Melvin Riley Jr., The Musical Mastermind of The Billboard Chart Topping Group Ready For The World, Unveils Explosive New Music! 

Melvin Riley Jr.: The Multifaceted Talent of The Billboard Chart Topping Group, Ready For The World Drops Red-Hot New Music, Continuing a Legacy of Chart-Topping Hits!" 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR     

Melvin Riley Jr., the dynamic force behind Ready For The World, wears many hats: Co-Founder, Lead Vocalist, Producer, Multi-Instrumental Musician, and Songwriter. His fingerprints are all over the music industry with a string of Billboard #1 hits and chart-toppers like "Oh Sheila," "Love You Down," "Digital Display," and many more. Recently, I had the electrifying opportunity to dive into his legendary career and discover what fuels his passion for music today. Here's a glimpse into our conversation. 

Hello Melvin, how are you today? I'm fine, how are you?   

Well Melvin, I must say, today has been absolutely fantastic! I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your valuable time. It's truly a privilege to have this opportunity to chat with you. Oh, thank you, I appreciate that. I noticed the guitar in the background. Do you also play music? 

Yes, I am a bass player. Although I am still in the early stages of development, I have sufficient music-reading skills to perform a song. However, since I am still learning, my ears have not yet been trained to pick up a bassline by ear. But that will change soon. OK. I like that. 

Well, thank you, Melvin. So, before we dig further in, where are you from initially, and where are you currently residing? I currently live in both Los Angeles, CA, and Flint Township, MI, so I'm always traveling back and forth between the two coasts. It has been a busy season for me as I am launching my new music and getting everything ready to sizzle. The demand for R&B music is high, which is great news for me and the guys who can still do it; we are still doing it and having fun. 

Definitely! It's lovely to hear you express that view because numerous artists have had a substantial fan base for their music in the past. As time passes, some musicians try to change their style to appeal to younger audiences, even if it doesn't align with their identity. Unfortunately, this transition doesn't always yield positive results for them. They don't want us to be them; they want us to stay true to ourselves. But we, the people of our generation, have been your steadfast supporters, following your career and cherishing your music. We are still here, still alive, and our love for your music remains as strong as ever. We long to hear the music that resonates with us, the music that is uniquely yours. It is incredibly reassuring to know that you understand this. Absolutely! We have to keep pushing forward and keep swinging. I'm actually the lead singer of the original Ready for the World, but now I'm doing my solo stuff, which is amazing. The younger generation is sampling our music, and that's great. They can do their thing, but they should always remember where it all started. I respect the new talent, but I'm here to stay. 

Thank you. Melvin, as a musician and recording artist, sometimes you need to have a particular persona on stage or for marketing purposes, which the label may require. However, this persona may be different from your personal character. So, can you tell me who you are as a person, off-stage? Who is Melvin Riley Junior in real life? Offstage, I am always writing music and songs. I believe that having a great collection of songs is the key to success in the music industry. People want memorable songs that will stand the test of time. This gift of music that God has given me is something I cannot walk away from. That's why I continue to write new songs and lyrics. When I'm not recording music, I live like everyday people. I enjoy fishing, watching movies, golfing, and spending time with my kids. It's important to experience everyday life in order to write about relatable things. My family is also very important to me, and I try to stay close to them. That's my style, my swing! 

Speaking of everyday life experiences, I am a big food enthusiast. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and if my breakfast is not good, it ruins my entire day. (Laughs) My favorite breakfast food is pancakes. What is your favorite breakfast choice in the morning? I have corned beef hash with two eggs “sunny side-up" and sitting on top, like two eyeballs and grits. (laughs) The UK might not know much about grits, but my family was from Mississippi.  

Although many in the UK might not be accustomed to grits, I am. Grits are amazing! Do you prefer them with sugar or without? I like sugar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in my grits. Some people are all sugar and butter, but I like that mixture. 

That's great! I must admit I've never tried sugar and hot sauce in my grits, only sugar and butter. But if you're enjoying your breakfast, that's what matters. Yeah, that's homegrown. I've been in Michigan since I was around two or three years old, but I would travel back and forth to Clarksdale, Mississippi.  

Clarksdale, Mississippi is known for its roots in Blues, rock'n'roll, and the distorted guitar sound. I grew up listening to a lot of blues music, so those Mississippi roots are reflected not only in the food but also in the music. 

