One of the best things San Diegans get to enjoy during Pride weekend is the plethora of musical acts that the music festival has to offer.
This year the annual San Diego Pride Music Festival in Balboa Park will include multiple stages of entertainment, with more than 200 musicians, bands, comedians and dancers to tempt your entertainment needs. It will also have plenty of shopping opportunities at dozens of vendor booths, an art exhibit, cultural presentations, and, of course, great food!
This year’s music festival is reporting that they are expecting over 40,000 attendees, which means a great time for all.
One of the mainstage acts this year will be the singer/musician Rilan.
A self professed freak and weirdo, Rilan burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 19.
He left his New Orleans home and relocated to sunny Los Angeles with the hopes and dreams that most Hollywood wannabes have. The difference between them and Rilan is that Rilan is actually making it happen.
In his short time here in California, Rilan has worked with some of the most famous musicians and producers and has created quite the name for himself.
He has recorded over a dozen songs working with top producers and songwriters including Dallas Austin (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lady Gaga), Damien Page Lewis (Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyonce) and Justin Warfield (She Wants Revenge).
He will grace the Stonewall Main Stage at the festival Saturday, July 16 at 4:30 p.m. and promises to put on a show that will get the audience revved up and on their feet.
“My music is high energy,” Rilan said. “It’s dance pop with a little darkness and a touch of ‘80s glam rock. Expect a lot of dancing. Expect a performance. I believe in giving you guys intensity. I hope you enjoy.”
One undeniable thing Rilan possesses is passion and heart in his life, music and onstage performance.
“I’m most comfortable on stage,” Rilan confessed. “I love the feeling. I feel like I’m home. When people respond to my music, I feel like I’m on top of the world. It’s a beautiful connection to see someone react to what you are saying, whether they are smiling and laughing or crying with their hearts on their sleeves. I feel understood at that moment, and that’s what I’ve always dreamed about.”
Rilan has an extensive background in live theater, starting in New Orleans when he was five years old. He went on to study many different forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance and has incorporated all of that into his performances.
“I grew up in musical theater,” Rilan said. “My whole childhood was spent on stage. I’m a theater nerd to the core. I used to dream of being on Broadway, of playing my favorite characters, but as I got older I realized that what I truly wanted to do in life was be myself. I wanted to sing what I wanted and how I wanted. I wanted to look like myself. I just wanted to be me. I love theater, but right now my music is my life.”
When asked what motivates the musician when he writes, Rilan says he pulls from the experiences in his own life.
“I think I’m motivated by otherness, Rilan said. “I write about my life. I write about what I have experienced and what I have observed. I’ve always felt like the weird kid growing up. I want my music to make people feel understood, to give people the understanding I never felt I had. I think it’s cool to be different, and I want anyone who listens to my music to know that I think they are cool because of their quirks. Uniqueness is a treasure. We should embrace it.”
Rilan may be focusing more on his music these days instead of theater but in some ways it’s still a part of his songwriting.
“I actually think of my music as a deconstructed musical,” Rilan admitted. “I’m very visual. I see sets and props and costumes and choreography when I write. I like to create a world in which my music lives, to which I can invite you whenever you listen to my songs or see my show. Reality is so boring. Living in my own fantasy is so much better, especially if you guys will join me there.”
Rilan’s passion for music and for making people feel understood comes from his many years of feeling like the outsider. He’s doesn’t shy away from tough and heavy subjects and has a strong stance on the world’s war with bullying. Rilan is hopeful that he can help with that fight by sharing his music.
“I love getting heavy,” Rilan said. “The war against bullying is a long and difficult battle, but it’s incredibly important for the happiness of our generation and those to come. Like I said, I grew up believing I was an outsider. I was called a freak for how I dressed and for participating in the arts. For some reason, being different is seen as a bad thing. As a society we view things we don’t understand as a potential threat. The unknown can be scary, but I like to see it as a beautiful opportunity to learn something new. I think we need to promote the shifting of that paradigm: differences should be celebrated, not feared. I don’t want to look like everyone else. I don’t want to be like everyone else. I want my friends, my family, and my fans to look like the powerful, special, beautiful individuals they truly are. If I can promote individuality through my music, I gladly will.”
Rilan was also active with the Gay-Straight Alliance when he was in high school and it’s an organization that is still near and dear to the performers heart.
“In my high school, we worked closely with Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)”, Rilan added. “It’s a great organization that’s done wonders in making the classroom a safe space for LGBTQ students. School should be a comfortable environment for all no matter you’re sexual orientation, race, religion or any other part of what makes you you.”
Coming to San Diego Pride will mark Rilan’s first trip to America’s Finest City and he is looking forward to exploring the city and Pride. Then it’s back to the studio to finish up some work on his new project.
“Right now I’m in the studio with some incredible producers and writers,” Rilan said. “It’s pretty surreal to work with people I grew up admiring. It’s both intimidating and reassuring to be collaborating with some of pop music’s heavy hitters. More than anything I’m inspired and excited to release some new music soon. All I’ll say is that my heart still beats for the ‘80s, and expect some aggressive bass lines in the future.”
