XCritic Interview: Riley Steele Discusses Return Scene, Future Plans and More

Iconic adult superstar Riley Steele recently granted XCritic an interview to discuss her return scene for Kayden Kross’ Trenchcoat X company, future career plans and more.

You can follow Riley on Twitter under the handle @XXXRiley and check out her FreeOnes page here.

(Thanks to James Bartholet at Galaxy Publicity. Interview conducted by Cass Ashlen)

Thanks for interviewing with us, Riley. I’d like to begin by asking you about your recently released scene for the TrenchcoatX studio with fellow Digital Playground alumni Jesse Jane and Kayden Kross. Can you tell us about the shoot and what it was like working with Jesse and Kayden again?

It was a lot of fun all being on set together again. It was comfortable, easy and I loved seeing Kayden direct. She has been doing a great job at it and I’m glad we all got to get together.

I understand this was the first scene you had shot in over a year. What made you decide to return for this project?

This year, I knew I wanted to start shooting again, doing signings and interviews, but not really sure when. But when Kayden called for this, it was, of course, a “Yes” - what better way to start shooting again?

I read that the scene is filled with references to the Digital Playground days. Do you think this makes it fun not only for the performers, but for longtime DP fans to watch as well?

Definitely! I was on a plane when I read it the first time and made me laugh out loud. Kayden is good at directing, but also writing.

Do you have any plans to return to performing full or part-time in the near future?

I do! But I keep saying that, but I feel not ready. (Laughs) I never thought before about it, but now all of a sudden it’s a big deal.

Can you tell us what you are up to these days relating to the adult industry? I understand you offer private Skype shows to fans. Can you speak about that and anything else ongoing?

Skyping and camming has kept me busy for long enough. While a lot of girls are happy to stay home and cam, I’m ready to work again. I miss being on set - the excitement of fucking in front of other people, knowing people will be watching and getting off to you is such a turn on. I need it back in my life. So, getting back to basics - and I’ll be in Miami for Exxxotica! Gonna be fun.

You have spent the majority of your career as a contract talent, first for Digital Playground and then under Axel Braun Productions. Can you compare working for both companies and contrast the differences between the two?

Sure. DP was the good days - the best of times making movies, our set crew, everyone who worked at the office. It was a very tight little group and the same people for all those years. But, times have changed. I miss it, of course, but I wouldn’t give back my Tinker Bell costume or the fun I had being Barbarella, or the cool superhero/innocent Disney characters.

The contract performer concept appears to be almost non-existent in today’s adult industry landscape. Do you feel this is unfortunate and do you believe being exclusive to one studio is the most optimal position for a talent?

I believe that these days, don’t limit yourself. Get what you can, while you can. I may not be on set, but I hear daily of how much things have changed and things are not as glamorous as they used to be. And I am so lucky that I came in at the time I did. I got to have the contact girl dream - it built my name. I had a lot of amazing opportunities with Digital, but now the industry is really in women’s hands, I believe.

Back to webcamming or Skyping - girls don’t have to have an agent or even leave the house to make money these days. Not having to pay anyone out of what you make for yourself and making it when you want to or on your own time is a powerful thing that gives girls the power back.

You are an occasional guest on your publicist James Bartholet’s weekly L.A. Talk Radio program, Inside the Industry. With so many current and former adult performers hosting their own radio shows, is this a path you are interested in pursuing in the future?

Not really. I wouldn’t say no to it, but not something I’m trying to set out to do.

Speaking as a celebrated performer, is there one misconception about the adult business and those involved with it that you wish you could dispel?

That we’re just fucking on camera. No - we’re fucking for the camera. This isn’t a dating service. (Laughs) Of course, you really get off, but it’s work. It’s not like going out and banging for your own pleasure and sticking some cameras up.

Is there something about yourself that you feel would surprise many people?

How much of a homebody I am. I love a good grocery store. I love to look at decorating ideas, recipes, learning about nutrition and all these crazy fruits and veggies.

Cricket powder - this, you’ll be seeing a lot of soon, if not already. One green glowing with new pollin and cricket powder for me, please!

Let’s learn a little bit about Riley Steele, person. Can you tell us where you were raised and how you would describe yourself growing up?

Shy, timid - painfully shy. (Laughs) I grew up in North County, San Diego.

What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Food, skin care, exercise, Snapchat and tweeting.

How about favorites - favorite television shows, movies and musical artists?

Tanked, Storage Wars, Arrested Development, Real Housewives and Vanderpump Rules.

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

Please follow my Twitter (@XXXRiley) and Snapchat (RileyXSnap).

Thanks again, Riley. I appreciate the time and wish you well in the future.

Thank you!