Great! Let's go back in time a bit and walk down memory lane. I have a few questions to get to know you personally. When you were a child, what was your favorite childhood toy? I would have to say the “Etch a Sketch.” (Laughs) 

I remember the 'Etch a Sketch'! Those were fun! I know. I was never able to master the "Etch a Sketch" toy, but I used to admire other people who were really good at it and wonder how they did it. Even though it was one of my favorite childhood toys, I have to admit that football was definitely my number one hobby. 

So, what would you say was your favorite teenage movie? I would say, Jaws. Oh, the memories of watching Jaws! I vividly recall sitting on the edge of my seat, one eye open and the other closed, trying to brave through the terrifying scenes. (Laughs) Back in our day, Jaws was the epitome of a thrilling movie, and every kid wanted to see it and loved it.  

It's incredible how a single film could captivate an entire generation like that! Growing up in the late seventies, eighties, and nineties was truly a unique experience for me, just like it was for you, Melvin. The fashion, the movies, and the genuine connections we had with each other were so special because we didn't have the distraction of social media. It was a time when we truly lived in the moment and cherished every interaction. Now, I'm curious to know about your standout memories from your youth. What moments do you hold dear in your heart? What is that one unforgettable memory that sticks with you to this day? Share it with me! Family has always been important to me, and I am grateful for mine. I had the privilege of growing up with not one but two amazing parents who were the epitome of love and support. And let's not forget about my wonderful aunties and uncles, who added even more joy to our family gatherings. Some of my fondest memories revolve around those fish fry’s we used to have, where everyone would come together and enjoy each other's company. The sense of togetherness and unity in those moments is something I hold dear. Having such amazing parents has shaped who I am today, and it's a lesson I try to pass on to my own children. When parents truly invest in their children, it leaves an everlasting impact. 

Oh, that's wonderful. There's nothing like having great memories to go back and reflect on, and having a great, supportive family is even better. Thank you for sharing your cherished memories with me, Melvin. During your childhood, what would you say ignited your passion for music? The girls. (Laughs) 

You know what? Almost every guy I've interviewed has said that girls motivate them to sing. That is hilarious! Yeah. We'll see. For me, I wanted to do anything that would make the girl scream and holler. I was always into sports, and football was my thing. But after football practice, I would go to the talent show tryouts. When I went, I saw a guy singing a song that drove all the girls in the school crazy. That's when I said, "Yeah, that's for me!" (laughs) 

Melvin that’s funny! I never really knew if I had the ability to sing, but I thought, why not give it a shot? I'll just sing along to this track and see what happens. And you know what? It worked! Suddenly, I became popular with the ladies. It's no secret that many artists, especially guys like us, grow up admiring and loving women. So, naturally, our motivation to perform was to make the girls scream and maybe even gather a few phone numbers along the way. 

Absolutely, I'm right there with you on that. The world has truly undergone a radical transformation in that regard. Yet, I'm grateful that there are still men singing songs that uplift, honor, and respect women. It's lovely! So, Melvin, I'm intrigued - being a multi-instrumentalist must be quite the journey. How did it all begin for you? I have never really taken any formal lessons in playing musical instruments. It's one of those things that I have been blessed with naturally from God. Sometimes, you don't necessarily have to receive formal education or training to master a skill. It's amazing how you can innately know what to do. The bass guitar was a huge deal for me back in the 80s, and I became quite skilled at creating that distinct, gritty bass sound. In fact, I wrote most of the basslines you hear in the songs on the "Ready For The World" albums. Coming up with new basslines and playing the bass guitar are my primary passions. I enjoy writing music on the piano, and I can create songs on various instruments, such as bass guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and keyboards. Although not a drummer, I excel at writing and playing music on the instruments, as mentioned earlier. I usually derive inspiration from these instruments when creating my music. 

That's amazing! I'm curious to know when you first discovered your God-given gift and passion for music and decided to take action toward achieving your dream of signing a major deal with Universal MCA. Can you share the steps you took to reach this success?  As a dreamer, I never paid much attention to the process, or steps involved in achieving my goals. I simply desired to pursue them and believed that there was no reason why I couldn't succeed. I listened to many great songs on the radio, but I was confident that the ones I had at home were even better. I wasn't afraid of having a hit record, but I didn't know what to do after that. In those days, we knew that radio stations played records, so we thought about giving our songs to someone at a radio station. Our first step was to approach "The Electrifying Mojo," a popular DJ from Detroit who is still a superstar today. By the grace of God, he played our songs on the radio after we showed up unannounced at his office while he was returning from lunch. At first, he was surprised by our sudden appearance, but he was impressed by our music. He then introduced us to some attorneys, who, in turn, introduced us to a record representative. And that's how it all began. We didn't have a predetermined course of action to follow. We simply went to the source and talked to whoever was playing the records. However, this approach may not be as effective today as it was back then.  

