roman around Highlights Formative Moments Of Youth On “Moves” - 28 August 2024

roman around shares their single “Moves,” available August 28th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

roman around returns with their new single “Moves”, set for digital release on August 28th via Trailing Twelve Records. “Moves” explores themes of overcoming adversity and community loss by taking listeners on a rollercoaster of 16th-note rhythms, detuned piano, and rapid introspection. roman around's raw and emotive storytelling highlights the power of vulnerability and empathy.

Renowned for their genre-bending sound, roman around, the alias of Roman Rivera (they), has captured the attention of influential publications such as METAL, Ones to Watch, and Grimey Goods. The Fresno-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter has also premiered songs on esteemed radio station KCRW's 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' and has been synced in Freeform's 'Good Trouble.' In addition to their artistry, Rivera serves as a music educator, fostering safe spaces for LGBTQ+ and POC students and peers alike.

The track opens with poignant lyrics about Rivera’s life: “Ashley had a baby / pretty young, it was crazy / they moved out, I found out / cut us off, man what’s that about? / Krista was my best friend / 2010 felt like it never end / got her number while she’s in the hospital and now she’s dead.” The emotional verse catapults into a dance break where detuned bells intertwine with an almost jubilant grand piano. The song’s structure of a verse followed by a dance break occurs until the end of the song.

“‘Moves’ encapsulates the pivotal moments of my youth,” Rivera says. “These include the profound loss of my best friend at a young age, witnessing peers getting into trouble and becoming parents too soon. These experiences pushed me to surround myself with positive influences. My boundaries with love have been continually tested, such as being unable to contact my brother, watching old friends struggle with addiction, and being abruptly cut off by friends without explanation.”

The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s emotional depth with a collage of childhood home footage. It features a young Rivera dancing their heart out with friends, news clips of a swine flu death at a middle school, and their brother who has since disappeared. The sped up videos mirror the track’s fast pace, evoking a whirlwind of bittersweet nostalgia. Through a striking contrast of home-footage-familiarity, joyful instrumentation and devastating lyrics, roman around creates a fascinating musical and cognitive dissonance.

“Moves” is out August 28th 2024 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve. Watch the music video below.

Written & Performed by roman around
Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Roman Rivera
Photos by KC Powers

Music Video Credits
Directed and edited by Roman Rivera

Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

TTR-033
© & ℗ 2024 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

Release Date: 28 August 2024
Release Title: “Moves”
Artist: roman around

Socials: instagram / tiktok / facebook

BIO

roman around is the vehicle for the music composed and arranged by Roman Rivera (they/them). The multi-racial artist grew up in Fresno, CA, where they currently serve as a music educator. Rivera challenges traditional gender norms while fostering a safe place for themselves and others in the LGBTQ+, POC, music, and general community.

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 Mk.gee, From Indian Lakes, Cocteau Twins, DIIV, and Toro Y Moi. Performing with various musicians in Fresno, their band can range from a multitude of different members.

Their debut singles “Star Signs.” “DNT,” and “Like Me More” have premiered on the award-winning radio station KCRW “Morning Becomes Eclectic” with editorial playlisting by Spotify Fresh Finds and critical acclaim from tastemaker sites including Dummy, Ones To Watch, and Grimy Goods. In 2024, their song “Comes With Age” was synced in the final season of Good Trouble on Freeform.