Riley Green Says the ‘Biggest Battle’ of His Career Is That He’s ‘Sleepy All the Time’ — and He Can’t Be ‘Yawning on the Stage’

Riley Green, a prominent figure in country music, has recently shared his struggles with fatigue amidst a busy schedule that has seen his career flourish. In a revealing digital cover story for Billboard, the singer-songwriter—known for his hit “Worst Way”—discussed the challenges he faces while managing his commitments, which include touring, filming for the CBS show “Marshals,” and preparing for his upcoming role as a coach on Season 30 of “The Voice.”

Released on May 28, Green’s latest single, “Think as You Drunk,” comes as his career continues to gain momentum. However, the 37-year-old artist admitted in the interview that the constant activity has taken a toll on him. “The biggest battle I face in my career now is just that I’m sleepy all the time,” he remarked. This exhaustion, he noted, is not ideal when performing live, as he joked about the challenges of staying awake while on stage.

The recent surge in Green’s popularity has also brought about changes in his personal interactions. He expressed mixed feelings about the increased visibility that comes with fame, particularly when it affects his time with family. He explained, “When I’m out with my family and we’re at a restaurant, it’s an awkward feeling because I don’t want to take away from somebody else’s evening by causing some kind of ruckus.” This sentiment reflects his awareness of the public’s perception and the need to balance his attention-seeking career with private moments.

Green also expressed reluctance about attending other shows as a spectator, concerned that his presence might distract from the artist performing. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that this adjustment is simply part of the territory that comes with success. He light-heartedly noted, “One day I’ll shave my mustache and go wherever I want,” hinting at his desire for a normal life alongside his burgeoning fame.

In a previous appearance on the “Like a Farmer” podcast, Green further elaborated on his relationship with fame, revealing that he is grateful for achieving success later in life. He reflected on the potential pitfalls of early fame, suggesting that, “If I would have had any type of success similar to this when I was in my early 20s, it [would have] been ugly.” His gradual rise has allowed him to mature alongside his career, giving him a better understanding of the industry and its demands.

Looking ahead, Green is preparing to release his fourth studio album, “That’s Just Me,” scheduled for launch on September 18. This album follows the recent release of his new single and marks another significant milestone in his artistic journey. He mentioned his excitement for both the new music and his role in “The Voice,” noting the opportunity to reach out to an audience that may be unfamiliar with his work. “It’s exciting to be in a completely different world than [country music] and hopefully reach some brand-new fans,” he said.

As a coach on one of the most popular talent shows in the country, Green is aware of the substantial shift in his career trajectory. Transitioning from his roots in country music to a broader mainstream audience presents both challenges and opportunities. He appears to approach this new phase with enthusiasm, seeking ways to connect with a more diverse fan base.

Fans of country music can look forward to more from Riley Green as he prepares for a busy few months ahead. With the release of his single “Think as You Drunk” now available and the anticipation for his album and stint on “The Voice,” Green is poised to further cement his place in the industry while continuing to navigate the complexities of fame and personal well-being. His candid reflections offer insight into the life of an artist balancing passion with the realities of a demanding schedule.