On Thursday, Singer-songwriter Riah performed tracks from her debut EP Heartbreak Magic at the SoHo house in NYC. Her angelic voice is ironically the embodiment of her hometown, the City of Angels also known as Los Angeles. The EP includes 6 tracks that are fairly short but will surely draw you in.
- Heartbreak Magic
This is definitely one of the liveliest songs on the project. It’s a funky, electronic feel good song with a deep bass and a catchy melody. The lyrics are just as catchy as well, and you can clearly hear the L.A. influence all throughout this one. Riah croons about the “magic” that can come from a devastating heartbreak and keeps her constantly running back to her lover no matter what. Listen to this while getting ready for a night out on the town.
- Prom
This is easily one of my favorites. This one is particularly reminiscent of your typical 80’s rock song about love. It includes some mesmerizing synth chords that are similar to the type of music we’d hear in a classic John Hughes film such as Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. Listen to this when you’re feeling nostalgic.
- Wildlife
This upbeat bop has a fresh and fun, with an intoxicating melody to match. Listen to this when you feel like dancing.
- Nice
I love, love, LOVE this one. The opening of this one reminds me of the wistful, guitar notes heard in Sade’s “No Ordinary Love.” Its calm vibes will relax you when you hear it while the somewhat haunting yet soothing background vocals will keep you captivated. Listen to this while watching the sunset, preferably on a beach if the weather allows it.
- Growing Up
If you’re a fan of electro-pop sensation BANKS, you’ll definitely be a fan of this one. Riah adds her own personal flair with her seductive vocals that compliment the vibrant syncopation in one of the shortest tracks on the EP. Listen to this with a nice glass of red wine while chilling with some friends.
- In My Dreams
This may be my favorite although I have a new favorite song everyday. So, that may change; however, “In My Dreams” is the most somber song on the EP. I wouldn’t necessarily label it a ballad though it does have some of the elements of an iconic ballad, like the fact that it tells a story of someone who Riah shared significant memories with. She tries to access those memories but it’s pretty difficult, so much so that she begins to wonder if they were even real. Listen to this if you want to dive deep in to your feels
“Heartbreak Magic” the EP is available on all streaming platforms. Watch the video for the self-titled track below