In this interview, we chat with Amsterdam based country pop outfit Rivers to discuss their newest project and more.

Full Q&A, links, and a stream of their single Me & Marie below. Scroll down a little further for the lyric video.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

3 years ago, I had written a song which I thought was good enough to share with other people. That’s when I met Korné, our banjo player, and I played some of my songs for him. He then decided to start playing the banjo and that’s how it started. We met other people who were on the same page musically, and one by one more people joined. We’re seven people now.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

I’ve been slightly obsessed with Alison Krauss and Union Station, ever since I heard one of their albums. Kacey Musgraves has been a huge inspiration for me as well, lyrically and melodywise. I must say I still love Mariah Carey’s album Hero, and I think that her music influenced me as well. Not exactly sure in what way though.

Music keeps me going. Playing with the band, who make my songs come alive. I guess that’s what I live for.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I had been playing and writing before, but only in a duo formation. I didn’t have a plan at that time, didn’t really know where to start. This is the first time I have a band, and I am very happy I ran into these awesome people who somehow understand where I want to go to with the songs I write. Also, they are people that I really like.

What was the last song you listened to?

I Could Use A Love Song by Maren Morris.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Vinyl at home because it’s fun, CD’s in the car on the road, MP3’s anywhere anytime.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I prefer Spotify, because it’s one of the first companies that invented this idea of streaming music and let the artists being paid. Even though it’s not much. As a user, I like it because it’s easy and almost everything that I want to listen to is available.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I don’t think we are a pure country band, but we are definitely influenced by it. In the Netherlands, country music is not very cool. It has a bit of an image problem. But when they listen to it, I think most people can relate to it. In a way, I think our music is pretty accesible.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

We are gigging in the Netherlands, our show schedule is on our website (www.wearerivers.nl)

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

For more music on Spotify or Soundcloud, for updates on Facebook, and for visual connection on Instagram. We’re basically everywhere.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

We are releasing a new EP after the summer! Make sure to check our social channels for updates.