TRACK REVIEW:
Rivita
Tribal Love
9.3/10
Tribal Love is available via:
https://soundcloud.com/rivita/triballove
GENRE:
Pop
ORIGIN:
London, U.K.
RELEASE DATE:
18th January, 2018
The E.P., Tribal Love, is available via:
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ONE of my favourite recent discoveries is…
the wonderful Rivita. I will talk about the title-song from her E.P., Tribal Love soon but, right now; I wanted to address a few areas of the songwriter that allure me. I will talk about New York and studying – how the city entices and attracts musicians – and those who mix the sounds of the East with Western flairs; how important it is bonding with music at a young age; original angles for songs and themes; those artists who go further and put their all into their art; why being unique is more important, now, than ever before – how London continues to amaze musicians looking to spread their wings. Rivita is in New York right now and, alongside her studies; she is able to exploit the city’s rich live scene. I have never been myself but I know there are many new artists relocating to New York to get their music to more people. London is great – as I shall state soon – but there is something special about New York that cannot be overlooked. Spread between its five boroughs; there is a variety of live venues and options for the ambitious musician. In the case of Rivita; she is there to learn more about what she does and get her sounds to fresh crowds. I reviewed Rivita last year – for the track, While the Love Is Gone – and was amazed at the confidence and talent on display. I have been keeping abreast of all her N.Y.C. developments and the way she has bonded with the place. Many assume New York is this bustling and overcrowded city but there is an entire state on offer – one that is rich, complicated and mysterious. I can understand why other areas draw musicians in: New York is that vast, opportunity-laden place whose beauty never dims. Rivita, I feel, has gained a new creative lease being in New York. I am not sure whether it is because of what she is being taught (in terms of academic pursuits) or the environment she is in.
In my mind; a change of setting can do wonders for music. I am in the position where I need a flash of motivation and new people. It is hard breaking out of a mould – and climbing out of that rut – but I can understand why people can get ‘comfortable. Rivita took a chance and moved across the ocean to settle in a new nation. It is scary going out alone but, surrounded by like-minded people; she has set her mind free and opened her heart. She is performing in Syracuse right now and, in that wonderful part of the city, picking up new fans and followers. If you are in New York; you can see her play Funk ‘n’ Waffles on 24th February. From there, she will be planning her next move and how she will attack. Tribal Love is an E.P. that could only have come from a hungry songwriter in a busy city. It explodes with colour and life; it is born of flashes of inspiration and a new perspective. I am thrilled Rivita has managed to write such an evocative and original E.P. I have listened to all the tracks – but it is the eponymous cut that sticks in my mind the longest. I am tempted, reading about Rivita’s time, to go to New York and embrace the state/city. I am in a bit of a personal hole so, with that in mind, maybe a change of scenery is the answer. I get a real sensation and taste of the city when reading about Rivita’s time there. She seems in love with the place and seeing her music elevate and evolve. She will come back to London but, whilst she is there; balancing studying with performing is adding so many new ideas to her palette. It is wonderful watching a brave and exciting artist build and plan. Rivita has her E.P. out and, as we head into spring; she will look to play further afield and see where her music goes. New York is a vast state so it is difficult to cover every inch. I feel she will have demands coming in from other states, too. The colourful and spirited music means Los Angeles will come knocking. I hope she can afford a flight there because Tribal Love will float and fly through the country; pricking ears and spiking minds as it goes.
You do not often see a clash of Eastern and Western sounds in music. Maybe it is more common in Asia but, in the U.K., things are too westernised and limited. One can exult a lot of brilliance from Western music but I yearn to hear other cultures brought in. Artists like Tune-Yards splice African rhythms and vocal tones into their music – meshing East and West. How many new artists piece together sensations from Asia and the West? It is rare and I think I know why: many have stereotyped notions of what Eastern music consists. They think it is quite atonal and jarring; reserved for a particular time and taste. That is wrong. What you have, in nations like India and China, are sounds that are not too detached from ours. It can be hard balancing the two because of the dominance of Western sounds. I am aware genres like Hip-Hop, Grime and Rap are more adept and willing to tangle East and West. In modern Pop; there are fewer going out their way to defy convention and try something exciting. The spice, multifariousness and delight you get from Asian music is a natural bedfellow to the music we are all used to. Tribal Love is an E.P. that brings the upbringing and early life of Rivita together with her adult experiences: living in London and studying in New York. She is not an artist who moves to Europe/the U.S. and forgets where she came from. Her family and heritage are always in her blood. She found music young – I will come to look at this in a bit – and learnt a lot from her parents. Surrounded by Asian D.N.A./music and experiencing Western music at a young age meant her mind was more open and nourished than most of us. It can be confusing having fairly disparate waves simultaneously playing in the mind. Rather than bulk and scare: the music that Rivita discovered compelled her to discover music and put her own stamp on it.
