1. Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to sip on while they listen to your new music?
JUSTICE: What a great question.
KHADIJA: That’s cute! Go ahead, Zak.
ZAK: Well, in my world, it would be a non-alcoholic beverage. Something fizzy, something fruity. It maybe starts with a splash but then it finishes off with a little crisp “Mm!” Cuz that’s what I feel the album does!
2. Please give us an update about your new single, new EP and music video?!
JUSTICE: The new single and visualizer we just put out is called ‘Lovin’ Me Down’ and it’s the closing track on our EP, ‘Humanity In Volume.’ The EP itself is about my personal HIV journey and story. However, it was written in a way that could speak to the masses because all of us as human beings at one point or another will experience some sort of health challenge or just… life challenges in general. The EP takes you from a devastating diagnosis to living a full, happy, thriving life, which is what ‘Lovin’ Me Down’ is about. This project was made with the intention of healing hearts.
3. Name 5 things we all should know about you as a band?!
KHADIJA: I would say we are diverse. We are authentic. We strive for excellence in everything we do. We are fully independent and over the years have developed into this well-oiled, self-sustained machine. And our mission is to Represent the Underrepresented!
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
ZAK: If there was a store that sold that 80s, 90s, 2000s vibe, that would be us. There’s a bit of everything in there, some grunge, some campy pop stuff, some smooth r&b. It’s kind of all forms of that nostalgia, but it’s also current. Does that make sense?
MONROE: Maybe we call it Retro Future? Retro Futuristic!
5. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
JUSTICE: That… Tupac Shakur is still alive.
KHADIJA: Love it! And while we’re at it, Michael, too! Because I miss him and I think he’s just living his best life, having a well-earned rest somewhere after giving us all that great music.
6. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
JUSTICE: I would say the lack of respect and value the industry has for songwriters and the people who actually create the music that speaks to the people, that people invest in and spend their money on. Without the songs, you’d have no business, right? The whole industry would cease to exist because there would be no music! So I would change the way songwriters and creators are valued and make sure they’re treated accordingly.
7. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
MONROE: I feel like RiVERSE’s music is personable. It comes from places of truth, whether that is sadness, joy, love, anger, hope – there’s always truth that comes with the music. When you’re listening to our music, it can bring you to a place that’s going to make you feel things. Sometimes those feelings are uncomfortable, but also a lot of our music is a good time! When we let people know we’re putting out new music, they’re genuinely excited: “What is this new journey? Where is it taking us now?” There are so many avenues, but it comes from our four individual truths, so it will be relatable for everyone in some way or another.
8. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
JUSTICE: That’s a great question. Hmm. “What does it feel like being a major pop artist… that’s underground?”
KHADIJA: Good question, Justice! What DOES it feel like?
JUSTICE: We’ve literally had the same journey as any of the biggest artists you can think of. When you watch those ‘behind the music’ stories, our entire story is the same. We talk about working at it since we were children, being together for 13 years, traveling, touring, putting out our 3rd album, etc. it’s just like… we’ve been doing exactly what they’ve been doing. Just without the machine behind us. No big team, no corporate budget, no label, no marketing department, just doing it all on our own.
KHADIJA: It’s kind of a trip, too. Sometimes when you’re so in it, you can’t really see it. I think if we were out doing the big arena tours that other artists are doing, the reality of it would be more in our faces. But we’re so busy working, we just forget. Then a moment like this comes when we’re announcing a new album and we see people from all over the world who are SO excited, we’re getting comments and DMs everyday about how they can’t wait. It’s like, “Wait a minute! Like, I’m a whole pop star? Oh, okay!” Haha.
Instagram: @riverselive