On September 29, 2023, Holly Riva, the celebrated Australian singer-songwriter, released a soul-stirring single, “Drowning”, once again leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
This fresh offering from Riva follows her noteworthy 2022 debut EP “A Memory” and comes on the heels of her prior single, “Love Who You Wanna Love”, which bagged a nomination for Best Song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards.
The Los Angeles live performance, which recently saw Riva take the stage, was a testament to her musical prowess. Such events have rightly positioned her as one of 2023’s most captivating vocal talents. The song “Drowning” provides listeners with a profound insight into Riva’s personal and vulnerable facets.
The track’s narrative delves deep into the challenges of unhealthy relationships and the resultant emotional toll, mirroring the modern dilemmas young people face in our digital, social media-driven age.
Riva’s lyrical prowess shines as she navigates themes of deception, poor communication, and emotional games. As listeners delve into “Drowning”, they encounter an intimate portrait of life’s intricate shades, making the song more than just a musical piece—it’s an emotional outpour. Riva’s connection to her audience is palpable, creating a symbiotic relationship wherein the artist and listener share in the musical journey.
“Drowning” benefits from the collaboration of producer Swavybeats, who has previously allied with big names like Kanye West, and the UK’s entrancing songwriter, Kit Rice. The song’s production is striking in its minimalism, prioritizing piano, brass, and string inflections, resulting in Riva’s vocals taking the deserved spotlight. Her voice, filled with mesmerizing harmonies and melodies, becomes the heart of this contemporary sonic tale.
Riva’s rise in the music industry is further exemplified by her online presence, which boasts nearly 12,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Bill Kimber, the former head of A&R RCA UK, praised her, drawing comparisons to the legendary Annie Lennox.
“Drowning” is another feather in Holly Riva’s cap, reinforcing her reputation as a pioneering songwriter ready to explore and push the musical frontier. If this trajectory is anything to go by, Riva is poised for even more significant international success.
Listen to “Drowning” below!
#Peace.Love.Drowning
