Riley Armstrong sports a humble 'tude The young singer talks about music, opening for Audio Adrenaline and how God is guiding his career. by Eve Williams   At first glance, his long, blond dreadlocks and funky glasses give the impression that Riley Armstrong is a rocker with an attitude.   Not true. Armstrong is actually a young man whose genuineness comes across in both his music as his personality. Despite suffering from the flu, his warm, soft-spoken nature comes through on the phone from Missouri where he is in the middle of a tour opening for American Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline.   Armstrong was born and raised in Dapp, Alberta (population 32) where his farming father instilled in his family a reverence for family life and serving the Lord. After spending a year in Bible college, Armstrong headed for Vancouver where he worked as the sound engineer for Christian band Hokus Pick.   “I talked them into letting me open their shows, and they thought it was pretty hilarious for their sound guy to be opening for them. But it worked out all right,” the 23 year-old Armstrong says in a typical understatement.   It was more than all right. About two years ago, Armstrong and Hokus Pick made it down to Nashville “where I was hanging out and trying not to look like a tourist,” he says. Mark of Audio Adrenaline was a friend of Rick of Hokus Pick. The two talked about their idea of starting a record company.   Soon thereafter, Flickerrecords.com, an artist-run label by the members of Audio Adrenaline, was born. They remembered Armstrong and invited him to become the first artist on their label.   Riley Armstrong’s self-titled debut features original folk-influenced songs underscored by pop and programmed drum beats. It features a compelling cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Often compared to folk-popster Beck, Armstrong says that his musical influences are numerous and varied.   “I’m a big fan of pop music. I grew up listening to pretty much everything. I really like the Counting Crows, but I also really like hip-hop like PM Dawn and that kind of stuff,” he says.   One of the songs on Armstrong’s album, “The Table” talks about his own family: “The table’s where my father thanked the Lord for providing.” It reminds him of his own spiritual roots. At first he went along with his parents’ beliefs out of respect, honour, and obedience.   “The first time I made a decision for Christ I was around six and in the garden with my mother hoeing,” he recalls.   It was later that he made a full-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ. “I didn’t really make a life changing-decision until my year of Bible College. At that time I took my faith and the things I believe that my parents had instilled in me ... and really believed what I did for my own reasons,” he explains.   Armstrong especially credits God and gives Him the glory for the fact he is on such a high-profile tour, and is eager to use his music and life as a witness to those willing to listen.   “I really don’t think I’m much of a singer, and I have a lot to learn with writing music and I really do feel that I am on a learning curve, but that is why He has had everything to do with me being here, because alone, there is no way I am good enough,” the humble Armstrong says.   “But for some reason God keeps opening doors and I just try to hold on and trust Him and try to not trip as I walk through that door. I look back in hindsight and see just how He has had His hands on my life — it is really overwhelming.”   About his music, Armstrong says “I really like to inspire people to laugh, cry, think, and dance.”   “I pray that my music will be inspiring to others the way other music inspires me and then it might allow the listener to take a step back from life and be thankful for the little things and the little ways God has worked in their lives.” [LLN-Online] [Adopt-a-Block] [Newsbriefs][Event Calendar] [Lifestyles] [Juke Box] [Cover to Cover] [Movieguide][Casting the Net] [Viewpoints] [General Info] [Rates & Sizes][Marketplace/Classifieds] [Volunteer Ops] [Writing Guidelines] [Contact Us] [Subscribe][Archives][Good News] [About Us][Links]