Self-expression is one of the purest gifts you can give yourself and the world. As a man fully and universally woke, Rio Narley expresses himself through creating music that is just as unique as he is. He believes in letting the universe guide you, as you never stop chasing your dreams.
Rio developed a deep passion for music at the young age of 9 and he’s been writing since he was 15. His influence comes from talented musicians such as Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, SAINt JHN, Mac Miller, and Post Malone. Music has always given meaning to his expressive voice. Even when friends and family downplayed his art, Rio drew strength from the words of his grandmother. Her last words to him before she passed away in 2013 were that he was something special and to never give up on his dreams.
“The biggest challenge I faced is accepting who I was and expressing my true self to the world. But I overcame the scarcity of being myself by not caring what others had to say about me. From that point on, I became as organic of a human being as I could be. When times get tough, I convert to writing about it and that’s what keeps me going,” says Rio Narley.
In 2016, Rio started releasing music as part of the duo Soul Surferz at age 20. But when he moved to California with his partner, Rio’s life took a turn. His partner left him to survive on his own in an unfamiliar place and the duo went their separate ways. However, Rio always had his music. He branded himself as a solo artist, creating melodic beats that resemble peace regardless of the narrative.
Within a year of beginning his journey as a solo artist, Rio was gaining lots of attention. Lashantee Evans contacted him through LinkedIn. She recognized him to be the next big original artist in the industry. They started a business relationship that led to Leshantee managing and growing his career in profound ways. As an expressive person, Rio has his sights set on expanding himself as an artist. “I see myself owning my own independent label (Hippie Trip Gang Entertainment [HTG]). I’m also expanding my business horizons in the entertainment industry by going into acting,” says Rio Narley.Rio believes that if you live an authentic life and keep your third eye open, you can see the path unfolding for you. To embrace life, you have to be a truly open-minded individual. He shares his incredible journey on Instagram @rio_narley.