REYNA ROBERTS “One Way Street” Video Premiere – with Web-Exclusive Interview

Musician:  REYNA ROBERTS

Video:  “One Way Street”

REYNA ROBERTS “ONE WAY STREET” VIDEO PREMIERE

Reyna Roberts’ distinct vocals are fueled by the passion of her journey and childhood dreams realized, and she carries you along to experience those dreams. She is the daughter of two Army combat engineers, and her songwriting has been inspired by country, rock and pop influences—melded into her own unique sound. Networks have taken notice of Roberts’ catchy hooks. The NFL Network recently used her song “See Me Win” as part of their 2023 Spotlight Series. Her debut single “Stompin’ Grounds” was featured during ESPN’s Monday Night Football throughout the 2020 season.

As an Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist in 2022, member of the 2021 CMT Next Women of Country class, Radio.com Leading Ladies honoree and one of The Boot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, Roberts opened for Reba McEntire and made her first appearances at Stagecoach Festival and CMA Fest. She was recently featured in “The Power of Women in Country Music” exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, and wrote and sang the theme song to Reese Witherspoon’s new series My Kind of Country on Apple TV+.

We are pleased to present “One Way Street,” about unrequited love and one-sided relationships, from her upcoming debut album, Bad Girl Bible: Vol.1 (EMPIRE Nashville). Written by Roberts, Natalie Stovall and Aaron Wagner, it is a strong ballad that showcases Roberts’ powerhouse vocals, defying traditional genre rules.

The singer-songwriter has recently partnered with Amazon Prime, Grammy Museum, CMT, CMA, Amazon Music, Bud Light, Tennessee Titans, Stella Rosa and is partnering with Nashville-based The General Insurance supporting rising artists—collaborating with Epic Records and The General Sound Studio. Besides opening for Reba, she has toured with country artist Jamey Johnson and has performed with Luke Combs.

We talked with Reyna Roberts about the creative influence that drives her music, what inspires her songwriting, and how she continues to make her childhood dreams come true.

REYNA ROBERTS Interview
with M Music & Musicians magazine publisher, Merlin David

Please tell us how the idea of “One Way Street” came to you, Aaron Wagner and Natalie Stovall.
The idea came when I was riding in the passenger seat and I looked up and saw a “one way street” sign. I had just told a friend of mine that I had feelings for him but he didn’t feel the same way. For a year I was getting mixed signals and realized it was a “one-sided love.” When I saw the street sign, I knew it was a perfect way to describe feeling stuck in a situation—feeling everywhere I turn is going to drive me in a direction that isn’t going to have the ending I want.

What one main thing did you learn about yourself after recording the new album Bad Girl Bible: Vol. 1?
I learned that this album wasn’t only about my creativity, it also became about my salvation. I went on a journey from being an outlaw on the run, in love with somebody who is bad for me—to ultimately going through hell, being delivered and finally being saved by God’s grace and prayer by the end of the album. Of course, I didn’t actually go on the run, but I was inspired by Beyoncé’s On the Run tour and Johnny Cash songs—to create that outlaw story and image.

How did this album evolve?
After I wrote the song “Bad Girl Bible,” it became the centerpiece. I wanted to create a musical journey through all the songs that would lead back to that story. I always get a lot of mixed feedback about whether or not my music is country enough, but that’s because of my diverse musical influences. So, when people hear the songs—from “Country Club” all the way through to “Bad Girl Bible” (the song)—they can see my blend of traditional country, outlaw country, country trap and pop country. I truly feel this album defines me as an overall artist.

Is there a song that you are glad squeaked by and made it onto this album?
Definitely! “Don’t Waste a Prayer” is the second to last song, and it’s one of the most important songs to me—and special for so many reasons. I wrote it with Dave Bowman, frontman of his band Leaderdog. I was a huge fan, and listened to their albums from the time I was eight years old. I had a chance to meet Dave when I was in elementary school and remember saying, “I want to work with him when I grow up and become a singer.” So, here we are—16 years later. He drove from Alabama to write this song with me in my garage—just me, Dave and his guitar.

Wow! That’s amazing. And it sounds like this song has even more meaning.
It is also important because I co-produced it. Before even writing the full song, I had notes on how I wanted it to sound and the experience I wanted to create. I was inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and aimed to tell that similar type of story. I also referenced “House of the Rising Sun” and “The Saints Are Coming” (U2 featuring Green Day). I was so excited about it. I made notes to have an old country vinyl skipping at the beginning, and by the end of the song there’s a choir and instruments that coincide with the lyrics as the character has finally made it to heaven. I wanted the music to represent that moment.

Was there a song produced differently that you originally envisioned?
“Death of Me” was originally a little faster and with more movement. But it ended up becoming a sorrowful sounding ballad. Liz Rose, AJ Pruis and I wrote this on a beach in Florida, and when I went into the studio to record the song with producer Taylor Sparks, it became moodier, heavier and had a lot more emotional weight.

Which 5 songwriters continue to influence you?
Lady Gaga, Sia, Adele, Raye, and Chris Stapleton.

What songwriting tip can you offer aspiring songwriters?
Get into circles with other writers so you can expand your network. Also, everyone has their own writing process. You don’t have to use the same methods as other writers. Make sure whatever you’re creating you’ll be proud of 10, 20, 30 years from now.

Which 5 albums did you listen to the most before becoming a musician?
Albums by Chris Stapleton, Beyoncé, Adele, Drake and Sia. I literally have their vinyls at home!

Which song of yours do you continue to include in almost every live show?
I include “Rather Be Wasted” (unreleased song) in almost every live show. It’s a song I wrote in the beginning of my career and it shaped my voice and the way I perform. During live shows, I play it on piano and sing it with every part of my soul.

How did the idea of “Stompin’ Grounds” come to you?
I was inspired by moving around the U.S. with my military family. Both of my parents are Army veterans, and I learned to make every state we lived in my home. Since writing it with Noah Henson, it has been used on ESPN’s Monday Night Football and synced on TV shows.

Tell us about a moment that you are real proud of—and that continues to inspire you.
I’m really proud of my moments on tour. My first tour was with country artist Jamey Johnson, and I also opened for Reba. I’ve dreamt of performing in an arena with people listening to my music, seeing them smile, dance and cry. Experiencing those things in real time was incredibly inspiring. I create music to emotionally move people. So, I can’t wait for the time when I am heading my own arena tour.

Where can new fans get more info and stay updated?
Instagram.com/@thereynaroberts
TikTok.com/@TheReynaRoberts
YouTube.com/@TheReynaRoberts