INTRO BY KAT VISTI
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF M. RIVERS
M. Rivers is an LA-based artist and performer. M. Rivers' influences come from the late 60's psychedelia, 70's rock n' roll, and classic soul music. His newest album entitled Champion is currently rising in popularity on Canadian radio. M. Rivers' track record is quite impressive with having recorded four full-length albums and one live EP, performed over 1,000 live shows and over 100 live radio performances. as well as making guest appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, AND his biggest hit Bullet In My Hand went number three on the Billboard Rock Charts. We caught up with M. Rivers to learn more about his latest album and his work.
What first inspired you to get your start in the music industry?
M. RIVERS: "I was always writing and creating from a very young age. I loved music so much, when I was around 14 I started really getting into hip hop and break dancing. That lead to recording when I was sixteen, and it just kept building. I became more and more obsessed with the process, so eventually I guess you could say my career chose me instead of the other way around. I landed my first record deal in 2002 and I was off to the races."
You released your album Champion this year. What was the process like creating it?
M. RIVERS: "I loved the process of making this album. It was a lengthy one, but well worth being patient, not forcing songs or parts, and also no major label looking over my shoulder, forcing decisions in order to make deadlines."
What song on the album are you most proud of?
M. RIVERS: "I would say that I'm proud of them all, but the stand out track for me is Something to Die for. It's a simple song with a strong message, and sometimes those are the hardest to get right. It works stripped down and with the full band, and it feels fresh to me every time I perform it."
What would you say is the biggest difference between your solo music and your work with Redlight King?
M. RIVERS: "The obvious difference would be the overall sound. I chose to really focus on melody and dynamic vocals while instrumentally, focusing more on tempo, counterpoint and the right amount of air or space. I just wanted it to be super feel-y, so that meant a lot of live takes and experimenting with the songs and parts themselves."
What do you love most about creating music?
M. RIVERS: "I love the freedom. I love being in the moment when a new idea strikes and the feeling of being inspired to create something from nothing."
Your music has been featured in several movies, soundtracks, and even tv shows like Malcom in the Middle and Person of Interest. When you find out your music is featured in that way, how does it feel?
M. RIVERS: "It's always a great feeling to collaborate with other creative people and find new outlets for my music. I really feel music is such an important part of our lives and whether its a scene in a film, or a being live at a sporting event, or in a video game, I feel it enhances the experience."
Is there anything that we can expect from you in the near future?
M. RIVERS: "I'm working on some collaborations right now, producing more videos and content, and of course ramping up the live show."