I have some exciting news for you today. Riah just dropped her sophomore album, “Trauma Bond,” and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride you don’t want to miss. This Denver-based powerhouse has taken her raw talent, added a dash of vulnerability, and stirred in some serious “villain energy” to create a dark pop masterpiece that’ll have you hitting replay all day long.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Riah, let me give you the lowdown. This isn’t just your average singer-songwriter. Nope, Riah is a full-on triple threat – singer, dancer, and tech entrepreneur. Talk about a modern-day Renaissance woman! But what really sets her apart is her journey. Imagine a five-year-old Riah belting out Jessica Rabbit tunes at open mics; fast forward to 17-year-old diving headfirst into the shark-infested waters of the LA music scene. It wasn’t all glitz and glamour, though. Riah faced some pretty tough times in the pre-#MeToo era of the industry. But did that stop her? No! It just made her more determined to do things her way.
After taking a step back to build her own empire (because who needs record execs when you can be your own boss, am I right?), Riah is back with a vengeance. “Trauma Bond” is the follow-up to her 2023 debut “Love. Loss. Rise.” and it’s clear she’s not holding anything back this time around.
The album, which dropped on September 4th, is a seven-track journey through Riah‘s psyche. From the opening notes of “Daddy Issues” to the final strains of “A Good Man,” Riah takes us on an emotional rollercoaster that’ll leave you breathless.
“Daddy Issues?” “Mommy Issues?” Is this going to be some angsty drama? Trust me, it’s so much more than that. Riah‘s got a knack for turning deeply personal experiences into universal anthems. Take “Mommy Issues,” for example. It’s not just about parental drama – it dives into the complicated mess of emotions that come with losing someone. And “Daddy Issues?” Well, that one’s got a breakup song written all over it, but with a twist of righteous anger that’ll have you nodding along in solidarity.
But it’s not all family drama. “Sertraline” (and yes, music video fans, keep your eyes peeled for a steamy video dropping in October) delves into Riah‘s struggle with OCD. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s set to a beat that’ll have you dancing while you contemplate your own mental health. How’s that for multitasking?
What I love about this album is how Riah refuses to be boxed in. Sure, she calls herself a ‘Dark Pop’ artist, but this album is proof that she’s so much more. It’s pop, it’s ballad, it’s revenge tracks, it’s bedroom pop – it’s what Riah wants it to be. And that’s the point. As she says herself, “People – and especially women – are multifaceted. I think that’s something to be celebrated and displayed.“
Every track on “Trauma Bond” is laser-focused on one goal: honesty. Whether she’s belting out a power ballad or whispering a confessional verse, Riah‘s authenticity shines through. It’s like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with your best friend; just your best friend happened to have killer vocals and a knack for crafting earworm melodies.
Inspired by powerhouses like Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera, Riah‘s voice is a force to be reckoned with. But it’s not just about the pipes – it’s the emotion behind every note that really gets you. When Riah sings, you feel it in your bones.
While “Trauma Bond” definitely leans towards the darker side lyrically, the production is pure pop perfection. It’s the kind of album you can dance to with tears in your eyes – cathartic and catchy all at once.
Riah shares, “I want people to feel strength in expressing vulnerability. I want listeners to understand that it’s normal and completely acceptable to have different facets and layers of themselves.” It’s about embracing all parts of yourself – the good, the bad, and the downright messy.
And for the fellas out there? Riah‘s got a message for you, too. This album is a testament to the fact that women can be sexy, vulnerable, introspective, and powerful all at once. It’s not either/or, it’s all of the above.
Head over to Spotify, hit play on “Trauma Bond,” and prepare to be blown away. Whether you’re dealing with your own trauma, celebrating a victory, or just need a good cry-dance session, this album’s got you covered.
Riah‘s journey from open mic kid to industry survivor to independent artist is nothing short of inspirational. With “Trauma Bond,” she’s not just making music – she’s making a statement. And we’re all ears.
