roman around Holds A Mirror Up To Society On “Pity Party” - 12 June 2024

roman around shares their single “Pity Party,” available June 12th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Following the release of their highly acclaimed debut album, Tell Me All About You, Fresno, CA-based roman around shares their new single & music video “Pity Party,” set for digital release on June 12th via Trailing Twelve Records. “Pity Party” sits on a bed of woozy guitars and glossy synths as roman around utilizes their tone and lyricism to critique how society handles emotional pain in a self-obsessed age.

roman around acts as a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera (they), an accomplished songwriter, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist. The multi-racial artist grew up in Fresno, CA, where they currently serve as a music educator of K-12 students, fostering a safe place for themselves and others in the LGBTQ+, POC, music, and general community. After breaking onto the scene with the release of “Star Signs” in January of 2022, Rivera set the stage for what would become their signature sound. Blending intricate percussion, cosmic synths, deep guitar tones, and burly bass tones that beautifully contrast Rivera’s haunting and emotionally raspy vocals.

“Pity Party” opens with a delicate synth and modulating guitar as background hoots and hollers add a playful ambiance to the track. The weight of grief and longing can be felt immediately as Rivera sings “Pity Party, lighting up / Come Party / I, need somebody.” The lyrics within the track highlight the unhealthy and often attention-seeking coping mechanisms many use when handling emotional pain.

I know you love to lay under trees and take selfies, / to hide your sorrows.

Rivera’s sarcastic tone adds to the critique of performative grief and how people can portray their struggles in shallow and self-destructive ways.

The accompanying music video, directed by KC Powers, further illustrates the theme of “Pity Party.” Dressed in all black with gothic tears streaming down their face, Rivera looks sullenly into the camera while their brightly colored friends enthusiastically dance around them. Rivera discusses the inspirations behind the song in their own words below,

“‘Pity Party’ offers a critique of how people sometimes handle emotional pain in superficial or attention-seeking ways, particularly in the era of social media.”

“Pity Party” is out June 12th 2024 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve. Watch the music video below.

All songs Written & Performed by roman around
Roman Rivera - Vocals, Drums, Bass, Synth, Guitar, and Percussion
Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Roman Rivera

Photos by Blu Torres

Music Video Credits
Directed by: KC Powers
Edited by: KC Powers & Roman Rivera
Starring: Marcos & Eddie (CITRUS), Tun Nguyen, Amel Arnold, Aaleyah Wilson, Dalton Morris, Elijah Burris, Nick Vawter

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: 12 June 2024
Release Title: “Pity Party”
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.