It is going to be interesting seeing what comes through this year. I am seeing a lot of promise and original music surface. Each week brings fresh proclaim and quality. Musicians are becoming bolder and new artists, knowing the scene is packed, are upping their game and doing something extraordinary. There are those who continue to stick to commercial sounds: people who take the time to subvert the game are being rewarded with radio love and promotion. Even when you go beyond the call and create stunning music; it can be tricky standing out from the crowd. The music scene is like New York itself: vast and expansive but filled with feet and bodies. It is crowded but, if you move in the right direction; you find there are fewer competitors around you. Rivita performs Pop/Alternative but does not do it in a restrained and familiar way. There is that incorporation of Eastern riches; modern production and bold Western proclamation. She integrates the modernity and familiarity of our music with the purity, endeavour and scent. It is a heady brew – and has not become more distilled and tempered since moving to the U.S. Rivita is not someone to dispel her foundations and lose sight of what makes her special. I feel she will inspire other artists to mix nations and continents together. Africa and Asia are vast and exciting plains for discovery. Few look into South America for light; there are brilliant artists playing in Australia. If the average musician takes a bit of time to discover and search; they will find their creative mind is fevered and blown. It can lead to some truly wonderful music. You do not need to be a part of a continent to understand its unique heartbeat and timbre. Rivita brings us a genuine and passionate portrayal of where her roots are and where she is now. The young artist is looking forward and embracing new teachings but, above all, maintaining her base and upbringing.
Without pressuring a child and pushing music on them; opening their eyes to it from birth is beneficial, to say the least. Not only does it boost their personality and mind: it can lead to a career and that endless curiosity. I am not certain when it came into Rivita’s life; but I can imagine she was listening to music from a very young age. It helped her discover more about the world and learn about herself. She started performing in a choir aged five and then, as a teenager, she picked up a guitar – the rest is history. It is the way she mixed performing with studying that meant she could get her music to more people. Learning at the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music meant she could fuse an academic vantage with personal intuition. The fact she was exposed to music early in life meant she pursued the form and wanted to see how far she could go. I am not sure why it struck her and captures her heart: for me, it is about finding something that understands me; a voice that says what I want to – without being able to say it. It can be tricky articulating thoughts and emotions to those you need to say them to. Music can offer solution and suggestions; it is the constant companion that guides us all. I can understand why Rivita fell for music and wanted to add her stamp. I have covered her music a lot but, each time I hear a fresh song; I sense a development and new input. With America at her feet; there is new lands to explore and fresh sensations. Every time she makes a move – discovering new people and lands – that will aid the music and give her more to write about. I can only imagine how exciting and eye-opening New York is. As I said before; Rivita does not lose sight of where she came from so, with each new song, that distinct Eastern sounds can be heard working away. Other musicians should take note: not only in terms of sound-fusion but how travel and study can enrich and heighten the creative mind.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ronojoy Sinha Photography
Rivita is a songwriter who can address love and its complicated nature but not do it in a predictable way. Her sounds and compositions are, naturally, different to what you hear out there. There are few like her – that goes for the lyrical content, too. One gets a real personal view and perspective on love that gives pause for thought. I will look at her D.I.Y. ethics and how she chairs so much. Right now, it is worth looking at the way she approaches writing and why she deserves wider acclaim. I will assess Tribal Love when I get there but, hearing the E.P., and there is that assimilation of near-commercial content and unique embers. You are never too distant and disconnected from the songs and their meaning. By that; one never feels confused or alienated. The writing is personal and heartfelt but it ensures the language is understandable and relatable. That means, for broadcasters and D.J.s; the songs will resonate with their listeners. It is important, when launching songs, to ensure they connect with the listener. If it is too wayward and unexpected; it will be harder creating support and enduring. That said; if you are too safe and unambitious – it will appeal to many but you will be like everyone else out there. The balance is hard, for sure, but it is worth the effort. Rivita’s music looks at personal struggles and thoughts but there is something…dreamy about it. I feel the heartbeat and strain; I can hear her voice ring true but, working inside all of that, there is something magical and unusual. Maybe it is the way she phrases her lyrics or the fresh melodies employed – there is SOMETHING that goes beyond what one might normally expect. There are few out there who address common themes like passion and heartache with any new insight. I am hearing (the best) new acts do it: there are not many mainstream artists attempting it! Rivita’s diverse upbringing and youth means she has moved between areas and had her eyes opened to all sorts of people.
