Riovaz Evolves in the Haunting "Lavender Town"


Riovaz, Jersey City’s most exciting export of genre-eschewing underground hits, is only getting better with every go. His latest single “Lavender Town” meets hyperpop with crippling nostalgia, wielding the vintage Pokémon graveyard to embody the mourning of a lost love.

“I don’t wanna stay / I just wanna leave," muses our lovesick hero. Amid a sonic whirlwind, Riovaz is haunted by the demise of a once lover. “Lavender Town,” a village in the original Pokémon games, is a burial ground inhabited by Ghost-type Pokémon. Bleak and unsettling, it fittingly encompasses how loud a sudden absence can be, intangible and evasive. It’s a play only he could pull off so seamlessly, but it’s this exact specificity of artistic wit that got him named one of Billboard’s “21 under 21.”

His stormy inner conflict contrasts the vibrant and atmospheric pulse of “Lavender Town,” as he navigates themes of loss over hypnotic synths. Riovaz continues to experiment with the fusion of genre, evolving musically like a Pokémon himself. The single will surely serve as a standout during his national 'God Is A DJ tour,' kicking off in October this year.

A beacon of hope for those wanting to alchemize torture into art, Riovaz digs through his own carnage and bears all for the world to watch, and the world is certainly watching. With momentum that’s only building, Riovaz knows he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. “This is my calling,” he proclaims. “There's no way I’m doing anything else.”

Watch the "Lavender Town" video below:



Related Articles

Elkan Wants to Make the World Dance

Elkan Wants to Make the World Dance

December 17, 2025 Meet elkan, the 22-year-old Sierra Leonean artist, songwriter, and producer coming off a career-defining year.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
Evann McIntosh Recommends Driving in Convertibles with Your Friends [Q&A]

Evann McIntosh Recommends Driving in Convertibles with Your Friends [Q&A]

December 15, 2025 The rising alt-pop artist took time to chat with us about their time away, their approach to creating music, and book recommendations.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
Q&A
JOA Falls Down the Rabbit Hole in “Even if it's a lie” Video [Premiere]

JOA Falls Down the Rabbit Hole in “Even if it's a lie” Video [Premiere]

December 15, 2025 JOA's latest music video is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Author: DJ Connor
pop
joa