Roman Rivera, known by their musical alias roman around, continues to captivate listeners with their unique blend of rhythms, atmospheres, and textures. The multi-racial artist, who grew up in Fresno, CA, has crafted a sound that merges hypnotic beats with haunting, shadowy tones. Rivera, who uses they/them pronouns, isn’t just a musician but also a music educator in their hometown. They create a safe and inclusive space for others, particularly within the LGBTQ+ and POC communities, fostering a sense of belonging through both their music and their teaching.
Having toured the country as a drummer in various bands during their teenage years, Rivera eventually began exploring songwriting. Their experiences in beat-making, drumming, and guitar-playing gave them a strong foundation for developing their own sound. roman around’s music draws comparisons to artists like Mk.gee, From Indian Lakes, Cocteau Twins, DIIV, and Toro Y Moi, weaving together rhythmic complexity with atmospheric depth. Their performances in Fresno often feature different musicians, creating a constantly evolving and dynamic live experience.
Roman around’s debut singles, including “Star Signs,” “DNT,” and “Like Me More,” quickly gained attention. These tracks premiered on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” and landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist. Tastemaker sites such as Dummy, Ones To Watch, and Grimy Goods have praised Rivera’s work, and their song “Comes With Age” was featured in the final season of Freeform’s Good Trouble. This acclaim sets the stage for their latest release, “Get It From You,” a single from their second album, The Toll of Unconditional Love.
The Toll of Unconditional Love dives deep into the emotional complexity of unwavering love, particularly when that love is tested by absence and abandonment. Rivera explores the toll that maintaining unconditional love can take on someone, drawing from their own personal experiences. “Get It From You” exemplifies this emotional depth, with gritty guitar, elegant saxophone, and off-kilter percussion supporting lyrical themes of inherited traits and behaviors. Rivera’s songwriting is both raw and introspective, capturing the strain and sacrifice that comes with holding on to love through hardship.
Released through Trailing Twelve Records, The Toll of Unconditional Love is a testament to Rivera’s growth as both a songwriter and producer. The album’s inventive, rhythmic production paves the way for a powerful exploration of the emotional weight tied to relationships. Rivera’s work remains deeply personal, yet universally relatable, particularly for anyone who has experienced the complexities of love in the face of adversity.
As Roman Rivera continues to evolve as an artist, roman around serves as a vehicle for expressing their truth—through intricate soundscapes, heartfelt lyrics, and a commitment to challenging norms. Their music resonates with anyone willing to delve into the emotional intricacies of life and love, while their presence in both the LGBTQ+ and POC communities amplifies the importance of representation and inclusion in the music world. The Toll of Unconditional Love is a powerful offering, one that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and endurance.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanxaround/