Riley!, an emo trio from South Texas's Rio Grande Valley, spoke to Rock Sound about their debut EP for Pure Noise Records, "To Live And Die In The American South". The record explores their complicated relationship with home, blending love for the region's culture with the frustration and isolation of growing up far from music's mainstream centres. As an openly queer, progressive band from a conservative state, the group has had to build its own sense of community, which has become central to their identity as they grow from a DIY project into one of emo's rising acts.

Members Ryan Bluhm, Kris Gallardo and Izzy Izaguirre discussed how the EP title emerged spontaneously during a tour stop and captured the band's mixed feelings about the Rio Grande Valley. Produced by Phil Odom, the five-track EP addresses isolation, anxiety, grief and the sacrifices tied to pursuing a creative path. The band, who have toured with acts including Hot Mulligan, Arm's Length and Saturdays At Your Place, also reflected on how leaving Texas gave them a deeper appreciation for their home region, and how the alternative music scene has offered an accepting community not always available in their conservative, small-town upbringing.