It is that area we spoke about before: travel and the mix of cultures. If we are too homogenised and homeward-bound; that means we only have a limited view of the world. Our experiences of love and life will only stretch so far. I am not suggested one travels the globe endlessly and abandons where they live. What I mean is, without that curiosity and bravery; music, and life, can be very boring. I am passionate about London and there is a reason for that: you get so many cultures and contrasts working together. With that; you are familiar with different peoples and millions of unique angles. If you are confined to a town/smaller city; I wonder how much you are getting out of love. So many writers, away from busy cities, are learning about love and life from the media and television. They only have a certain amount of tales in their heart. The city can be demanding and scary but, supplemented with travel; it does so much for a young and agile mind. Rivita is still very young so, as she grows as a songwriter; there will be opportunities to perform in other nations. I know she will have her heart broken (we all do) but those experiences will teach her new things. She is receiving a first-class education and, in the endless potential of New York; she is receiving wisdom many of us dream about. All of this means her songwriter is stronger and more dynamic than most out there. Even if (as a songwriter) you cannot afford to travel and live in another city – I feel a degree of boldness and adventure can lead to wonderful things. The better and stronger the material is; the more demands come through. I will talk more about this in the conclusion but, right now, I want to address Rivita’s most impressive facet.
She is someone who takes care of her music and ensures she does not let too many others control it. Sure; she works with other talent now and then but, above all, it is that personal input that shines through. Modern music is a challenging industry for those coming through. It can be very difficult getting a record label and finding instant success. Expense is at the heart of everything: recording a single song can be quite eye-watering. Artists have to put so much finance into their art that it is leading to problems and stresses. There is an alternative available: being D.I.Y. and using as much modern technology as possible. Rivita is in the same position as many of her peers. She does not have extraordinary wealth and, ambitious as she is; there are barriers and boundaries she is aware of. Her mind and songwriter is unlike anything out there. She is a lot hungrier than most artists I have come across. The temptation to race and dream is always there. Rather than worry about financial concerns and limitations; she embraces her talents and puts her everything into what she does. Rivita does not need an army of personnel to help get the music to life. Some musicians do not have artistic talent – in terms of design – so they need others to design their covers and artwork. Rivita has artistic and photographic flair; producing ability and multi-instrumental potential. One of the reasons Rivita’s music sounds so fresh and original is the fact she has a say at each stage of the process. She does not need an expensive studio and loads of writers to get her to the people. It is amazing seeing her produce such captivating and astonishing music. I can only imagine how the process comes together. Starting with that germ of an idea; she then grabs various instruments and tries various ideas and takes. From there; she will get down a basic recording and then, from there, comes the layering and augmentation. Even when the song is finished; the songwriter is thinking about the look of the E.P./single cover and the music video.
Her videos are experimental and bold; she has filmic desire and ensures the physicality and adventure of each song is beautifully realised on the screen. I am always compelled each time a song comes through. Not only are the sonics new and enlightening; the videos and designs are exceptional. Being unique, at this time, is more important than ever before. There are few artists who take real risks and approach music in a new way. Rivita is someone who has little desire to fit into a generic mainstream. Her music and thoughts are much more important than that. We have just lost one of music’s true innovators (Mark E. Smith). The Fall’s leader inspired so many and, in death, revealed what a singular talent he was. I hope artists learn from him and realise why his legacy is so treasured. I am always seeking artists who go beyond the usual callings and do something unique. You get a very fresh and exciting experience with Rivita. She brings us into her world: one that explodes with life, smells and rare sights. Her D.I.Y. ethic and determination, coupled with the need to stand out, means the music is much more enriching and long-lasting than most. One could argue her attachment to London is responsible for that. The capital is that ever-enticing area where artists feel they need to move to. The opportunities available are immense; there are so many different races and people living in the same city. Rivita has bonded with London and all its avenues and dimensions. I was going to talk about it more but, with time ticking on; I feel I should come to look at the big event: the wonderful and exciting song, Tribal Love.
