RIANOUTLOUD!

In this special two part RIANOUTLOUD! conversation, host Rian-Louis sits down with Shamar Amir, writer and star of the short film Sea Me , and his co star Bryson Jacobi Kai for an intimate conversation about Black queer love, tenderness, vulnerability, representation, and the importance of creating the stories we deserve to see. Shamar and Bryson unpack the inspiration behind Sea Me and the intent...

In Part 1 of this heartfelt conversation, Rian-Louis sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Shamar Amir and Actor,Singer and Broadway Performer , Bryson Jacobi Kai to discuss the creation of Sea Me , a tender short film written by Shamar that follows two Black queer men on an intimate first date. Shamar opens up about how Sea Me evolved from an idea into a deeply personal story shaped by identit...

Three years later, JeRonelle is back on RIANOUTLOUD! — and a lot has changed. In this candid conversation, JeRonelle catches up with Rian-Louis about life, career growth, and the evolution of his artistry. He reflects on touring with Durand Bernarr, contributing to Drake’s For All the Dogs, and the experiences that have helped shape the artist and man he is today. JeRonelle also opens up about nav...

What does it look like to completely reinvent yourself? In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , host Rian-Louis sits down with ROJO for an honest conversation about transformation, purpose, and the freedom that comes from choosing yourself. After building a successful career in television journalism, ROJO made the bold decision to step away from the anchor desk and fully embrace life as a creative. Toge...

What does it mean to stay true to yourself in an industry that constantly asks you to fit a mold? This week on RIANOUTLOUD! , independent artist Leo Canoza joins me to talk about creating music without limits. From growing up in Florida to finding his voice in Los Angeles, Leo shares how heartbreak, honesty, and fearless experimentation have shaped his genre-blending sound. We dive into the story...

Roy Covington returns to RIANOUTLOUD! to discuss his debut EP, Limerence , and the deeply personal journey that inspired it. From heartbreak and emotional obsession to therapy, healing, and self-love, Roy opens up about the difference between love and limerence, the creative process behind the project, and why vulnerability has become his greatest strength. It's an honest conversation about gr...

On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! R&B singer/songwriter Lia shares her journey from a D.C. to Pittsburgh and her upbringing to becoming an R&B sensation. Discover how her latest project, Lover Girl Season , reflects her growth and authenticity. Lia opens up about her creative process, the challenges of staying true to her voice, and her plans to reshape her legacy in the music industry. Perf...

Most artists struggle to step into their true voice — but not Fonz. In this raw conversation, he opens up about how vulnerability, community, and self-discovery shaped his journey and unlocked his artistry. From his Brooklyn roots to his Trinidadian upbringing, Fonz shares how affirmation and storytelling helped him find his sound and confidence. His debut project, I Like the Way This Feels, isn’t...

After a few months away, Rian-Louis is back with a very brief but honest episode of RIANOUTLOUD! catching listeners up on where he’s been and what life has looked like beyond the mic. In this quick check-in, Rian-Louis opens up about navigating burnout, personal loss, family transitions, and the emotional weight of being a Black queer creative in Pittsburgh. He reflects on the importance of steppi...

This week on RIANOUTLOUD! we sit down with Kemmii , the Butch Queen From Brooklyn whose Caribbean roots, church beginnings, and bold storytelling shape a sound all their own. We talk creativity, growth, and the making of “BQFRMBK” — a visual EP that celebrates Black queer life and authenticity. A powerful, inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎶✨

From Chicago’s South Side to your playlists — @itsdaveyon is stepping into the LOUD room on a brand-new episode of RIANOUTLOUD! Rapper. Producer. Songwriter. Designer. Visionary. ItsDaveyon is the kind of artist who builds worlds — gritty, honest, and full of texture — and tomorrow, we’re tapping ALL the way into it. We talk artistry, roots, growth, creative freedom, and the stories that shaped VO...

🎙️ OUTLOUDERS, the first new episode of RIANOUTLOUD! is here — featuring the vocal architect himself, Chris French ! 🎶 Straight out of Dallas, TX , Chris is an R&B artist whose gifts run deep . A child of a musician , he inherited music in his blood — now he’s serving vocals, pen, and production with a touch that hits the soul just right . ✨ Master of vocal arranging , songwriting , and prod...

