Ziona Riley

Raised on classical and hymnal music, Riley brings a singular harmonic sensibility to her songwriting, balancing beauty and tension, intimacy and clarity. Though firmly rooted in contemporary folk, listeners and critics have drawn comparisons to British folk artists such as Nick Drake and Vashti Bunyan, as well as more offbeat singer songwriters like Connie Converse and Dory Previn.

A frequent Critic’s Pick in the Nashville Scene, Riley has been recognized for her “delicate and precise acoustic folk,” and has shared stages with artists including S.G. Goodman, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Josephine Foster, and Bill Callahan. Her touring history spans DIY runs across the U.S. and Canada, where her understated performances have earned a devoted following.

Her debut EP, Not Too Precious, was self-released in 2019 and named one of the Nashville Scene’s best local releases, described as “a short collection of deeply thoughtful, impactful songs about family and contemporary society.” The record was also included alongside releases by Kyshona Armstrong, Devon Gilfillian, and Soccer Mommy. Produced by Trevor Nikrant (MJ Lenderman, Styrofoam Winos), it was recorded live direct-to-tape in single takes with only voice and acoustic guitar, preserving the immediacy and vulnerability at the core of Riley’s performance style. In July 2026, Riley will re-release newly mastered versions of Not Too Precious with Like You Mean It Records.

Riley’s debut full-length album, Ten New Pens, is forthcoming in 2026. Produced by Austin Hoke (Dolly Parton, Burt Bacharach), featuring contributions from Jim Hoke (NRBQ) and Paul Defiglia (Avett Brothers), and mixed by Joe Pisapia (Ben Folds, k.d. lang), the album expands her work into a fuller sonic landscape while maintaining the intimacy, precision, and narrative focus that define her songwriting.