You guys must have been quite young back then, right? It seems like things happened pretty quickly for you guys. We graduated from high school, made a demo tape, and then went to the radio station. At the time, we were turning 18 and 19. The record deal came when we were 19, but I turned 20 shortly after that. Once it got into the hands of "Mojo," things just took off because connections are so powerful. Great products and good relationships are the two elements of success. They have a lot of artists who don't have connections, but they are great artists. When it comes together, it's a beautiful thing. 

Yes, it is. I recall my youth vividly, when my father first introduced me to my faith in the Lord. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a tender young age. Despite facing various challenges in life, I held onto those core values. I made a promise to myself that no matter what obstacles come my way, I will always maintain a strong relationship with the Lord. Of course, there were times during my youth when I had to navigate through typical young experiences. Melvin, as a young man, breaking into the industry and achieving the level of success you have is already a daunting task. Did you establish moral boundaries for yourself before entering the industry? Were there certain lines you vowed never to cross, regardless of the circumstances? Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your values in that environment? Yeah, you know, for me, and I can't speak for a lot of artists because I know they come from various backgrounds. But for me personally, my foundation has always been God and Jesus Christ, so it was not hard for me to maintain my integrity. 

Music's great and all, but it's never been so powerful to me that it would make me do anything for it other than be the best that I can be at it. I've never been on drugs or gone down crazy routes. That's never been me in the first place, but like I said, people's personalities and backgrounds have a lot to do with it. 

Then, when success happens, it can amplify whatever issues they had before. For me, I come from a background of God, Jesus Christ, and church. Some members of my family are either preachers or teachers. That's where I come from. There are a lot of people in my family who also have Ph.D.'s, so I had a lot of expectations of me, even as a child. And I've never strayed away from that ever. I've always been thankful that I'm blessed to make the world sing and dance. 

I don't need to take hazardous routes for success. And to be honest, I don't know where people are these days. They're doing unnecessary things for popularity, but for me, I'm good. I don't need all of that. I don't need that craziness. Just give me great music. That's what I'm doing. I'm creating great music and doing what I do. And I'm not selling out to gain anything in this world that's going to jeopardize my soul. That just ain't happening with Mr. Riley! 

Thank you for sharing that. It's important to address this issue because many individuals have fallen into the trap of prioritizing material gain over their own well-being. It's disheartening to witness someone enter the industry with such enthusiasm, only to lose themselves along the way. Despite their outward appearance of success, their eyes tell a different story - one of silent suffering. It's truly heartbreaking to see their inner turmoil masked by a facade of beauty and wealth. It's really heartbreaking to see that. Yes, unfortunately, social media is highlighting it more, but the history of music is embedded in a lot of riff-raff. It's been around forever, but it's been getting a lot more buzz lately, with everyone talking about it more frequently. 

I couldn't agree more. Now, let's shift our focus to the industry and delve into the incredible band "Ready For The World." The original lineup consisted of talented individuals, including yourself, Melvin Riley Jr., who took the lead on vocals and guitar. We also had Gordon Strozier on guitar and backing vocals, Gregory Potts on keyboards and backing vocals, John Eaton on bass and backing vocals, Gerald Valentine on drums and electronic drums, and Willie Triplett on electronic drums and backing vocals. It's safe to say that most artists from that era and even before were exceptionally skilled musicians, and your band, “Ready For The World,” perfectly exemplifies that. 

Considering the band's size, how did you maintain such a cohesive and harmonious band, and how did you keep the structure and tightness intact? You have to implement a fine system to ensure people attend practice on time. In the past, a fine system was necessary to keep people in line. When you hit people's pockets, it gets their attention. Therefore, if someone embarrasses you, it's going to cost them. That's how we maintained order and discipline in a band. 

