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The Sonical.ly PodcastAuthor: Elmo Chong
A podcast where music creators educate music creators. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Riley Clemmons: Honest Confessions from a Christian Pop Voice
Episode 15
Friday, 27 February, 2026
Interview by Elmo ChongOn this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Riley Clemmons opens up about doubt, grief, and the practice of making honest music. We discuss the origin of Broken Prayers, the empathy behind Jesus Cries, the process of building Church Pew in two months with Jeff Pardo & Blessing Offor, and the essential artist advice Riley lives by: “your art is part of you — not all of you.” If you’re a music creator or someone wrestling with faith and creativity, this conversation is for you.0:00 – 1:04 — Opening + TeaserQuick emotional hook: Riley’s moment of questioning faith → show teaser soundbite to hook listeners.1:04 – 3:02 — Welcome & Musical UpbringingIntro, where Riley describes growing up in a music-filled home in Nashville and early influences.3:02 – 5:22 — Finding the ProcessHow she discovered songwriting, combining writing + music, “sponging” in studios, long learning curve.5:22 – 9:01 — Biggest Challenges: Comparison & PressureTalking about signing young, the pressure to repeat success, social media comparison, and staying present.9:01 – 11:01 — Getting Unstuck: Practical TipsWhat she does when blocked — scales, journaling, community, “fill your tank” advice.11:23 – 14:08 — “Broken Prayers” — Origin & VulnerabilityStory behind the breakthrough single, wrestling with faith at 18, invitation to the broken.14:15 – 16:33 — Industry Tradeoffs & Staying TrueThe tension: Christian music as an industry vs. ministry voice; learning to choose honesty over chasing trends.16:59 – 19:13 — Songwriting Growth & ConfidenceHow her process matured (titles, confidence to say yes/no in the room).19:20 – 22:20 — “Jesus Cries” — Empathy of JesusInspiration for the song, John 11:35, grief, and the image of a weeping Savior.22:26 – 25:07 — “Let Them Run Like a River” — Grief & SurrenderOn surrender, grieving, questioning faith, and how emotional release fuels art.26:00 – 27:44 — Fan Impact StoriesPowerful listener responses (e.g., school-shooting story) and why those moments matter.27:50 – 31:07 — “Church Pew” — Concept & Radical WelcomeWhy telling faith through a pew is powerful; the memoir-like, everyday holiness message.31:16 – 35:54 — “Faith Runs Deep” — Sonic Choices & ProductionHow title + collaborators (Jeff Pardo, Blessing Offor) shaped its Motown/gospel feel and production decisions.36:00 – 37:14 — Advice for Aspiring SongwritersCore advice: “Your art is a part of you, not all of you.” Practical, identity-centered guidance.37:22 – 38:17 — What’s Next / Tour & New ProjectRiley teases an upcoming thematic project and tour details.38:28 – 38:42 — Closing / OutroThanks, final encouragement, CTA.
