“Strangers”
Written by Riell Phillipos, Catherine Bliemel, Laurel Clouston (RIELL)
Interview by American Songwriter
RIELL is the American Songwriter Spring Breakup Road Ready Talent Contest Promotion winner with her song “Strangers.” American Songwriter caught up with her to get the story behind the song.
How long have you been songwriting?
I have been writing for over 15 years although the first 5 of those I only wrote songs that will never see the light of day.
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Spring Breakup Promotion?
I love everything angsty, bitter, and grungy so a Breakup Promotion is perfect for me.
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Strangers”?
Strangers is about watching somebody you planned your whole future with, live that future with someone else. It’s about watching someone walk in and out of your life – having a huge impact while they were a part of it but that part being fleeting. Breakups are one of the most succinct relationships people can have; it’s like a super condensed, intense version of the majority of non-romantic relationships we experience.
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
I have a final track that recaps the album I just released, Hymns for the Bitter, coming out in the next couple months and then we’ll start testing some new music from the new upcoming album that’s set to release 2026/2027.
What’s one goal you have for your music career in the next year?
I have a show coming up in September in Toronto that I want to sell out. Within the next year, I want to continue playing live with a tour across North America and showcase the album I’m currently working on to as many people as possible.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
I love Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, and Royal & the Serpent’s songwriting. Their lyricism, melody choices, and themes of their work are super captivating and intelligent.
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
Why not? If you have a song you believe in, it’s better to try because you’ll never know what happens otherwise.
Check out the winning song below:
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