RIO – „Awake“ + Exclusive Interview

Hello, thank you for your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!

I am RIO an established artist from Manchester, UK. I Learnt my trade on the Manchester underground music scene in Moss side with (Streetsmart ENT). My first single released in 2010 ‚Narrow Roads‘ (Prod by Bless beats) went on to gain great momentum with Radio 1 and Radio BBC 1xtra DJs – Target, Mista Jam, Annie nightingale, Mary Anne Hobbs, Dj Cameo, Ras Kwame, Twin B & DJ Q all heavily supported me.

Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?

Fast forward to 2020 after a 4 year break, I’m back with my highly anticipate debut album ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’ due for release 25/11 to showcase my story and let people know where I’ve been. Both my latest single releases ‘Ghost’ and ‘Awake’ are taken from the album and can be streamed now on all major platforms.

Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!

I love live instruments in my music

Storytelling is one of my strengths

I performed at Reading and Leeds festival.

I am a family man; I have 2 children (boys).

I featured both Mario Balotelli & Rio Ferdinand in one of my music videos ‘Cant Stop We’

What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?

Street/Smooth I like to present myself in a clean fresh manner always. It is not everyday tracksuits thing. Check out the gallery section on my website rioowyamean.com

Do you have bad habits? A guilty pleasure you can’t seem to quit?

Definitely Smoking, I’m always trying to quit. I can’t lie I love a good two step to Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder.

Beside music, do you have any special talents?

Yes I am actually a very talented footballer. I used to play for Barrow AFC in the conference league, I also represented St Vincent in the U17’s CONCAF qualifiers which was surreal looking back.

Being on stage feels like….!

An out of body experience, there no better feeling than when I’m performing. Hearing the crowd sing your lyrics back to you and chant your name is what motivates me to continue.

Must Have – and No-Go in your Wardrobe! – Favourite Fashion Brand and Fragrance?

Must have – A tracksuit is essentially for everyday antics, it is important for me to feel comfortable when writing or recording in studio or at home. No Go – Although I’m a proud Manc you won’t find a Manchester United/City Shirt in my wardrobe, Chelsea all day every day.

A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls

Who’s your favourite Artist in the UK. Kano, I am big fan of his flow and his originality. Kano is one of only a few artists who has stayed consistent to the UK sound and remained relevant over the years

@rioowyamean