I recommend you check out the Tribal Love E.P. in its fullness to get a proper viewpoint of Rivita. I wanted to concentrate on its title-track because, to me, it is the most striking and complete documentation of the E.P. There is a certain delight and quirkiness that comes out in Tribal Love. Right from the off; one gets suggestions of teasing beats and unfamiliar, unique ingredients. The signatures and projections are not your normal thing: there is something delightful and original coming out. It is an exciting introduction that leads to a passionate vocal. Maybe that is not the right word: ‘accusatory’ might, strangely, be more appropriate. The heroine is looking out at someone and wondering whether will go if they have no hands to hold – if someone does not have their back. Right then, I was thinking about infidelity and mistrust. Perhaps the hero has been insincere or not as loyal as he should be. Our heroine is asking him questions and revealing what his future could be – if he takes an unwise course and continues to act this way. The song’s title might suggest something explosive, sexual and enflamed. There is another aspect to ‘tribal’: something rather basic and unevolved. You get a little of both definitions as the song progresses. This rare love (tribal love) can fix her; it is the only thing that will give her satisfaction. Maybe that is a proper man and someone who opens her eyes; the possibilities of the world and the music industry – there is a passion in her heart that is being fostered. Little beats and tumbling electronics mix physicality and with breeziness. John Webber mastered the song but the production and sounds is from Rivita. The production balances polish and homely; you get a real intimacy but, when called upon, the song expands and opens its wings. It is the vocals that really get to me. There are few singers who have the same stylistic approach to singing. There is a clear accent and a fresh personality; something that goes beyond the predictable and boring...
PHOTO CREDIT: Monica Goyle
As Tribal Love progresses; my projection and interpretation changes. There is that need to get out of the hole she is in and nourish her soul. The heroine does not need a man to make her feel empty and bad. That might sound strange but, with him by her side; problems are increasing and things are too hard. Rather than suffer the same pain as before; Rivita is looking for a new form of love that will get her in a better mood. I am looking at music and the arts and possible sources for revitalisation. Maybe New York and her new setting have compelled the need for change. The buzz and variety on display means she does not need a bad lover to enrich her. There is a whole world out there and, with music ringing in her soul; there is something proper and purposeful to grab onto. The chorus is catchy but has sweetness to it. This rare and enflamed love will fix her. It can, I guess, mean different things depending on how you approach the song. Whilst there have been more overt fusions of East and West in her music: Tribal Love goes beyond what one normally expects and fuses unexpected sounds together. There are wonderful synths/percussions and brilliant vocals – that switch between emotional and strident – that all mix into a stunning pot. By the end of the song, you are keen to lay out predictions and interpretations. It is a song that reveals new light and truth the more you hear it; something that warrants proper time and focus. Tribal Love shows how far Rivita has come and the new influences she is putting into her locker. It is an extraordinary song from a brave, open and honest songwriter - who will have a very rich 2018.
I hinted at the wonders of London a bit earlier. Rivita is busy studying in New York and lining gigs up there. I know she has gigs coming but, as the weather warms; she’ll want to get out there and seduce as many people as possible! I feel the state is vast and scary. Where does she start when it comes to gigs?! She will speak to a lot of like-minded artists who have tips and suggestions for her, I am sure. When she completes her education; I hope she returns to London and gets involved with the local scene. There are so many spaces that would love to house her music. The city is always teeming with ambition and possibility. We need more artists like her in London. There are some great artists here but there are none like Rivita – that same sound and sensation! I am excited to see how she develops in 2018 and what she brings to music. You get can Tribal Love (the E.P.) from iTunes and Spotify (link below); listen to her music through SoundCloud and keep abreast through social media. It is a busy and important time for the young artist. I hope to see her sometime soon but, for those lucky enough to be in New York; keep informed with all her goings on through Facebook. There will be more announcements in due course. Rivita designs her own merchandise – look at her official website – and it is something you want to get your hands on! She is a complete artist who manages to make extraordinary, original music and link that with incredible products, designs and promotional videos. Rivita is the definition of what a modern artist should be: a multi-talented proposition who needs very few others to make her ambitions fly. All of this means her stock will grow as we head through 2018. I am excited seeing where can go. I am sure she is thinking about academia at the moment but, in time, she will look to see how far she can go in music. Maybe the mainstream is a few years away but, on the basis of Tribal Love, I believe she can go…
ALL the way there.
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