I know that's right, Melvin. Now, when it comes to bands, the visual presentation is just as crucial as the music itself. In today's music scene, some artists just hit the stage looking any which way. But what I admire about bands from our generation and earlier is their impeccable style. The coordinated costumes, the synchronized dance moves - everyone was on point. So, who was the mastermind behind your outfit choices? And next, I'm curious about the choreography of the group. Well, in the past, record companies used to offer what was known as artist development, a service that has since become obsolete. Artist development was instrumental in preparing musicians for stardom, teaching them how to present themselves effectively on stage. When you're performing in front of an audience, you should carry yourself accordingly. Unfortunately, since the mid-90s, artist development has declined, influenced by voices suggesting, 'This is how it is in the hood, so we're going to keep it real!'" 

Now, there is an element of "keeping it real" that can be appropriate, but there's also a crucial aspect of teaching your artists how to perform at a higher level for an audience. This was common practice in the seventies, eighties, and nineties. Artists had to not only perform but also embody the essence of being an artist. However, in today's industry landscape, things have changed significantly. It's a different ball game now. You can't solely blame the artists because they may not be aware. 

The shift occurred as record companies began hiring executives who lacked an understanding of the industry's dynamics. This has resulted in a current landscape where some executives are out of touch with the industry's essence. 

While it's not all of them, there are executives who lack this understanding. Every facet of entertainment has its culture, and it's essential to maintain that balance. 

Did you guys design your costumes, or did someone else make them for you? It was a combination, but we had our own style. A guy named Curtis Gibson, who also sewed costumes for New Edition, LeVert, the Temptations, Four Tops, and James Brown, made our outfits too. 

New Edition and Ready For The World both shared the same management at the time, so he would do a lot of our outfits as well. Additionally, we had artist development at the record label that would bring in stylists. In the 80s and 90s, they took that thing seriously. 

Yes, absolutely. And what about the band's dance choreography? What choreography? We can't dance. (laughs). Everyone except for the drummer was moving in your band, Melvin. I saw you guys swaying from side to side in the video. (Laughs) 

Being a dancing group back in those days was definitely the trend, but we were never really great at it. We just kind of went through the motions because nobody could really dance. (Laughs) 

Sometimes, we would make up the steps, and other times, we would have a choreographer from a video come in and "attempt" to work with us. (Laughs) 

Alrighty, Melvin, buckle up because we're about to dive into the wild world of curls. Yep, you guessed it—we're talking Jheri curls. Now, I rocked one of those bad boys back in the day, but let's just say mine didn't quite have that "wow" factor like yours did. I'd stare at myself in the mirror, wondering why I resembled a fluffy black cotton swab, courtesy of my dear old mom's fluffing technique. And don't even get me started on her brush maneuvers that aged me a good few decades—I tell you, I looked like a preteen with grandkids! 

Oh, and the drama didn't end there. Mom had her own juicy secrets when it came to curl maintenance, and she wasn't about to spill the beans. So, there I was, stuck with dry, lackluster curls while everyone else in the band flaunted their fabulous locks. 

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of your Jheri curl. How on earth did you keep it so moist and shiny? Was it some miracle product like World of Curls or Good Fred Oil? Come on, spill the beans—I promise I won't steal your secret sauce! (laughs) That's funny. Well, Willie Triplett's mother was the best Jheri curl stylist in the world. Almost every entertainer who wanted to wear a Jheri Curl would tell you that they tried to get their curls to look like the "Ready For The Worlds" Jheri Curl but couldn't. Miss Triplett had the secret, and we were glad she was the only one with this secret. When she did your hair, it was on the best curl in the world. Miss Triplett was the best, and that's why we had that stigma attached to us. Not only did people enjoy and love our music, but our Jheri curls, too. It was a good gimmick at the time. 

Well, you guys definitely won the best Jheri curl ever contest in my book. So, Melvin, let's talk about your impressive music discography. You released your songs "Tonight" and "Inside Your Love" prior to your third single, "Oh Sheila," which was released when you were nineteen. Can you share a little bit about the success of your prior music? Well, both our songs, "Tonight" and "Inside Your Love," went up the R&B charts. "Oh Sheila" was a pop single that hit four different charts, including pop, R&B, dance, video, and the whole nine. And "Oh Sheila" was the big breakout hit to become a global and worldwide success, not just in America, or not just within the black community, but globally. And then there were "Digital Display" and "Let Me Love You Down," which also were global successes. So, our hits were going up the charts globally, not just in R&B, which was a beautiful thing also. 

