It’s Over by Riiv – Music Review
Riiv is an up and coming male vocalist with a Haitian and Dominican background, which reflects in his style of music, a combination of RnB and hip hop. You can hear his many influences in this music also, and he personally lists a few as Ne-Yo, Brian McKnight and Michael Jackson. His ambition is to follow in the footsteps of his heroes, and make himself a household name.
This track, It’s Over, is sufficient evidence that his ambition might one day might be realized. He possesses a superb singing voice, with a large range of both emotional expression and pitch. The song is a very well produced Rnb track that begins with a swirling, atmospheric synth and a simple kick and snare beat. Riiv’s vocals immediately capture the attention, suitably high in the mix.
It leads to an epic sounding chorus that allows Riiv to show off his range, and the poignant, emotional nature of the lyrics, about a relationship ending, bring out an affecting performance from him. Surprisingly, for an Rnb track, it features electric guitar which adds nice variation to the sound. I liked the way it followed the vocal melody on the chorus, adding to the epic feel of the music.
Overall, this is an excellent track, and potentially a huge hit, as the commercial sound is perfect for radio. One idea might be to create a version with a more edgy hip hop beat, as this production has an almost 80’s feel which works well, but a version more suitable for the dancefloor might be useful to have too and would increase his appeal. With more songs of a similar calibre I have high hopes for his success and expect to hear more from Riiv in the future.
Exclusive Interview with Riiv:
EV: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Riiv: I was on google and needed help to exposed the talent that The Lord provided me. I did some research and came across you guys!! And was the beat thing I did.
EV: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Riiv: My story is a bit long to tell you the truth!!, I sent you a bio(please check it out), but I’ll make it short. I was born on Haiti, I was abused by my father, I was in a group home, I started singing at the age of 9 years old, inspired by many artist especially Michael Jackson, I used to watch t.v. And remember every commercial that came on. I just love to sing,and will not stop till I get heard on every radio station.
EV: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Riiv: My name is RIVERSON JOSEPH, BUT EVERYONE CALLS ME “RIV” FOR SHORT,BUT DECIDED TO ADD ANOTHER “RIIV”ON IT SINCE IT SOUNDS UNIQUE.
EV: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Riiv: I think the online sharing is the new network of music to be honest with you!!,you can practically blow up in a matter of days if you go viral. The online sharing gives you so much exposure these days..it’s simply amazing. I don’t mind giving my music out for free.. I want people to hear my music, cause if you don’t have a great fan base!!, people won’t buy your music even though your really good.
EV: 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?
Riiv: I would love to give some tips. I would tell them first to network as much as possible,find websites that would help them push there music( exposedvocals.com) make commercial songs that can get some radio spins,be very humble, and etc
EV: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Riiv: everyone made mistakes while performing. I made a mistake when I was on stage, but I kept at it…meaning don’t stop performing, just try your best to finish your performance.
EV: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Riiv: I haven’t toured yet,but will be touring very soon and can’t wait to show people what I’m made of.
EV: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Riiv: great questions lol, I usually sing in the shower, always come up with some sort of melody and then record it on my iPhone so I can remember the melody/lyrics. I can also be inspired by situations I’ve been through with relationships,being broke, and anything that crosses my mind I think that makes me sad.
EV: Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
EV: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Riiv: I have no song that I think that’s embarrassing!.
EV: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Riiv: I would travel, donate to church,donate to foster agency,donate to homeless,built a music studio, invest in stocks, invest in real state, promote my music through websites, radio plays, publish music.. I have way to much to say lol
EV: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Riiv: I currently work with a music producer, and he charges 80 per hour. It’s very hard to record when I have so much bills and a child to take care of. I try my best to record as much as I can when my bills are paid off. The only thing I can do now is promote myself ,this is why I’m answering these great questions, can’t record right now until I’m financially ready..so I’m using what I have for now.
EV: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Riiv: the best way to promote myself is doing it through online websites… And I’m loving it.
EV: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Riiv: I would love to perform with Michael Jackson!! He is really good at capturing what he writes and sings about. I can perform any where with him,but would love to perform in NYC/ Los Angeles.
EV: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Riiv: the only thing i can ask for is The Lord to guid me to my career as a musician ( if possible). I am trying to talk to managers right now..since I manage myself,looking for a&r,looking for labels,looking for investors,sponsors, and etc. No upcoming projects, but hopefully I’ll have a new music video in a few months if I find the right sponsorship,investor.
EV: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Riiv: I love my music a lot, but also have a job at quest diagnostics taking care of patients…can’t just up and quit my job unless I have something on the table with this music.
EV: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Riiv: the first album I bought was usher!! And I just think he’s a great musician.
EV: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Riiv: it’s really hard to stay ahead of this music game when your a father!!, but I try my best to record as much as possible and network a lot. I have so much responsibly, but I have faith and everything always works out for me in the end.
EV: What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2014 and beyond?
Riiv: I am a humble musician, I take my music very serious, very down to earth person, I make music about real life experience, try to capture what people go though in my songs, want to communicate with all my fans, new songs,new music videos, great songs that people can sing to, tours,performing live.
