He Used to Be a Trash Collector. Now He’s Singing on John Prine’s Label.

Musician Riley Downing reflects on his creative journey and the release of his latest album, *Landfill Poetry*, through John Prine’s label, Oh Boy Records. The conversation traces his transition from working on a rural Missouri trash route to pursuing a full-time music career, a path that mirrors the working-class storytelling found in his songwriting. Downing highlights the influence of John Prine’s legacy on his own work and shares memories of his late friend, musician Luke Bell. Now based in New York City, Downing continues to balance solo acoustic performances with band-led shows, maintaining a grounded approach to his artistry. His music, characterized by its slow, deliberate pacing and focus on personal truth, serves as a source of healing, exemplified by his track "Deep Breath," which encourages listeners to find calm amidst life's pressures.