Interviews Next Wave

Ridin & Slidin: Iyuana Ushers in a Southern Soul Revival

Iyuana is not just any “Arkansas Woman”—she’s a musical innovator, spirit raiser, and living proof that where one comes

By TCR Staff

July 24, 2025

Ridin & Slidin: Iyuana Ushers in a Southern Soul Revival

Iyuana is not just any “Arkansas Woman”—she’s a musical innovator, spirit raiser, and living proof that where one comes from doesn’t limit where they can go. Raised and based in West Memphis—a suburb just over the Tennessee border in Arkansas—she’s been deeply immersed in Memphis’ rich musical history and legacy since childhood. Encouraged by a household where blues, old-school R&B, and gospel were always part of the atmosphere, she sang her first solo at just five years old (“The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston, no less), and the rest is history. There’s no one quite like her in the down-south soul scene today: a proud southern artist committed to cultivating an original sound that breaks the glass ceiling, defying the constraints of both genre and expectation. She channels unwavering enthusiasm into everything she creates, and her tracks carry an unmistakable power to uplift fans of all ages and backgrounds. Despite building a strong local following over the last few years, she’s now more ready than ever to step onto the global stage. With a newly signed record deal, the timing is perfect for her to spread her wings and soar, embracing higher highs, deeper depths, and boundless potential in her musical journey and beyond.

Naturally, “Ridin & Slidin” is a people mover—a shimmering anthem with magnetic allure that’s equally as easy to enjoy as impossible to ignore. Effortlessly buoyant, this groove captures the buzzing energy of summertime with a distinct southern flair. Audiences who close their eyes might find themselves in the middle of a hazy saloon, boots scuffing the floor as the rhythm sweeps them off their feet. Floating like a warm summer breeze, light yet grounded, Iyuana’s vocals radiate an easygoing confidence that feels incredibly welcoming, as if she’s waving a hand to beckon listeners to join in on the fun. Each element is carefully layered to heighten the excitement—a propulsive bassline, floaty guitar riffs, and funky horns come together in joyful harmony. Through it all, one sentiment rings loud and clear: this is a celebration. Brimming with universal appeal, this agent of joy, enthusiasm, and togetherness is destined to carry waves of movers, groovers, riders, and sliders straight to the dance floor—no matter where or who they are. And as Iyuana promises, “the fun just goes on and on.”

The “Ridin & Slidin” music video takes the enthusiastic spirit of the track and plugs it into an amplifier, broadcasting good vibrations for all to enjoy. Iyuana’s drive for limitlessness extends into every facet of her artistry, including dance. This track was practically begging to have its line dance, and as a lifelong dancer, Iyuana knew exactly how to bring that vision to life. Filmed in the heart of her hometown, this visual captures more than just a lively community gathering or a “family reunion.” It delivers exactly what the song promises, a crowd of people coming together to move, groove, and have a great time. But beneath the fun, they’re coming together to share something special. The “Ridin’ & Slidin” line dance was intentionally choreographed to be accessible for everyone. Whether it’s someone’s first or thousandth time on the floor, it’s irresistible pull will have them out there after just a few beats—stomping their feet, shaking their hips, and whooping with joy. The smiles on everyone’s faces say it all. Iyuana brings the good times wherever she goes. And in her latest chapter, she’s standing as a beacon of pure positivity, stepping fully into a creative realm where brighter days are always guaranteed.

1 Tell us a little bit about how the early musical influences in your household shaped your sound and identity today.

The early musical influences in my household were rooted in Gospel, Blues, and R&B. They were Shirley Cesar, Bebe & CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters, The Pace Sisters, Betty Wright, Johnny Taylor, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, En Vogue, and Natalie Cole, just to name a few.

2 How does the message in “RIDIN & SLIDIN” resonate with you and your experiences?

I can strongly relate. I grew up in a small town where riding through the neighborhood was a “thing.” We would watch the old-time cars ride by really slowly with loud music amplifying through the neighborhood. It was the move in the summertime. Drop tops would be let down, and the people would go “RIDIN & SLIDIN.” We didn’t ride horses or have parties in the country. We would “spin blocks, party in juke joints, and have house parties, of course.

3 How did you approach the production to give the song that lively, celebratory feel?

First, I wanted originality to exude. Secondly, being that line dancing is now a global trend, it was only befitting that I incorporated one in this song. Lastly, I wanted it to be a magnet to fun. I believe the mission was accomplished.

4 What’s the story behind the line dance? How did you go about developing the dance alongside the song?

After recording the song in the studio, I started soaking into the lyrics, creating each “eight count” strategically to fit the message of the song. I was adamant about making it easy enough for people of all ages to gravitate and have fun too. The dance had to look like the lyrics. For example, “360 Now” needed to be concluded by a full turn… It just had to make sense.

5 As an artist who has been successful in making uplifting music in previous projects, what keeps driving you to produce such energetic and optimistic tracks?

I’m a sticker for “messages.” A song can’t just sound good. It has to say/mean something. It’s one thing for people to say, “I like that song.” It’s another thing for them to say, “That song touched me.” We have a generation that is drawn strongly to music. Life can be draining, so producing energetic and optimistic music can serve as that “driving force,” pushing them to their greatest potential in life. I would love to play a role in that.

6 What was the most rewarding part of bringing this story to life?

My determination came from carrying on after the passing of my mother. I had just recently buried my her right before the making of RIDIN & SLIDIN. This would have made her proud.

7 What role does community play in your music and your personal life? What communities do you hope to reach with “RIDIN & SLIDIN”?”

Community plays a major role in my music. Through my music, I have met amazing people and have made beautiful connections that have led to open doors and opportunities. Although community is beneficial to my music career, I’m limited when it comes to mixing community with my personal life.

8 You’ve recently signed a record deal. What does this step mean to you personally and professionally?

I feel that the record deal will help cultivate and develop my artistry and also be something that my family and I can pride ourselves on being, as I am the first/only person in my family to accomplish an achievement such as this. Professionally, I believe that I have access to unimaginable heights, as well as doing my part to make it happen. Hard work and patience are the keys!