roman around x Thavoron With Their Nostalgic Single “Bear The Burden”

By FusioNostalgia

Introducing two acts who have come together to present an amazing song called “Bear The Burden”. Getting to know them Roman Around is an American rock band from Fresno, California, formed in 2020. The band is a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera and consists of Roman Rivera (vocals, guitar), Justin Vogel (bass, keys, vocals), Chevas Vandel (keys, vocals), and Luke Schafer (drums). With both Mexican and Native American heritage, Rivera grew up in a community of spirituality and music. Rivera first honed their skills as a drummer before becoming fully-fledged multi-instrumentalists. In their late teenage years, after touring the country as a drummer for various bands, Rivera began experimenting with writing their own music. Years of communal exposure to beat making, singing, guitar, and drumming allowed them to quickly craft their own vision. roman around’s sound blends hypnotic rhythms, hazy atmospheres, and shadowy textures that will please fans of From Indian Lakes, Cocteau Twins, DIIV, and Toro Y Moi. Rivera is currently attending CSU Fresno and working as a music teacher while they continue to write, release, and perform music via roman around. Rivera identifies as non-binary and pansexual, an identity they are proud to represent within the LGBTQ community. As well as Thavoron who is a 22-year-old first-generation Cambodian American artist based in Seattle, Washington. Layering angelic vocals and intimate lyricism over heart-breaking sonic progressions, Thavoron pulls inspiration from contemporaries such as Frank Ocean, Faye Webster, and Bon Iver. Growing up as a first-generation Cambodian-American and not feeling represented in the music industry, Thavoron hopes to help pave the way for Southeast/Asian American and queer artists alike looking for a sense of creative community: “..being surrounded by people I couldn’t fully relate to resorted to me locking myself up in my bedroom to just write to try and make sense of all my differences as a person.” With coverage including Ones To Watch and Before The Data, Thavoron’s music has been described as deeply reflective, vulnerable, and increasingly rare. Tackling themes like cultural identity, grief, and strained relationships, Thavoron crafts hauntingly melancholy songs that leave a lasting impression. Following the release of their newest track “Bear The Burden” they present a marvelous sound that will definitely grasp your ears. Beginning with dreamy instrumentation leading onto their sweet and soft vocals they capture the song fully. Explaining the track a bit further it employs progressive R&B production and haunting vocals to shine a spotlight on sociopolitical and environmental injustices. To the vocals and production, this single will surely have vibing. It would be just perfect for a late-night drive or hanging out with some friends. Go stream “Bear The Burden” and check out their discography which is filled with outstanding music.