Couldn’t make it to the show? No worries — now you can hear the magic for yourself. Recorded live at TLC Libations in Pittsburgh, RIANOUTLOUD!: The Live Experience captures the heart, joy, and unapologetic brilliance of Black LGBTQ+ creativity, community, and storytelling — all in one unforgettable night. Hosted by Rian-Louis McNeil , this special episode brings the audience into the room with pow...

In this powerful and inspiring episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , Rian-Louis sits down with Derek Ford Jr. , the visionary founder and CEO of Carter Wear —a multinational apparel brand revolutionizing undergarments for men and women with bold, body-positive designs. With customers in over 120 countries, features in Men’s Health , product placement in Nordstrom , and growing retail presence across the North...

In this bonus episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , I’m giving you an exclusive first listen to the story that’s been six years in the making—my debut novel, Flawsome . I’m reading the first two chapters of this deeply personal and powerful journey following Carter Johnson, a DJ navigating grief, love, and purpose back in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Whether you’ve followed my creative journey from the jump or...

From North Carolina roots to R&B brilliance, Eli Ahmad is carving out his legacy one note at a time. On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , we sit down with Eli to talk about his creative process, musical influences (hello Brandy, Beyoncé, and Mariah!), and the deeply personal storytelling woven into every track. We explore his current projects Disc 1 and Disc 2 , unpacking the stories, sounds, and...

In this brief heartfelt solo opener, host Rian-Louis reflects on how far we’ve come, why it’s time to let go, and what it means to transform out loud. This isn’t just an ending—it’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a thank you.

This one is  a must-listen ! 🎙️ Rian-Louis sits down with NYC filmmaker  Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler  to talk about his powerful short film,  Just Us Two —shot  entirely  on an iPhone and already hitting  10,000+ views in just 7 days!  📱🔥 We’re diving deep into: 💙  Unconditional love & Black queer representation 🎭  The raw realities of mental health & bipolar disorder 🎥  The highs & l...

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , R&B artist Jordan Kalé shares his 16-year journey as an independent musician. He opens up about his debut solo project, Out of My System , a deeply personal album about healing from a toxic relationship and embracing new beginnings. Jordan reflects on transitioning from groups to a solo career, his influences like Omarion and Luther Vandross, and how music fue...

We’re celebrating  five years  of  RIANOUTLOUD!  🎉 For this special episode, the tables turn as  Stevie Derrick —host of  #IndieArtistSpotlight  and  #DearYall —interviews  Rian-Louis  for a change! They dive into the podcast’s journey, unforgettable moments, and the impact of Black queer representation. Join us for a powerful, unfiltered celebration of community, growth, and the future of  RIANO...

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , host Rian-Louis sits down with rising star Jaïr Faria , a 20-year-old artist from the Netherlands. They discuss Jaïr’s journey as a Black queer artist, the personal nature of his music, and the influences that shape his sound. Jaïr shares the story behind his viral TikTok success, navigating the music industry, and staying true to himself. They also dive into his...

🎙️✨  Part 2 with Huny Young!  ✨🎶 On this episode of  RIANOUTLOUD! , we dive into the world of R&B, pop music, and Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. Huny Young shares her journey with the  Honcho DJ collective ,  Most Beautiful  brand, and  Honcho Campout , while discussing the power of diversity in the queer community. Plus, she drops wisdom on living authentically, self-care, and embracing res...

In Part 1 of this engaging conversation,  RIANOUTLOUD!  welcomes  Huny XO , a multifaceted artist and DJ, to discuss her journey, the importance of community in nightlife, and the vibrant culture of Pittsburgh. They explore Huny's experiences in creating safe spaces for Black queer individuals, her innovative approach to DJing, and the significance of representation in the music industry. The disc...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ronald Hinton, the creative mind behind the hit web series  Natives  and founder of  Queer Voices NYC . Ronald dives into the origins of  Queer Voices NYC , a platform dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ narratives, and shares the journey of creating  Natives . This heartfelt series explores themes of grief, authenticity, and the beauty of queer joy, offering...

In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis reconnects with the talented artist Shah after two years. They discuss Shah's new single 'Action', the evolution of his sound, and the personal growth he has experienced during his time away. Shah shares insights into his creative process, the importance of authenticity, and his experiences in creative directing. The conversation also touches on his perfor...