Underground Interview with Su Rios

Su Rios was born and raised in the Harbor Area of South Los Angeles better known as the “Heart of the Harbor.” His contemporary Christian music has been likened to some of his greatest influences such as Casting Crowns, Brandon Heath, Sanctus Real, and Ryan Stevenson. His birth name is Richard Rios. His Artist’s name “Su Rios” originated from John 7:38, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” In essence, the rivers of living water that flow out of Him in a song are God’s rivers. Hence, the Spanish phrase for ‘Your Rivers’ is ‘Su Rios.’

 

Su Rios grew up listening to Motown music and later enjoyed country music. He began writing his music in 2002. He recorded his first single, “Sit with My Lord” in 2006. It was released by CDBABY on February 2, 2014. Su Rios’s discography consists of three studio albums, one single, and 12 music videos. As of August 8, 2022, Su Rios has been submitted to every Digital Distribution Partners Worldwide for Downloads and Streaming.

 

Su Rios released his debut studio album ‘Sit With My Lord’ in August 2019. Its top tracks on Spotify at current are ‘Sit With My Lord, Your Love, Great And Mighty, On Eagles Wings, and The Glory Of God.’ His second studio album, ‘She Is My Mama’ was released six months later in February 2020. Its top tracks on Spotify are ‘Muddy Waters and They Tell Me.’ In November 2020, the same year, Su Rios released his third album ‘Majesty.’ Its top tracks on Spotify are, I’ll Fear No Evil and You Love Me.’ The song ‘I Wonder’ on the same album is currently spinning on MODY FM Radio.

 

Su Rios is unique as opposed to his counterparts as a Christian music artist. Unlike his musical colleagues, Su Rios does not seek to be in the limelight. His commendable service to the Lord as both a Pastor and Christian music artist and conviction compels him to remain out of the public eye so the Lord Jesus Christ can receive all the glory. Su Rios donates 100% of all royalties to F.A.C.T. a nonprofit corporation that addresses the needs of the community’s youth.

 

Triple Seven Recording Engineer Pariecee Mcgriff said Su Rios’s music was ‘Timeless music that would never go out of style.’ The President of No Shame Records Label, Mark Cross said, ‘Su Rios’s music was very tasty.’ Su Rios is currently working on his next album and is very optimistic about going back into the recording studio.  

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZd3icd2Cc0&list=OLAK5uy_mW8ckLX_8V6Kqzfbes9P1pX9r-uNCn0CU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuahG8HGx3A&list=OLAK5uy_kDmYuYeqxzSz4LO8F9LP2TVKwi9WNprVU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN_kfWxItks&list=OLAK5uy_kTPmpKw281c60NO48ldCPtuOSXcLsK55M
https://open.spotify.com/user/kpu9sh6fpm14ola9q87rhke1p
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082902143550
https://truthsocial.com/@revrichrios
https://parler.com/Livinghistruth
https://twitter.com/livinghistruthhttps://www.instagram.com/livinghistruth/

 

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

The genre which best describes my music is Christian/Gospel. My sound would best be described as a cross between Motown and Country with a touch of Blues.

 

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

Yes, the Bible says in John 7:38, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” In essence, the rivers of living water that flow out of me in song are God’s rivers. Hence, the Spanish phrase for ‘Your Rivers’ is ‘Su Rios.’

 

What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?

My greatest musical influence and inspiration was my mother. She was an amazing Mariachi singer. She was signed by RCA Records in 1962. I remember watching her sing live on TV at an early age. However, her recording career never came to fruition due to a severe auto accident.

 

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

I am currently working on an EP but may record a full album which is still another option I am considering. I am very optimistic about going back into the recording studio.

 

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

My goal in the music industry is to reach the world that needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through my music. My hope is that it will minister to their souls, bring change to their lives, and draw them closer to Christ. My music is not about me. It is about them. It is all about Jesus Christ, the gospel, and actively fulfilling my call through musical evangelism. My plan of action is to continue participating in various platforms such as yours that can make my goals a reality.

 

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

It would have to be “Sit With My Lord” because it has touched so many hearts and has received many positive and encouraging comments.

 

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?

My biggest challenge has been attempting to stay out of the limelight and allow Jesus to shine through my music. The industry demands that an artist tour and make countless appearances in different venues. I prefer to remain in the shadows and allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to work through my music to touch and speak to others as He desires.

 

Whats Your Typical Songwriting Process?

Typically, my songwriting process comes from the spiritual depths of my soul. The place that no one sees but God. Normally, I hear a short phrase in my head, and I start from there. The rest of the lyrics just seem to follow. I then pick up my guitar and create a melody to accompany my lyrics. My music expresses my personal life experiences and how I interact with God which I am sure my listeners can relate to. In short, many of my songs consist of scriptures and biblical stories.

 

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

Social media has profoundly influenced and impacted my career as an artist. It has given independent artists such as myself the anonymity that I desire. It also gives independent upcoming artists like me the exposure required to reach the world without being signed to a record label, requiring a music publisher, and hiring a manager.

 

What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?

David Crowder Band (How He Loves Me), Casting Crowns (Scars), Lauren Daigle (You Say), MercyMe (Imagin), Brandon Heath (Give Me Your Eyes), Sanctus Real (Lead Me), Natalie Grant (Held), Jeremy Camp (Dead Man Walking), and Ryan Stevenson (No Matter What).

 

What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?

I worked as a Draftsman/Designer and Associate Tooling Engineer. I worked for Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles, as a wire list coordinator for our satellites, General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton Connecticut on anti-nuclear submarines, Todd Shipyards in San Pedro, on Patrol Frigates (Destroyer Escorts), and Santa Fe International in Orange, County, designing the mooring systems for offshore drilling vessels both submersible and semi-submersible drilling vessels. Then I got saved earned my Th.D. at SBC ministers fellowship and Bible College and founded Living His Truth International, which I now pastor.

 

Any Advice For Young People Men or Women That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

Yes, first and foremost is to never desire the spotlight, trust in God, and never give up on your dreams and/or goals. Patience will eventually get you where you desire to be and accomplish what you set out to do. There is no place for quitters in the arena of success. Focus on your goal and be content with taking baby steps toward that goal. Allow your failures to be the stepping stones that you build on. Never rush and you will eventually reach your desired destination and accomplish your God-given goal.

 

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

It would be to extend mutual respect, appreciation, and opportunity for the upcoming independent artist as you would the famous artist. Many famous artists in the past had been ignored at the beginning of their careers to the dismay of those that ignored them. They eventually rose to become phenomenal artists regardless of the demeaning statements made about them and the reluctance to give them an opportunity.

 

How Do You Feel About Originality?

Originality is vital in the music industry. Without originality, every artist’s music would be redundant at best. It takes a special talent to take something and make it uniquely your very own; something when people hear it, they immediately recognize it as yours.

 

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

Yes, I have been simultaneously pastoring a church and producing Christian music. Although I have a deep love for both, I recognize that my original calling and obligation is to the people on the other side of the pulpit that I stand behind. I am confident that the Holy Spirit will take care of the music side of my calling as He desires. I am not yearning for fame or to be a Christian rock star. My only desire is to be a humble servant of the Lord reaching lost souls with my Holy Spirit-inspired music. Just one more thing. Su Rios’s music can be found, downloaded, streamed, and purchased on all music platforms.