Well, congrats again on the group's success. Now, the song, "Oh Seila,” you wrote that, Melvin. How did that come to you? I always start my creative process by choosing the music first, and then I figure out what I want to sing about. It has to be something that I genuinely feel passionate about. When I started writing my hit song "Oh Sheila," it didn't have that name yet. Initially, I considered naming it "Oh Lisa" or "Oh Wendy," but I went through several different options before ultimately choosing "Oh Sheila." The name just seemed to fit better and resonated with me while I was singing. I was only 17 years old at the time.  

Thank you for that backstory, Melvin. Now, in the song 'Oh Sheila,' I want to take a moment to ask you a question. In the lyrics, it says, 'I want to di a di da li, a di a di da li.' I've always wondered what that means, and since I'm speaking to you now, I have the opportunity to hear it straight from you. What does that mean? That's the name of my publishing company, "Diddle D." is the name of my publishing company, but it's also what I sing when I don't have words yet. (Laughs)  

So, it's like a little melody, where I don't know what to say right here. So, I left it in there. I was going to come back and put words in there, but I left it like that so that I could be asked what it meant. I left it in there for that reason.   

Well, It's definitely a standout part. Awesome! What a fun conversation. Now, you also have produced other artists. Can you tell me about that? Yes, I produced for the Capital Records group, "4 By For." Then, there was another group called "Cole Premier." Then, "Sweet Sable," she did a track.   

I have composed music for movie soundtracks, and 'Ready For The World's' music has been sampled by many others. I'm incredibly grateful for all those fantastic opportunities.   

Awesome! Melvin, you certainly have multiple talents indeed. Many people have compared your musical style to the likes of Prince and Morris Day, but have you ever had a chance to meet them? And if you have, what are some of your just beautiful memories? Well, I met Prince at a club called "Tramps" in Beverly Hills, and this was a celebrity club back in the 80s. One night, my bodyguard came to pick me up, and he said we're going to this club, but I had no idea Prince was going to be there. And a few other celebrities were there too. Prince told me to come on over, and we sat down and talked for about 30 minutes, and I was blown away. I didn't realize how much he talked. 

That's hilarious, Melvin! Yeah, he talked more than I did. And you know, that was a memorable moment for me because he was not only on another level with his musical talent but also with his fame status.  

So, it was mind-blowing, and I really appreciated our conversation. The time was right before the "Under The Cherry Moon" Movie. He told me about the movie they were filming, "Under The Cherry Moon"; it was a great conversation, and I'll never forget that. And Morris Day, we text from time to time. Morris Day is a great guy, and I will always cherish him. 

Definitely! Back in the day, the battle of the bands was such a blast. Everything felt so innocent and pure. It was all about having fun and enjoying the music. Those were truly different times. Yes, that's true. Back then, there was a lot of competition because musicians had to be exceptionally skilled in their instruments to earn recognition. Whether it was singing, playing bass guitar, lead guitar, or drums, you had to be really good.  

There was no room for mediocrity because if you weren't talented, you would either be kicked out or ridiculed. However, over the years, the standards for what qualifies as good music have declined, leading to a lot of people lamenting the loss of true music. Real music is like homegrown food; either it's good or it's not.  

Many executives were hired in positions where they lacked the ability to recognize good music or to discover talented artists. Over time, executives with those skills became scarce. However, it is important for A&R personnel to possess not only talent but also a keen eye for spotting promising artists. 

Thank you for sharing that, Melvin. I agree with you on that. You've worked on a documentary. Could you share some intriguing details about it? Yeah. From what I've seen, the documentary is unlike anything I've ever seen. I can't give it away too much, but it's very powerful when you see the people in it and how we, as "Ready For The World" and myself, have influenced other artists; it is mind-blowing. So we're about to shop and see where it goes.  

Great! I hope the UK will be able to view it when it premieres. With all the people involved, it's sure to be excellent. How exciting! Now, Melvin, you decided to pursue a solo career at some point. What was it like to break away from your band and brothers to do a solo project? Did you always want to do it, or were you afraid to do it alone? No, secretly, I was already doing many of the songs by myself in the studio. It was nothing different than before. The song "Love You Down" was done with only me in the studio. I brought in a guy named Gary Spaniola to do the guitar, but the entire instrumentation is just me and the vocals. So, there are a lot of "Ready For The World" songs that are just me. I called it "Ready For The World," but it's just me in the studio. 

Transitioning to a solo career was not just about the music; it was about adapting to a significant change. We lost a crucial figure, Jheryl Busby, the head of the black music division, who had a profound understanding of promoting and marketing music. His departure left a void that was keenly felt in the music that emerged from MCA at that time. 

