Cave In To roman around’s “Like Me More” (20 April 2022)

roman around releases “Like Me More,” available April 20th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Fresno, California-based roman around share their new single “Like Me More,” set for digital release on April 20th through Trailing Twelve Records. After receiving critical acclaim for their debut singles “Star Signs” and “DNT,” roman around returns with “Like Me More” - a spacey prog-R&B chiller filled with syncopated rhythms and flickering synths to support passages on peer pressure, struggles with sobriety, and the loss of loved ones due to drug abuse.

roman around acts as a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera (they/them), an accomplished drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and teacher. The non-binary, pansexual, Native & Mexican American songwriter emphasizes the importance of community and spirituality. After touring the country as a drummer for various bands and experiencing the negative impact of drugs and alcoholism, Rivera started on a path to sobriety through therapeutic experimentation with their own music. Rivera elaborates on the inspiration behind “Like Me Me” below.

“Like Me More” is a song that highlights the struggle of alcoholism and drug use amongst those we hold closest. The peer pressure of caving-in holds experiences that were never desired. Stories of trips explained to someone after they’ve forgotten what happened makes drug use not always worth the experience.

Rivera’s songwriting balances self-reflection with sharp wit, offering poetic simile on addiction [“self-controlling habits / sinking like Titanic”] along with insightful dialogue excerpts [“Hello? Welcome? Okay / 5 pm, you’re wasted.”]. These intimate moments are taken directly from Rivera’s personal experience, as they share below:

 I’ve lost friends to drug use and have seen other people lose others. I’ve had panic attacks due to drug use and have had a hard time keeping myself sober.

The production on “Like Me More” continues to highlight Rivera’s strength as a producer who refuses to be put in a box. The muscular shoegaze of “Star Signs” and mysterious alt-r&B of “DNT” have been swapped out for languid g-funk and slow-motion dance beats on “Like Me More.” Drunkenly swaying synth layers pair thematically with Rivera’s percussive falsetto, often moving in lockstep with the fuzzed-out bassline and deliberate kick drum.

The magic of “Like Me More” is in the off-kilter groove, emotive peaks and valleys, and Rivera’s vocal - a falsetto that is both angelic and ominous. Full of lyrical depth and entrancing atmosphere, Rivera crafts a sonic world that is unmistakably their own.

roman around’s “Like Me More” is out April 20th, 2022 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve.

Show Dates:

May 21st - Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles CA

Written & Performed by roman around
Roman Rivera - Vocals, Drums, Synth, and Percussion
Justin Vogel - Bass, Background Vocals
Mixed and Mastered by Roman Rivera

Press Contact: trailingtwelve@gmail.com

TTRS-055
© & ℗ 2022 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

ROMAN AROUND - Like Me More
TTRS-055
Releases 20 April 2022
Length: 4:24

Socials: instagram / tiktok / facebook

BIO

roman around is an American rock band from Fresno, California, formed in 2020. The band is a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera and consists of Roman Rivera (vocals, guitar), Justin Vogel (bass, keys, vocals), Chevas Vandel (keys, vocals), and Luke Schafer (drums).

With both Mexican and Native American heritage, Rivera grew up in a community of spirituality and music. Rivera first honed their skills as a drummer before becoming a fully-fledged multi-instrumentalist. In their late teenage years, after touring the country as a drummer for various bands, Rivera began experimenting with writing their own music. Years of communal exposure to beat making, singing, guitar, and drumming allowed them to quickly craft their own vision.

roman around's sound blends hypnotic rhythms, hazy atmospheres, and shadowy textures that will please fans of From Indian Lakes, Cocteau Twins, DIIV, and Toro Y Moi.

Rivera is currently attending CSU Fresno and working as a music teacher while they continue to write, release, and perform music via roman around. Rivera identifies as non-binary and pansexual, an identity they are proud to represent within the LGBTQ community.

Their debut single “Star Signs” premiered on the award-winning radio station KCRW, playlisted by Spotify Fresh Finds, and was featured by the tastemaker site Ones To Watch.