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In a world paced to scale back all humanity, warmth and appreciation, IAMTHELIVING, aka Rian Peters of Vancouver-via-London, is the musical version of asking Siri for humanity. On Nebra Sky, the man delves into a wealth of human experience and struggle, holding a mirror to us and himself. IAMTHELIVING lets the beauty of the world cleanse via melody, chord construction, and probing pace. Wanting to know more about him, the project, and the human spirit he embodies, we reached out direct to dive in: 

OTW: Who is “IAMTHELIVNIG”?  

IAMTHELIVING:  Rian Peters. I was raised in Peckham, South East London, UK, before relocating to Vancouver, Canada about 8 years ago. I am a singer, songwriter, producer, visionary, DJ and all-around performer. I would describe myself as a multi-faceted artist committed to my craft, while always remaining heartfelt and genuine. I tend to approach my creativity from a humanist perspective, drawing inspiration from seeing how music can connect people from all walks of life, encouraging others to live healthy, positive lives.

What is Nebra Sky all about? 

Nebra Sky is a collection of songs that are very personal to me, they take the listener through my journey and the experiences I’ve been through.  

While some of the songs confront topics of depth, I created this album to bring positive energy through the melodies and the soundscape as a whole. There are songs on the album that will make you want to sing, dance, smile and cry. 

We love the brightness, and funkiness of the record, what inspired it?  

I wanted to make a record that blended a sound and feel of the 70s, 80s and 90s era. Inspired by iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandros, D’Angelo, Maxwell and James Brown to name but a few. These artists created music that made people feel good and feel alive. Encouraged by their fearlessness, I, too, want to make music that is unique and true to me as an artist. And I feel that I have achieved that in this project, Nebra Sky.

Any collaborations or features? Who produced the album? 

Yes, I had the pleasure of working with a few artists on this album. I worked with the multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Jake Isaac who features on and produced the song ‘Make It Home Alive’. I also worked with NAACP Image award nominee Saxophonist Braxton Cook who features on The Weekend. And I collaborated with KITT who is a very talented singer, songwriter from Vancouver, and Lo-Fi producer Knowmadic from the US who’s amazing, they both featured on the song ‘Love So Divine’. 

The album was executive produced by myself. I brought in some really talented music producers to work with me on this record. I worked with Dan Smith who is a member of The Noisettes, a great band from the UK. He’s an incredible producer and multi-instrumentalist. I also worked with a really talented singer-songwriter and musician called Matt Storm from Vancouver. And last but not least another multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer who goes by Renny & Friends aka Chi Turner who is based in Australia. All of these guys really helped me bring this sound to life. 

How do you feel about retro revivals, do you appreciate the sense of lineage? 

I love retro revivals. I feel like the world right is in need of music that brings joy, love and peace, which I feel was captured from artists in the past, that sound is timeless. Me being one of them, I can appreciate artists who are trying to bring back that feeling to a generation who may not be familiar with that type of musical frequency and to a generation who are. It’s all about giving people that nostalgia for the past but with modern sensibilities. 

Can we expect more of this style in the future? 

You can expect an evolution. I never really try to replicate things that I’ve done before, I like to see how I can take what I have already done, implement some of the same elements and make it better, take it to another level and explore how I can bring something different to the table. 

Besides this excellent album what else should we be on the lookout for? 

My album is actually available to purchase on Vinyl. So If you’re a vinyl collector like me and you love listening to music in that format then you should be on the lookout for my vinyl campaign that I have going at the moment. You can head to my website iamtheliving.com to make an order.

I have been working on a short film that explores my journey so far, which will drop at the top start of next year. I am doing a show as a part of the road to the JUNOs in Canada so I will be doing a bit of promo. Performing and being on stage is by far my favourite thing to do. So be on the lookout for me touring, playing shows and festivals in 2025. 

In the not so distant future I want to launch a range of vegan cookbooks and retreats that looks at discounting and finding space to reconnect to yourself a little bit like what Erykah Badu did in Bali. 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Yoga and meditation inspires me. With all of the challenges that life can bring I find that practicing yoga and meditation calms me and inspires my creativity. Being able to switch off for a bit, to find peace and stillness helps me go deeper within myself that helps me tap into a frequency that allows me to explore new and exciting ideas. 

Best place in VanCity to soak in your new work? 

If you’re out driving on the highway traveling up towards Whistler or if you’re driving up towards the Coquihalla. I’d say, press play, turn it up, enjoy the ride and soak it all in.

Musically who is new but making all the right moves? Who are your current OnesToWatch? 

There’s an amazing artist called Kyra from London, she’s making all the right moves and has everything it takes to go on to do great things. Matt Storm who is a very talented singer, songwriter and producer from Vancouver. He’s unique and in his own lane, he’s also making all the right moves. And Otis Kane from Los Angeles, he’s super talented, his music reminds me of some of the great soul legends from the late 60’s & 70’s, but with his own flair and style. Those three are my current OnesToWatch.