Exposed Vocals catches up with Arthur Rivers for an exclusive interview
Arthur is an accomplished Musician and soulful Singer/Songwriter based in Switzerland and Germany. His dual ability to dabble in both acoustic and electronic soundscapes sets him apart. On a mission to make his audiences smile and enjoy life as much as he does, Arthur’s music charms, enlightens and delights a varied audience the world over.
Hailing from Kazakhstan, and raised in Germany as the son of a music Professor, it was only natural that music would become Arthur’s lifelong ‘partner in crime’.
With his ukulele in hand, Arthur has traversed a dynamic career path, spanning several countries over almost a decade. He has been a Chemist and an Audi Test Driver in Germany, a Bartender in Australia, Tree Planter in Canada, and a Cinematographer in Switzerland. Over the years, Arthur’s music-making has harmonised with his diverse life experiences, making his beats real, raw and relatable.Arthur’s graceful groove is indie/folk/blues-infused, making his work timeless treats for his audience. Uniquely, he also enjoys creating electronic indie/alternative music that often conflicts with his easy-listening line-up but complements a deeper side of his soul.
Known for his positive vibes both on and off the stage, his carefree attitude is emulated in his tunes that transcend themes of love, hope, journey, struggle, relationships and self-reflection. Sometimes, described as blissful bonfire music, Arthur’s music is a raw reflection of a life well-lived. He attributes his inspiration to traveling for over four years to almost every continent of the world and thriving on the meeting of minds in different places.Drawing inspiration from his own life experiences as well as influences such as Shakey Graves, and Mat McHugh, he hopes that his music helps others to break free from their own barriers and be who they want to be.
When he is not writing music that seduces souls and steals hearts, he is probably making beautiful art videos, hiking mountains, or visiting volcanos.
His real guilty pleasure is surfing, which ignites his creative flow and ironically, keeps him ‘balanced’.
“If my music puts a smile on your face and makes you feel good, then I’ve done my part to make the world a better place.”
― Arthur Rivers
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was born in Kazakhstan 1985 and my parents moved to Germany in 1988. So i grew up in Germany and lived there for 22 years. After that i was traveling around the world for 4 years where most of my music influence is coming from. But my dad he was a Music Professor in University and when i was about 5 years old i started learning the Piano and the Drums, later the Accordion and the Guitar as well. That´s how i got involved. Music was a part of me since i was born. We played russian folklore on russian weddings a lot of gypsy songs. But when i became an teenager i grew up with Tupac, Mos Def, Jay-Z, Mob Deep and others and i started rapping and making hip hop music for the next 10 years, quiet successful in the southern region of Germany we also got played on the radio and had a little success but as english speaking rappers in Germany by that time there was almost no chance in the game. So by the age of 24 i decided to leave everything behind, my job, my apartment, my friends and family, and my music and take off to see the world. To see what sounds the world has to offer. And after 4 years and 52 countries i picked up different things in different countries and use it to make my music. Mostly my lyrics about experiences along my travels or love experiences before and after my travel. I didn´t have to decide to become an artist i was just born that way and i made the right and wrong decisions that got me here today.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Actually i couldn´t get some tips there are many websites where to get a gig but i´m not as big as i could give someone an advice on that 😉 i hope you don´t write that 🙂
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
always 🙂 right in the beginning i´m super nervous but after the first song i calm down a bit and can enjoy the rest of the set. if it happens there is nothing you can do but continue playing 🙂
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
not yet
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
no not really working with Logic but mostly acoustic instruments.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Mostly through the internet, Spotify, soundcloud, youtube, iTunes, etc. and try to spread the word out in different communities and groups
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Glastonbury Festival UK with Shakey Graves one of the coolest dudes i´ve met and i´m a huge fan because his style and his vibe is just special. Love his sound and the way he plays the guitar.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
After i just released my new EP „Unknown Feelings“ i will be playing a few shows first and after that i start working on my new Album „Beyond Sunsets and Rainbows“ mostly folk songs and Hawaiian sounds mixed with my own melancholic vibe 🙂 Many of those songs i actually wrote while i was traveling so each song reminds me of a special place and a special time so it will be a quiet personal album.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Film-making as an Director
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
As i mentioned before my new Album „Beyond Sunsets and Rainbows“ and two other ep´s because i´m currently working together with a producer from israel on a Lo Fi / Minimal Album called „The Sky is No Man´s Land“ as well as with a reggae band from the philippines on a reggae EP called „Nowhere Fast“
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
New Release EP „Unknown Feelings – Arthur Rivers“ out now.
Check it out on
https://www.facebook.com/arthurriversmusic
https://www.instagram.com/arthur_rivers_music/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqKj4p4qJPZYB5yJoJH3afA
https://soundcloud.com/arthurrivers