You could have a great song, but you have to have promotion and marketing for the world to hear it, and at that time, Jheryl Busby was a genius in that area. So, when I had my first solo album, Jheryl Busby left the label and went to Motown. Then, I was stuck putting out a new solo album with a team trying to grow. 

Yes, I hear you. Surviving in the ever-shifting landscape of the music industry is a constant uphill battle, especially when a key figure like Jheryl Busby departs. It's not just a setback; it's a heart-wrenching blow to see a pillar of the team leave, leaving behind a group striving to fill the void. These moments underscore the allure of independence. The freedom to carve your own path becomes increasingly appealing in the face of such trials. 

Speaking of independence, it's a monumental shift, particularly for those of you who came up in an era where labels provided a safety net, handling the logistics while you focused on your music. Gone are the days of relying solely on the backing of a label; now, it's about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. It's about stepping into the spotlight not just as a performer but as a savvy entrepreneur, navigating the complexities of a digital landscape that seems to change by the minute. So, how are you coping with this seismic shift? Well, there are two different ways to look at it. From my perspective, if you have an old and popular catalog, financially, it can be very profitable for you because your records are everywhere, which increases your royalties. However, if you are a new artist that no one has ever heard of, it can be quite challenging in today's climate because everyone can share their music on social media, whether they are good or not. We come from a generation of people who used to buy albums, but now, record sales have significantly decreased. Nevertheless, your streaming can go through the roof with a robust catalog. This is good for artists like me who are songwriters and have hit records. 

In today's changing environment, being on "the road" is pretty much all you have unless you have a massive catalog that is doing well worldwide. And if you do, that's a great thing.   

The big difference is those record sales because record sales to a new artist would be huge, but they don't get that. All they pretty much get is streaming, likes, and views. So you have to cater to today's marketing and work social media.  

You're on there with a zillion other people that scroll all day and look at this, that, and the other, and so you are kind of like a brick in the wall when it comes to social media, but at least there is a format now for independent artists besides having to go through the majors.  

My advice to aspiring artists is simple: focus on creating the best music you possibly can. Let your songs speak for themselves. In this era of social media saturation, quality, and authenticity can still cut through the noise.   

You know, thinking back, my teenage years were all about the thrill of hitting up the record stores at the mall. It was akin to a thrilling treasure hunt for us, except instead of searching for gold, we were on a quest for the latest tunes. Picture this: the Hawthorne Plaza in LA, packed to the brim with eager music connoisseurs, all jostling for a turn at the listening stations like it was the hottest ticket in town. And let me tell you, trying to get a listen in between chatty teenagers and middle-aged folks hogging the stations was like trying to snag the last slice of pizza at a party – fierce competition! 

But seriously, back then, if you missed a song on the radio, it was like being a thirteen-year-old girl missing out on the juiciest gossip – devastating! The only way to redeem yourself was by sprinting to the nearest record store and snagging that album before it vanished into obscurity. Ah, the good old days when the struggle was real, and the reward was a shiny new cassette or vinyl. 

And hey, call me old-fashioned, but sometimes I can't help but wonder if we're missing out on something by going all digital. I mean, sure, streaming is convenient and all, but there's nothing quite like the crackle of a vinyl record or the satisfying click of a cassette tape. Plus, imagine the look on people's faces when they see you bust out a Walkman – instant street cred, am I right? 

So, what if we shook things up a bit and staged a musical rebellion? Picture this: artists worldwide coming together for a town hall meeting, declaring a digital detox, and vowing to release their music exclusively on vinyl and cassette. It'd be like a throwback revolution, a blast from the past that's as funky as a disco ball in the '70s. (Laughs) We were planning to release the EP for this album, but I insisted on putting it out on vinyl. My management agreed, suggesting we stick to vinyl. The only thing is, it will be more of a symbolic gesture because anything released on vinyl will still be available for free on the internet. People have access to stuff I haven't officially released, and I didn't want it to end up on YouTube. 

So, how do you prevent people from duplicating the album and uploading it to YouTube? It's incredibly difficult to stop due to today's technology. That's why I suggested, "Let's just release it on vinyl and position it as something special." Then we'll see how many people are interested in purchasing it. 

However, there's always the risk that it will still end up on YouTube. Our thought process was, let's release the album on vinyl to make a statement. So, if we go through with it, we might not get the best return on investment, but it could be a fun project. As I mentioned, as long as it's accessible on the internet, its longevity might be limited. 

