RIJAH – AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH A NEW RISING STAR

RIJAH – AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH A NEW RISING STAR

By Ralph Beauchamp

Rijah is a talented rising star who is currently a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I grew up in one of my old haunts in Jersey City, Rijah creates dazzling melodies and writes wonderfully refreshing songs. Her sound straddles a myriad of musical genres. You can hear jazz as well as soul, R&B and pop. He cooks up these wonderful sonic concoctions that are both mysterious and sonically explosive. Her smooth vocals are captivating while harmonically rich. Rijah was the opening act at this year's Soundside Music festival.

Rijah is a fellow at the Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI). This is the same link that brought us Kieran Rhodes last year. Her association with the organization gave her the opportunity to showcase her talent at Soundside. Besides, Rijah has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Top Shelf program to great acclaim. She just released her new project, a six-song EP titled Cinemas. With an innovative approach to R&B, her songs reflect the bridge between youth and adulthood. Cinemas flares with exuberant rhythms and exotic textures while remaining true and relevant. Songs like “Up” and “Midnight” create an enchanting aura of unique treats.

Rijah is an artist you should definitely watch. He will be a musical force in the very near future. Rijah was kind enough to sit down with AMP right after her energetic performance at Soundside.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of your musical journey?

RIACH: I grew up in a really musical family. So, I was introduced to music from an early age. I first started singing and then learned piano and guitar. When I started high school, I got into music and audio technology. Then I started producing my own music. Fast forward to college and I decided to attend Berklee. I had already released my first EP before I even started taking classes there. My second project has just been released. Since then I've been playing a lot of shows with my band and writing new music. Music is a huge part of my life.

AMP: Who were some of your early inspirations?

RIACH: My father was a major inspiration. He is also a musician. Stylist inspirations would be Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, Yebba, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson. I was always drawn to jazz, soul and pop music.

AMP: Can you give us a little insight into your creative process?

RIACH: When I write, I usually start with a lyrical concept. I always have a guitar in my hand. That's where I go when I start building a song. Production is a huge part of my creative process. It is also a passion of mine. So I like to build the instruments around the chords and melodies I create. Just putting the pieces together is a thrill.

AMP: How would you describe your sound?

RIACH: It's a mix of all the music I love and it's really deep. I tend to be lyrically deep and harmonically driven. It embodies a lot of soul and R&B. It really represents me. Do it with sound and you got it.

AMP: Your new EP, Cinemasit is a real treasure. How was the reception?

RIACH: Pretty good! I'm currently studying abroad in Spain and it was released while I was still there. I wasn't even awake when it hit the United States.

AMP: You've been featured in an NPR Tiny Desk Top Shelf segment. How was that experience?

RIACH: It was great. I had so much fun putting these submissions together. I was thrilled that they were so well received. It was exciting, not only for me but also for all the musicians who played with me. That's why working with this group of musicians is so special. They are always so powerful that they in turn raise my excitement level. In addition, I also met some nice people.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

RIACH: Allen Stone would be one. He is one of my biggest influences. Another would be Yebba. Both for the same reason. Their sense of harmony and melody is extremely strong. They are also amazing songwriters, singers and performers. Stylistically, we would network perfectly. They may be a little different from each other but they both have this incredible presence of soul.

AMP: How does it feel to be able to play at such a big event like Soundside?

RIACH: It was crazy. I wasn't processing it properly before today. It hit me when I got here and saw the scene. Then I said “WOW”! I am so grateful for this opportunity.

AMP: Last year we interviewed Kieran Rhodes who was also at the Berklee Popular Music Institute. What is the secret of the program's success?

RIACH: It's all about the incredible team involved. Morgan Milardo and Morgan Luzzi are an amazing couple of people who have always been so supportive. It is the secret sauce behind BPMI. They just do their job so well. The two Morgans are both passionate and awesome people.

AMP: What's next for Rijah?

RIACH: My dream is to play more shows and connect with more people. I just released my new project and I hope something comes out of it. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going next, but I'm really excited to find out.

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