Ep 265: Kristian Riley/Citizen King
In Episode 265, Popko sits down with musician, producer, and former Citizen King member Kristian Riley for a deep dive into a career that spans from ‘90s radio fame to today’s ever-evolving music landscape.
Kristian reflects on his time in Citizen King, the band behind the hit “Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out)” sharing stories from major label bidding wars, life on tour, and the reality of navigating sudden success—and what happens after it fades. He opens up about the pressures that led to the band’s early end, and how that experience shaped his path forward.
From there, the conversation shifts into Kristian’s second act: becoming a producer, mixer, and founder of Yardlights Records, working with artists and building music from the ground up. He also talks about his current band Bandie, their long-awaited debut album Slow Down, and how the creative process has changed in a world driven by content, algorithms, and constant releases.
This episode covers:
The rise (and aftermath) of a ‘90s one-hit wonder
Inside a major label bidding war and recording with legendary producer Eric Valentine
Transitioning from artist to producer and label owner
The reality of making music in the streaming/content era
Why live music and human connection still matter more than ever
It’s an honest, insightful, and sometimes nostalgic look at the music industry—then vs. now—and what it really means to keep creating.
Citizen King – Better Days (And The Bottom Drops Out)
Follow Kristian Riley on Instagram
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