Absolutely! And you know what? On the 45, you can add a couple of singles. But in our generation, we're more accustomed to albums. So, it's nothing new for us. However, I've noticed that the younger crowd is starting to embrace records again. It's like a whole new experience for them, being able to place that needle on the record. It's exciting, right? And it's becoming a trend once more; it's making a comeback. So, it's going to be amazing. Now, let's shift gears and talk about your latest song, Sugar Daddy. I just have a few more questions before we wrap this up. But first, tell me about the project. Who else is involved? What inspired the song? Well, you know, I'll be honest. For the last 25 years, women haven't been portrayed in the greatest light musically. You know, you still have the R&B guys singing about love, but I think we've kind of moved away from cherishing women in the music industry, not personally, I hope, but in high regard.  

'Sugar Daddy' is a clever way of saying, 'Don't worry about it, I've got you.' Because chivalry has never ceased, Sugar Daddy's have been around forever, and it's not going to stop. I put it out there because it's always been there.  

So, I like to sing about things that make people say, 'He said what I was thinking but couldn't say it. But I'm glad he said it because no one else has said it so blatantly.' So, I want to say it because it's already happening.  That's what I did on my first single, "Tonight." So, I say things that are real because somebody is going to say, 'Wow, I can't believe he said that.' 

So, that's the reasoning behind 'Sugar Daddy'—just thinking about what's already going on and celebrating women in a way that I know you don't necessarily need me to, but guess what? If you ever do, I've got you. 

Well, you have a beautiful voice now and you always have so, thank you for sharing with us the backstory of your new music and your remarkable career, Melvin. I am truly grateful. In closing, could you please offer some words of wisdom and encouragement for those who are following in your footsteps and trying to figure out their own path? What advice would you give them? My advice would be to approach music realistically and authentically. Music, in its essence, is spiritual. You can never see a song walk through the door with two legs, so it's evident that there's a spiritual element to it. If you haven't fully understood or experienced this aspect of music, it's okay to be honest and say, "Hey, I enjoy music, but I'll step back and let those who can truly express it do so." On the other hand, if you're an artist who knows you possess the talent, go all out. 

Remember, you never know when that door is going to open or how it's going to open. So, don't give up on what you do if you believe, "Hey, I know I've got what it takes." And if you've distributed your music through every possible channel, keep pushing because you never know who might stumble upon it and think, "Is that artist already signed?" The potential for success and recognition is always there, waiting for you to seize it. 

These days, we have so many outlets that we didn't have back in the '80s. We went through that very narrow, almost impossible door, but now, if somebody catches onto your song, you're in good shape, or at least your music has been heard by more than just you. 

It's important to be honest with yourself when it comes to your music. If you know you've got a talent, make sure to share your music everywhere. However, before sharing, it's important to copyright your music first to protect it from being stolen by less-talented individuals. Once you have done that, share it on platforms like YouTube and other platforms. It's important to remember to create music that you like without worrying too much about following trends. Don't seek validation from others; trust your instincts and create what you believe sounds good. 

Music evolves through innovators and those with an ear who say, "I know this doesn't make sense, but it feels and sounds right." Be authentic with your music. Be authentic with yourself. Your unique voice and perspective are what make your music special, so embrace them with confidence. 

Wow, that was truly incredible. Thank you so much for that amazing conversation. It's an absolute honor and privilege to be speaking with you today. You are a beautiful person. Your Billboard chart-topping hits are just a testament to your incredible talent, and I am proud of every remarkable achievement you've accomplished. 

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt prayers for you. May God continue to bless every endeavor you undertake, guiding you along the path He has set for you. I pray for abundant blessings upon your family, your beautiful family, and for safety and protection during your travels. May you encounter extraordinary individuals who genuinely have your best interests at heart, enriching your life beyond measure. 

Allowing me to have a slice of your time today is truly an honor, and I cannot express enough gratitude for it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this moment with me. It's an absolute privilege to interview you today. And it was a great interview. Thank you for having me and for that prayer; I appreciate that. In Jesus' name, amen. 

You are so welcome. Have a great rest of your day. You too, Gina. Bye.  

 Bye. 

For more information on Melvin Riley, including his latest releases, please visit his IG @ iammelvinriley

End of Interview

All Photos of Melvin Riley are courtesy of Melvin Riley & Never Stop Entertainment