While other students were stressing over exams and homework, The Rions were forming a band that would change their lives irrevocably. After getting their start playing school events, marathons, and more, the group has graduated to live shows and the release of their debut album, Everything Every Single Day. The Rions spoke to NYOTA about their songwriting inspirations, mapping out the story they wanted the album to tell, and their advice for aspiring musicians.

Was music a large part of each of your upbringings? 

It was a large part of specifically Noah’s upbringing I’d say. Both of his parents sing and are/ have been musicians, so he was surrounded by music from day one. Asher was in a guitar ensemble in primary school and Tom joined the school band in primary school too. Apart from my dad having a great taste in music, it wasn’t a real part of my life until Noah’s mom taught me how to play keyboard in year six of primary school.

Forming a band with your friends from school is the plot of a coming-of-age movie, and now it’s your actual lives. What was the first moment that made you all realize you could pursue music professionally? 

I’m not sure if there was a specific moment that solidified a belief of professional success, but I do remember the feeling we had during our first paid gig ever (20 dollars each), which was a backyard party for children with special needs. Seeing how many people smiled and were visibly entertained by us made us realize what we were doing was worth pursuing I think.

What inspires your songwriting, and how has that evolved from your first single, “Sadie,” to now?

We find inspiration in everything, but I think it’s evolved to become more connected to ourselves. Whether it’s about one of us or it’s just something we want to say, I think it’s becoming more deliberate.

Everything Every Single Day is an incredible debut album. How far back did you start writing songs for the project and mapping out the story you wanted the album to tell?

Thank you! The oldest song on there (“Scumbag”) was written in November of 2023, and it kick-started the narrative that would be further explored and written about in the following year. We didn’t map it out until later in the writing process, but I think that’s because we were allowing the album space to reveal itself in a way.

You all worked with Chris Collins on the album. How did he influence the direction, and was it helpful at times to have that outside perspective?

It’s helpful all the time to have an outside perspective. But at the same time it’s like he’s part of the band. His influence and direction is great for keeping us on track, whether it’s reeling in ideas that are too out there, or pushing us to do something we wouldn’t usually.

On the song “Oh How Hard It Is To Be 20,” the lines “Oh, the wrinkles they will come / They will come with age / But it’s proof of a life spent living” stuck out to me. As you all continue to pursue your dreams, are these lyrics almost a mantra for how you want to live?

“…with a smile on its face” is the end of that line haha, so in a way yes I think it is. You’ve got a great ear.

As you tour the album and see your fans’ live reactions to certain songs, have some of the songs on Everything Every Single Day started to resonate with you differently?

Not really, I’ve been in love with this album for so long and it’s just a joy to watch people enjoy the songs we play from it live. It’s beautiful to see how different songs resonate with our fans though. For example “Maybe I’m Just a Freak” and “Cry” seem really emotional for people when we play it, and I love that.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

Make mistakes, commit yourself, if you believe in what you’re doing then that’s all that matters, the rest will follow in time, just enjoy the time as much as you can. 

This story first ran in NYOTA’s Music issue. Read more from the issue here and purchase a print copy here.