Summer Girl" is one of my favorite songs on our new album. Not only is it really fun and upbeat, but I sang lead on the whole song, so it’s especially memorable to me.

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Robyn: It’s funny that you ask. Ryleigh and I were searching for songs from other artists to add to our new album. It was important that they fit in with our overall theme of love and heartbreak. One of the songs we ended up choosing was "This Is Really Happening", which Taylor Swift originally co-wrote. So my answer has to be Taylor because this song of hers fits in so well already.
~ Ryleigh: I would also definitely add Miranda Lambert because I know it would be fun to sing. Her songs are awesome because she tells it like it is and she’s not afraid to get a little down and dirty.

Whisky wine beer or water?
~ Robyn: Recently I’ve been liking Riesling, which is a nice crisp white wine – slightly sweet with hints of fruit. I also like my beer, especially when camping!
~ Ryleigh: Hmm… definitely, apple juice! I’m still under the local drinking age until October 1st!

If you could turn back time to make only one change, what would you change?
~ Robyn: Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. I feel like if one thing were to be changed, then I wouldn’t be where I am today – being lucky enough to work on this amazing career.
~ Ryleigh: I agree with Robyn. I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe that everything happens for a reason.

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ Robyn: I wish they could ask more about the songwriting process, because I’m so passionate about it and it’s very enjoyable to talk about. For me, the process is about writing out my thoughts as they come to mind (without distraction), trusting where I’m going with the idea, and then topping it off with a catchy tune! We have a blog series that covers the entire songwriting process of our new album on RobynandRyleigh.com.
~ Ryleigh: I would also say questions about the songwriting process are great. There have been many, many times when I’ve gotten a phone call from Robyn telling me to go quickly grab a pen and paper and write this down! Then I would write all the lyrics she is reciting down on a piece of paper, and as soon as she got home, we would start singing it and make it into a song.

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ Robyn: Comfy chairs because you’re going to be there for a while. You’ll need food and beverages also, so a nicely stocked fridge is a good thing. A big room full of guitars lining the walls and also a soundproof room where I could go crazy on the drums!
~ Ryleigh: I wish the roof would open up at the recording studio so we could enjoy the sun, but sound-wise, that probably wouldn’t work out! Like Robyn mentioned, we would need big comfy chairs and lots of snacks, but I would add chapstick and Keith Urban sitting next to me.

Johnny or June ?
~ Robyn: June – Girl power!
~ Ryleigh: Johnny – Great voice.

How would you like to spend a day with each other when you were not allowed to make music or to talk about music?
~ Robyn: Camping, quadding, shopping, talking over Starbucks… girl stuff with a bit of country flavour.
~ Ryleigh: I would start the morning off with a hike, then go to Starbucks and get a Refresher. Robyn likes lime and I like berry. Then I would like to go sky diving and then camp wherever we land.

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ Robyn: We’ve had so many memorable days in our musical career, but I think the best one is the first time we heard our song, "You Ma-Make Me Stutter", on the radio. We both freaked out, cried, and cheered. The entire moment was captured on video and you can find it on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/robynandryleigh). 
~ Ryleigh: That is a really tough choice, but I’d have to say hearing one of our original songs recorded for the first time. I cried. It was the most amazing experience, and then hearing our song on the radio – as Robyn mentioned – I cried again!!

Robyn and Ryleigh country band

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