Pulled up to Rival Den to catch up with Lou Ridley before she hits the stage. We talked about how she stumbled into music, found herself in Nashville, and why she cold DMs artists for collabs. She’s got big dreams, bigger talent, and a solid pre-show ritual (spoiler: no cheese, lots of angels).

Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you ended up in Nashville?

I didn’t really know I could sing until much later in life.. I started pursuing it and ended up in Los Angeles. I had put a song out and my attorney found me on twitter and was like “why the hell are you making country music in LA” and the next thing I knew I lived in Nash

Who were some of your early musical influences growing up?

Celine Dion, prince, Stevie nicks, Dolly Parton. 

What’s your songwriting process like?

I normally start with an emotion. That emotion gives me a line or two that I just grow from Do you have any specific rituals or habits when creating new music? Not specifically other than making sure it’s honest and that I really feel it.

How has living in Nashville impacted your music and career?

Nashville is a special place… I’ve grown exponentially since moving here. 

Can you walk us through your typical pre-show ritual? How do you prepare for a performance?

I do a little rehearsal about an hour before… I avoid cheese and coffee and I talk to all my angels and ask them to sit with me on stage and support me.

What role does cannabis play in your creative process?

I wouldn’t sleep without cannabis to be honest. I am not really someone who writes music high but being able to rest is life changing for the process!

Do you have any favorite venues in Nashville to perform at? What makes them special?

I love the analog! I also enjoy live oak. Bridgestone & Nissan stadium still in the manifestation phase

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of a music career?

Most things can be solved with sleep so anytime I feel overwhelmed I try to take a step back and get some rest. My personal life is my music career to be honest so anyone in it just kinda knows what they’re signing up for.

What’s your approach to collaborating with other artists? Any dream collaborations you’d like to pursue?

Cold DM them, ask them at a bar??? Haha no but if I like an artist I’ll ask whenever the time is right, sometimes they find me and ask me which is awesome. My dreams are Stevie, Gaga, Dolly, Miley!

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career in the next few years?

I’d love a really solid opening spot on a tour, an album, some festivals. Shit if we are being honest I’d love my own tour whatever the universe has for me.

follow Lou @LouRidleyX and listen on your preferred music platform.

Under the neon glow of Jane’s Hideaway, we hung out with the one and only Kitty Coen for a Q&A. From her Texas roots to her love for cannabis-fueled creativity, Kitty chats about her journey, biggest influences, and where she’s headed next.

Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you ended up in Nashville?

I’ve been playing music my whole life, but I really got into it in 2020. I’m originally from Texas so I feel like that’s where I get a lot of my western influences from. Whenever Covid hit I decided to pull the trigger and move to Nashville.

Who were some of your early musical influences growing up?

The chicks, Shania Twain, missy elliot

What’s your songwriting process like? Do you have any specific rituals or habits when creating new music?

My songwriting process is kind of all over the place. It really just happens whenever a melody comes to me.

How has living in Nashville impacted your music and career?

It’s been nothing but beneficial to my music career community. Nashville is so supportive and there are so many avenues to record and play music live that I wasn’t able to access when I lived in Austin.

Can you walk us through your typical pre-show ritual? How do you prepare for a performance?

I like to put on some lana del rey and get ready and then i warm up by voice and sip on a balanced cbd cocktail

What role does cannabis play in your creative process?

I feel like cannabis helps me let go of any uncertainties. I might have an anxiety that I feel about trying new things so I like to add it to my daily routine especially on creative days when I’m dreaming things up.

Do you have any favorite venues in Nashville to perform at? What makes them special?

The analog, it’s sooo underground and gothic. I love the staff 

Any dream collaborations you’d like to pursue?

Bon Iver,  Lana Del Rey, Modest Mouse, and Alt-J.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career in the next few years?

Make it big baby!!!

follow Kitty @kittykoen and listen on your preferred music platform.