Diandra Interviews RIVVRS: Keeping Fun Alive As Music Heals Your Life

Interviewing RIVVRS was enlightening, in part, because his responses felt relatable and motivating. We all struggle to feel excited about our lives, and even the “artist”, though living a life of a creative, has to keep a zest for his work. RIVVRS is one of the most talented song-writers out there, but in his quest to keep intrigue from himself and crowds, he has found fun comes from how you realize your interests heal you. In his newest single, “Let It Die”, his smokey voice and Americana bounce, further proves this belief, and his quest to see what you attract in life stems from what you let go.

Diandra: When younger, you used to play guitar 6 to 9 hours a day. How did having such rigor and determination, as a child, help you in being an adult and professional musician?

RIVVRS: When I was younger, I never really thought much of it. I was a lone wolf in high school, so coming home and playing guitar was just what I looked forward to more than anything else. I definitely don’t play guitar for those stretches of time anymore, but I think it’s transferred into my songwriting. Whether I’m alone or writing with other people, once I dive into a song it’s easy to write until the sun goes down. That determination has also helped a lot during the long stretches on the road without much sleep. I never want to drive for 9 hours to play a show, but it’s so rewarding to me, I don’t even think twice anymore.

Diandra: You do not like being “predictable” as an artist. How do you surprise yourself as an artist, and keep spontaneity integral to your creative process?

RIVVRS: I just don’t want people to get bored of my music. I’ll go through periods of time where I’m writing a lot of songs that have similar themes, even similar chord progressions, and it feels too similar to what I’ve already done. Sometimes to shake things up, I’ll listen to a genre of music that I don’t typically hear a lot and that helps to get me into a new landscape of sounds. I also like to take breaks from writing entirely, even if just for a week or two. Then when I come back into a song with fresh ears, I’m in a totally different space.

Diandra: Music always seemed to be your calling. Was there a moment when you said, “Music is my official and sole destiny”?

RIVVRS:I remember sitting in a college film history class and feeling completely disinterested. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just knew school wasn’t the right fit. At the same time, I met someone who owned a small recording studio and was starting to record my first set of songs. So I stopped going to class and focused full time on writing an album and recording it. I was living on someone’s couch and surviving on Little Caesar’s pizza, but it gave me a sense of independence and purpose. Once the record was done, I traveled up and down the California coast for a few weeks; playing house concerts and cafes. From that moment on, I don’t think I ever wanted to do anything else.

Diandra: Your music can focus on leaving “comfort zones” and dealing with toxic relationships/ traumas? How have you found music pushes and heals you to confront your pains?

RIVVRS: Just as a listener, music has healed me many times. I think that’s why I like to create it because I know what it feels like to connect to a song and be emotionally shaken.  “Don’t Give Up On Me” is a really special song to me, because I wrote it as I was experiencing it. I tend to write songs from a point of “on the outside looking in” and this was very much about my own life in real time. I was going through a really dark time, and writing about how it wasn’t easy, but it was really therapeutic and it completely ignited the initial process of putting Cosmic Dream together. I don’t know if I’d be releasing a new album if I hadn’t written that song.

Diandra: I know you used to work in the wine industry. If you could describe your music as particular wine what would it be and why?

RIVVRS: Great question! I would say Shiraz. It’s a very dark red wine, with heavy fruit flavors but a little bit of bitterness/pepper on the aftertaste. The flavors change a lot, sort of like the music. But if it’s summer out and the sun is shining, there’s definitely some Sauvignon Blanc in there.

Diandra: You have said strange times make for some great music. What do you feel your music and, music in general, will say about this time in the world?

RIVVRS: I think this is an amazing time to be alive, and to be an artist. If you look back at CCR in the 1960s and 70s, they were writing music that was reflective of the political climate at the time, and they didn’t hold back one bit. And those songs are still heard regularly today. That’s what inspires me most; when people aren’t afraid to speak their minds. I think that’s what this new era of music is. It’s becoming more authentic, and people aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in 2018. I’m really excited to be a part of this renaissance.

Diandra: Music is powerful. What is one moment where you felt the weight of music’s power in your life, and the power of your music in others’ lives?

RIVVRS: I’ve gotten a few emails over the years from couples who’ve walked down the aisle to my song “I Will Follow You” and it’s surreal to me. It feels very special to connect with someone on such a pure level of true love. That’s what went into the song, and to get that back from others is really a blessing.

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with your family that you could connect to a song?

RIVVRS: Any concert I’ve gone to with my dad stands out as a really strong memory. Specifically, Tom Petty and Steve Winwood. That was one of my favorite concerts ever. Also, Red Hot Chili Peppers. They were the “family band” in our house. My whole family listened to their music religiously. The first song that comes to mind is ‘Under the Bridge.’

Diandra: What has music taught you spiritually?

RIVVRS: That I know nothing, and I’m okay with that.

Diandra: 2017 was a year of a lot of personal growth for you. How do you feel that is reflective in your new music?

RIVVRS: I just feel like I’m entering a new era as a human being, and I’ve shaken a lot of the expectations I had when I first moved to Los Angeles. Cosmic Dream was written between 2015 and 2017 and those 3 years had more ups and downs than I’ve ever experienced. I think you can really feel the growth and reflection in the songs. If you listen to the album from start to finish, it progresses in a way very similar to my own experiences over the last few years.

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