Riley Clemmons Finds Her Voice: “Stand by What You Believe”

Riley Clemmons stepped into the spotlight young, her life unfolding before many eyes. At 18, she walked her first red carpet; by 19, she had released her debut album. Now, at 24, she’s still singing about her love for God, but with a renewed perspective and a fresh sound. Last year, she released her third album, Church Pew, a project born from deep struggle and reflection.

Growing up in Nashville, surrounded by the music industry, Clemmons knew she was on a unique path. But it wasn’t without challenges. “I’ve grown up in front of many eyeballs,” she shared. “And it’s been quite the evolution. I’m 24 years old—very different from 18.”

Clemmons’ journey has seen its share of success. Her 2019 hit, “Fighting for Me,” has been streamed over 160 million times and earned an RIAA Gold Certification. In 2021, she was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. Yet, despite these accolades, Clemmons found herself at a crossroads, burned out and questioning her purpose.

“I hit a place of burnout,” she confessed. “The lowest point was realizing that my entire sense of self and worth was tied to success.” Then she stepped back, dedicating nearly a year to reconnecting with her faith and rediscovering her purpose. The result was Church Pew, a musical reset that reflects her more profound connection with God and her true self.

This journey wasn’t easy. Clemmons has always struggled with anxiety, something that has both hindered and inspired her. “By nature, I am an anxious girl,” she admitted. “But I’ve learned to channel it into something that inspires art and deepens my faith.”

Through it all, Clemmons remains committed to encouraging her fans to grow closer to God. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional in one’s faith journey. “One of the biggest things that I’ve implemented into my own life is finding and scheduling time to be intentional with the Lord,” she said. “Put it in your calendar; getting in the Word and standing by what you believe has changed my world.”

Riley Clemmons has found her voice and, with it, a renewed sense of purpose that she hopes will inspire others to stand firm in their beliefs.