Soothing and gentle harmonies, affirmative yet unguarded lyricism, dusty yet slick basslines.
All of these are crucial elements that characterize the sweetness of the textures and the unyielding empowerment of the songwriting for Liv Rion, a Seattle-born singer-songwriter who is proudly wearing her Hoopa heritage and her Quinault residency on her sleeves for her gorgeous music.
Her biography on Spotify perfectly encapsulates her charming demeanour and the gloriously stripped-back intricacy of her sound by explaining her solo venture as “a soulful journey through time and emotion, echoing the raw honesty and soothing grooves reminiscent of 1970’s Soul.”
An emerging name on the R&B scene in the US, Rion is worthy of more praise from publications and casual listeners’ awareness on the radio for her captivating live performances, mature yet refreshing sound, and the unique perspective her Quinault citizenship affords to her expression.
Currently endearing her laidback yet purposeful recordings to just over 6k monthly listeners on Spotify, Rion makes honest music with a small scope designed to land a prominent emotional impact.
Take her new single "In My Way," for example, which is deserving of much more media attention than a view count just shy of 160 views for her latest single on YouTube, which features the audio and the cover artwork. The latter beautifully captures her need to embrace the refreshment of adventure.
Energised by a dusty bassline formed by a drowsy mid-tempo guitar riff, delicate yet percussive shakers, and sparse yet potent bass, Rion recites a vulnerable and honest series of soulful refrains tacking the themes of losing faith in an existential situation that feels inescapable and recognising that her reluctance to embrace a fresh start is preventing her direction from blossoming. Lyrics like "Is it even worth it?/I can't find a reason to keep going/On this long road?" and "On a journey where I don't feel worthy, vision blurring, it's so concerning" are laid in straightforward yet powerful possession. Establishing a calming and soothing presence as the bass line reminiscent of country icons like Fleetwood Mac and modern Neo-Soul exports from the London scene like Cleo Sol or CHERISE floats above the ethereality of the vocals, Rion searches for spiritual renewal as the Seattle-born rising star effortlessly showcases her sensitive personality above a sea of lush, indulgent sounds.
A Tacoma, Washington native who is comfortably pushing the boundaries of 70’s Jazz, typical 70’s singer-songwriter music, and timeless blue-eyed Soul music, Liv Rion is not to be missed on her mission to express her heritage, champion ethnic diversity, and challenge genre boundaries.
Stream "In My Way" out now on all DSP's
