Local Teen Impresses Sir Elton John With Musical Talent

Riley Biederer is, in many regards, a typical high school student. She’s level-headed and friendly and has grades that most of her peers would envy. What sets Biederer apart from classmates though is her talent, not to mention her own Web site to promote that talent.

The teen has humble beginnings with her song writing endeavors beginning at about 12-years-old. Guitar lessons began in December of 2009 and “that’s when it exploded” said her father, Frank. 

Riley produced her own CD with the neighbor’s Mac computer and handed it to her father to promote. The song was heard by Sir Elton John and the family hasn’t looked back.

Influenced by Taylor Swift, Katie Perry, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Paramore, and Sugarland, the singer/songwriter already has two music videos under her belt. Her song genre is country/pop/crossover, according to her facebook page. 

Her Web site boasts that “in less than 15 months, she has attracted the attention of music industry professionals in Nashville and Atlanta and recently completed her first demo recording with Matt Still, a Grammy winning producer who has worked with Elton John, Rod Stewart, Outcast, B.B. King, Fats Domino, Fleetwood Mac, and many others.”

Furthermore, the Web site states that industry producers have indicated that the rising sophomore is “the total package, with strong songwriting ability, a great voice, a fearless stage presence and a ‘look’ that keeps people coming back for more.”

While most teens spent the summer working or hanging out with friends, Biederer was in Nashville with a vocal coach working her way to a record deal. She also met Elton John and his manager Johnny Barbis who gave the teen a stellar review. 

“They think big things are possible for Riley. She plays both acoustic guitar and piano and writes songs that belie her age,” shared her father of the meeting.

Younger brother Parker, 13, is “doing pretty good” regarding his sibling’s fame, noted his father. “He’s had cool opportunities; going places and meeting people,” said Frank.

Speaking on behalf of his wife and Riley’s mom, Tisha Murphy, the father/manager said, “we want her [Riley] to have a normal teenage experience as long as possible” so she remains at West Forsyth, knowing that should her career take off, she will become a student in virtual school or be tutored."

Her dad added: “It’s hard work. There’s a lot of responsibility with weekly guitar and vocal lessons, still writing songs and going to school.”

Although Frank describes himself as “a proud papa who had really good networking skills,” he is not, by profession, a promoter. He is quick to add that he “had very good coaching from a long-time industry veteran” and will hand over the reins of his daughter’s career very soon to Rocket Music, Elton John's production company.

Currently Riley is one of 12 semi-finalists for the Georgia Teen Country Award. Her facebook page encourages voters to visit www.georgia-country.com, click on to the country awards section, and vote for Riley Biederer under the teen singer category. There is a one vote per person limit and voting ends at noon on September 4.

Next month Beiderer is headed to Nashville to work with Liz Rose who has worked with Taylor Swift. She’s also a favorite at Castleberry Ale House and Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta. 

For more information regarding Riley Biederer, including her schedule of appearances click here.