Already hailed as part of new pop vanguard with comparisons to the likes of MØ and SZA, Brisbane-based artist RIVAH delivers her biggest bout of punch-in-the-face pop yet with latest single ‘Flood’ out today.

The release comes hot on the heels of her recent signing with booking agent Niche Productions, following her Bigsound showcase and selection by triple j Unearthed to open for The Rubens and duet on their massive hit, ‘Never Ever’. The run will see her play at Brunswick Hotel (Brunswick) this Friday, Miami Marketta (Gold Coast) on Thursday Nov 8 and The Tivoli (Brisbane) on Friday Nov 9.

Speaking of ‘Flood’, RIVAH explains it’s a bittersweet anthem that reflects on a time of feeling extreme loneliness, but flips the theme to an outside perspective.

I left my hometown of Brisbane in 2015 to travel and write until I found what I was looking for. I worked with a lot of incredible producers who I met in different cities along the way. ‘Flood’ was actually one of the first tracks I wrote in New Zealand with Sam de Jong who is BOSS at production and has made the track sound like fire.

I had started writing the lyrics while watching Chance the Rapper’s short film – ‘Clapping for the Wrong Reasons’. Ultimately ‘Flood’ is about me. And for every other person who’s felt alone in their life. It’s about remembering that you are loved and that you have to let love in.

‘Flood’ follows an exciting 12 months for the artist. Her debut single ‘Untame’ , which triple j Music Director Nick Findlay called a “home run”, coincided with her debut shows in New York and Los Angeles. Follow-up track ‘Cheerleader’ was immediately added to New Music Friday UK and featured in the Sunday Times UK Hottest Tracks section. Most recently, she has just wrapped an intensive week of writing in LA as part of APRA AMCOS’ SongHubs sessions, working alongside producers such as M-Phazes, Jasper Leak and Lindsay Jackson.

Locally RIVAH has played alongside artists such as Golden Vessels, SAATSUMA and Willow Beats. In addition to The Rubens shows, she’ll join rising powerhouse Thando for her Brisbane show on 29 November.

With her debut EP just around the corner, featuring noted producers Pip Norman (Jarryd James), Eric J (Chet Faker, Flume), JP Fung (Client Liaison) and Jesse Porches (Super Cruel), ‘Flood’ is the exciting next step of an artist poised to set flight.

RIVAH SHOW DATES

Friday 2 Nov
Brunswick Hotel (Brunswick)
w/ The Rubens

Thursday 8 Nov
Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
w/ The Rubens

Friday 9 Nov
The Tivoli (Brisbane)
w/ The Rubens

Thursday 29 Nov
Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)
w/ Thando