Riah’s sophomore album, Trauma Bond, has officially dropped, and it’s an unfiltered exploration of some of the most personal and raw emotions you’ll ever hear in pop music. This seven-track collection takes listeners on a journey through the darker corners of her life, all while maintaining a polished, pop-centric sound that keeps the experience both engaging and relatable.
With Trauma Bond, Riah delves into the complex and often painful relationships that have shaped her, both past and present. The album features songs like “Daddy Issues” and “Mommy Issues,” which lay bare the complicated dynamics with her parents. These tracks don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. “Mommy Issues,” for example, navigates the mixed emotions that come with loss, while “Daddy Issues” channels deep-seated feelings of anger and resentment that can easily be mistaken for a breakup song. But this isn’t just an album about family—it’s an exploration of mental health, self-discovery, and the battles we all fight within ourselves.
One of the standout tracks, “Sertraline,” named after the antidepressant used to treat OCD, dives into Riah’s personal struggle with the disorder. It’s a brutally honest portrayal of the challenges she’s faced, wrapped in a sound that’s as haunting as it is relatable. The metaphorical layers in each song offer listeners multiple ways to connect with the music, making it a deeply personal experience for anyone who’s ever grappled with their own demons.
Riah’s journey into music started at an incredibly young age. Singing at local open mics when she was just five years old, she quickly made a name for herself with her powerful voice and undeniable stage presence. By the time she was 12, she had already appeared on America’s Most Talented Kids, showcasing her vocal prowess to a national audience. The move to Los Angeles at 17 marked the beginning of her professional music career, but it also exposed her to the harsh realities of the industry—an experience that would later fuel her desire for independence.
After spending years navigating the darker side of the music business, Riah made the bold decision to go independent. This shift has allowed her to take full control of her artistic vision, resulting in music that is authentically and unapologetically her own. The culmination of this journey is evident in Trauma Bond, where every note and lyric reflects the hard-earned freedom she now enjoys.
Stylistically, Riah describes her music as ‘Dark Pop,’ a genre that perfectly captures the duality of her sound—both edgy and accessible, emotional yet catchy. But Riah refuses to be confined to any single genre. For her, music is a way to express the multifaceted nature of human experience, especially as a woman. She’s determined to show that vulnerability and strength can coexist and that you can be introspective and powerful at the same time.
In addition to her music, Riah’s talents extend to the world of pole dancing, a passion that has added another layer to her performances. Having won the prestigious PSO Mountain competition in 2023, she’s proven that her stage presence is just as commanding in dance as it is in music. Fans can look forward to seeing this blend of music and movement in the upcoming music video for “Sertraline,” set to be released in October. The video promises to be sensual and emotionally charged, showcasing Riah’s skills in a way that’s as captivating as it is personal.
Riah hopes that Trauma Bond will inspire listeners to embrace their own vulnerabilities and find strength in their experiences. It’s an album that encourages us all to look deeper, to understand that it’s okay to be complicated, and to celebrate the many layers that make us who we are. As Riah continues to carve out her own path in the music world, Trauma Bond stands as a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Trauma Bond is now available worldwide on all major streaming platforms, ready to take you on a powerful musical journey. Don’t miss out—stream it today. For real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a closer look into Riah’s world, be sure to follow her on Instagram.
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