Awaken Your Mind Interview: Riley Steele

Since returning to the adult industry in late-2013, XXX favorite Riley Steele has continued to make her mark on the world of erotic entertainment. Now an exclusive contract performer for Axel Braun Productions, the superstarlet’s comeback title, Riley Goes Gonzo, was met with viewer acclaim upon its release in January, reaching the number-one slot on the Adult Video News Top 200 Sales & Rentals chart earlier this month. Steele is also scheduled to appear in the upcoming Braun-helmed feature Snow White XXX as well as an ABP/Wicked Pictures joint parody of the popular series 24.

Riley kindly granted Awaken Your Mind an interview to discuss her return to adult, future career plans and more.

You can follow Riley on Twitter under the handle @xxxRiley and check out her FreeOnes page at this link.

(Special thanks to Julie of Axel Braun Productions)

You took a hiatus from the adult industry last year until resuming your career later in 2013 along with signing a two-year performing deal with Axel Braun Productions. Can you tell us how the partnership came about and describe your time with the studio thus far?

I knew when I came back I still wanted to be able to do big features, but I also wanted to do new things and push my comfort zone. So, knowing that Axel directs these award-winning big features as well as more hardcore style movies was very exciting for me. Working with him is awesome – he’s the best director in the industry, and he allows me a lot of freedom and input in my scenes, so my fans get to see me in a way they have never gotten to until now.

What have you most enjoyed about working with ABP?

I love shooting features such as Snow White XXX – the costumes are so beautiful – and Axel put so much time into the details that it makes such a huge difference compared to other “big budget” movies that come out these days. But, I gotta admit – I really enjoyed doing Riley Goes Gonzo! I just showed up and got to go crazy with the other performers. I guess I let out all the sexual tension I build up when I’m not shooting!

Your aforementioned debut title under Axel Braun Productions, Riley Goes Gonzo, has enjoyed tremendous success since its release in January and you have also been tapped for roles in several upcoming ABP features. Can you discuss those films and your involvement in them?

Riley Goes Gonzo was my first shoot with Axel – he had very sexy setups for all the scenes and I’m so happy people have been responding so well too it. I remember telling Axel at AVN, “What if no one shows up to the signing or wants to buy the DVD?” He just laughed it off and said people would be there. We sold so many DVDs during AVN; I was a very happy girl!

When we shot Snow White, it was a crazy shoot, but a lot of fun and my first time working with Wicked’s contract girl, Jessica Drake. She was such a pleasure to work with and definitely different then any other female performer I’ve ever worked with. She’s smart, sexy, articulate, and conducts herself in a very classy, respectable manner on and off the set. And she’s so hot!

You began your career with Digital Playground in 2008 and performed as a company contract talent until early-2013. Are you able to discuss your departure from DP at all and your decision not to re-sign with the studio?

I was 19 when I signed a five-year contract with DP and knew nothing about the industry. Over the years, a lot changed within the company, and I also grew up a lot, so by the time my contract was up I had a clear idea of what I liked and didn’t like about being exclusively with a company. I took some time off because I wanted to focus on my private life and didn’t want to rush into a new deal, and honestly, I had planned on staying out a little longer, but then Axel came along and it was such a perfect opportunity that I just couldn’t pass it up.

You spoke with Adult Video News shortly following your signing with ABP and admitted that the era of the contract performer appears to be ending. Do you feel that is a negative or positive for talent in the industry?

People always talk about how things were “back in the good days of porn,” but I think what’s important is remembering we’re still shooting, still performing, and the fans are still enjoying it. We have the best jobs in the world, really.

With studio performer contracts becoming scarcer, do you believe that being company-exclusive is a more valuable position for talent now than in previous years?

To me, it is. But I always have told girls that if you want to make a lot of money quickly, contract is not for you. Being a “contract girl” brings a lot more responsibility along with the exposure, and requires dedication and reliability.

What do you want and see for yourself professionally in the coming years?

To continue doing movies and build my website. I love connecting with my fans. I like them each to know how important they are to me. So, when I get my website up, I am going to make sure each member gets something special and personal from me.

As many people are aware, you landed a prominent role in 2010’s Piranha 3D blockbuster film. Is mainstream acting something you are still interested in and pursuing?

That was a lot of fun and a great experience, but I have no interest in pursuing mainstream acting at the moment. I’m way too busy as it is right now.

Are there any more current or upcoming projects you would like to mention?

Gotta keep my lips sealed about upcoming projects and roles, but you can ask Axel!

In closing, is there anything you wish to say to readers?

Thank you for catching up with me and make sure to follow me on Twitter (@xxxriley) if you haven’t yet check out Riley Goes Gonzo – and my fleshlight is a lot of fun too (http://www.fleshlight.com/fleshlight-girls/fleshlight-toys/riley-steele/?link=281&gclid=CIb2p6Wj-LwCFYqFfgod-Y8AqA&ad=21110038094)!

Thank you, Riley. I appreciate your time and wish you the best moving forward.

You’re welcome, Adam – my pleasure.