Co-founder, lead vocalist, chief songwriter and musician of multi-platinum, Grammy Award nominated R&B band, Ready For The World, Melvin Riley, Jr., has already blessed the masses with four classic group efforts; Ready for the World, Long Time Coming, Ruff ‘n’ Ready and Straight Down to Business, as well as a pair of equally impressive solo bodies of work; ’94’s Ghetto Love and Bedroom Stories in 2000… now nearly 40 long years – still – in the game, and Riley continues to craft memorable words, infectious grooves & catchy melodies that are predestined to stand the test of time. We caught up with the hitmaker to talk about his long history, new music and much more. Read all about it in our Melvin Riley interview.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this latest composition, “Talkin In My Sleep” — Tell me about this particular song; how did it come to fruition?
Melvin Riley: “Talkin In My Sleep” is about a man that has many life issues on his mind. The woman he is with has noticed his secrets from him talking in his sleep.
The song came about from an idea I had of someone talking in their sleep, and revealing themselves through talking in their sleep. I thought that it would be crazy to tell on yourself through sleep talking rather than sleep walking.
Parlé Mag: Can you also speak on your previous single, “You Complete Me”…
Melvin Riley: “You Complete Me” came about when I heard Jimmy Juarez play a track he had done using a Minnie Riperton sample called “Inside My Love.” I rode around with it, and thought that the phrase was catchy and fit the track. I went back in the studio and laced the track with the vocals and hooks. I was always a big fan of Minnie Riperton, and it inspired me just hearing her voice on the track.
Parlé Mag: How does “You Complete Me” compare to previous Melvin Riley / Ready For The World selections?
Melvin Riley: I usually do most of the music and vocals on all of Ready for the World music catalog and Melvin Riley music, and recording someone else’s musical perspective was different for me; It worked out great.
Parlé Mag: “Talkin In My Sleep” and “You Complete Me” follow on the heels of both “Rock Star” and “Sugar Daddy” — Talk to me a lil bit ‘bout these two entries…
Melvin Riley: Independently, I want to release the many vibes and styles of music that is in me. I am not just one style of music, and “Rock Star” and “Sugar Daddy” are expressions of what’s in me. “Sugar Daddy” is about what’s really going on in today’s dating, and I wanted to say what others can’t say. “Rock Star” is my wild side, as (an) older man who finds talent in a woman in more ways than one.
Parlé Mag: Does this in any way signify that a full length solo project is in the works?
Melvin Riley: Not sure if a full album release is in the immediate plans, but if the right marketing engine propels it it would make sense.
Parlé Mag: Also, why such a long break in between record releases?
Melvin Riley: I think when you are independent you take your time and release when the timing fits. Music is already ready to go, just timing it right is essential.
Parlé Mag: In addition, and just in time for the holiday(s), you unveiled “Nothing This Christmas” — What does December 25th mean both to and for you?
Melvin Riley: Christmas is a very special time for me, as this was my Mother’s favorite time of year. She always wanted me to (sing) a Christmas song, so this was a tribute to my Mother. Christmas brings family together in ways other events don’t.
Parlé Mag: Now as a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw inspiration from?
Melvin Riley: I usually draw my inspiration from the hooks that are already in my head. I create a hook and write to (it). I create the story that relates to the hook. Hooks come from everyday real life.
Parlé Mag: That said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
Melvin Riley: I think my style of music comes from all the influences I grew up listening to; from Blues, Rock, R&B, and whatever feel good music.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Melvin Riley: I want people to put it into their system of music perspective, as well as open their ears and minds to whatever sounds good. I want people to experience musical bliss!
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Melvin Riley: George Clinton because his approach to music comes from a place of theatrics and musical spirit, which is how I like to approach music. Not just a song, but a theatrical movement as well.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Melvin Riley: Ford Field because Detroit is where it all started, with The Electrifying Mojo putting us on the radio.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
Melvin Riley: I think that music has taken a more home schooled approach to music, which creates different lanes of music today. I think R&B needs more writing from the older writers to put more classic meaning to lyrics into today’s R&B.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Melvin Riley: Great music, like great food, keeps you in business. Good product should live forever, and that is the key to longevity in music.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Melvin Riley: I have owned my own Transportation Company, Champion Breeding AKC Kennels company, Record Company, Bachelor’s Degree Magna Cum Laude in Liberal Arts Degree, Father, Mentor, and a host of many other accomplishments in my life. I’m what they call chillin’ and putting out music.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Melvin Riley: Just being in the major music industry, and people hearing my music on a major scale is my biggest career moment!
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Melvin Riley: My favorite part is crowd reaction, both live and social media contact. Least favorite would be not performing live for months at a time.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Melvin Riley: Learn the business of music, and surround yourself with people that really know the music business and that can help teach you.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Melvin Riley: I am pretty much doing what I plan on doing in 10 years, but I plan on developing real talent for the future.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Melvin?
Melvin Riley: Road shows, starting back 2025 having fun!
Parlé Mag: Lastly, RFTW are responsible for so many classics; “Tonight,” “Deep Inside Your Love,” “Oh Sheila,” “Digital Display,” “Love You Down,” “Gently,” “Straight Down to Business” and “Can He Do It (Like This, Can He Do It Like That)” — Do you have a personal fave when it comes to performing live? And, why?
Melvin Riley: “In My Room” is my favorite Ready song; I love to perform it because it is the basis of many RFTW songs. It hits the areas of my gift.
Parlé Mag: You also still do shows as Ready for the World — who currently makes up the band these days? And, what are the chances of a full on RFTW reunion; whether on wax or stage?
Melvin Riley: I have the original bass player, John Eaton, who tours with me. Fans want to see the original lead singer, and that’s what I give them. No reunion in the works.
Parlé Mag: Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Melvin Riley: Thank you for having me…please follow me on: IAMMELVINRILEY ON INSTAGRAM, AND MELVIN RILEY ON FACEBOOK.
Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thoughts for our readers?
Melvin Riley: THANK YOU ALL FOR THE YEARS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT; I’M GONNA KEEP BANGING!
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