Riley Holtz and the Lost Cause

From blues to country, folk to R&B, and gospel to rock, Riley Holtz is a jack of all musical trades. With the soulful heart-wrenching ballad “Movin’ On,” the in-your-face “Father I Have Sinned,” and the folk feel of “Josey’s Ring,” Riley’s forthcoming debut album, Illegal Before Noon, has something for everyone.

During a brief but auspicious tenure in college, Riley met Cam Branson (drums/vocals), the first of many talented musicians who would enter his life, and eventually become members of The Lost Cause. Shortly thereafter, following his decision to drop out of college, Riley moved back to the big city (St. Louis). There, Riley was introduced to Kevin Neumann (bass), and started a cover band, which would change his life forever.

On boats, but a different kind this time, Riley traveled all over the world as a resident talent on cruise ships. This not only took his showmanship to the next level, but moved him to write the album’s first single, “Home.” Upon his return ashore, Riley realized he was not one for the status quo 9 to 5, and began to pursue a career in music full-time. It was then he met Nathan Sickmeier (guitar/violin/brass/vocals) and spent the better part of a decade making a living off of tips from busking and playing cover gigs throughout the Midwest. While unable to gig and locked down due to the COVID pandemic, Riley began writing original songs. And, what started as an EP to get future shows, quickly became a full-length album.