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Photo: John Scarisbrick

It’s been a year, and sometimes you just need a moody, melodic longing to be that cinematic backdrop to get you through another cancerous day. One of our new sonic infatuations, RIVER, delivers some carcinogenic excellence to this latest single, a song about, well, not really loving yourself. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, we got curious as always to sort out who would write such an eloquent but dark single, and sent some questions to probe this rising alt artist.

OnesToWatch: Who is RIVER?

RIVER: I’m an artist, dedicated to musical art as much as visual art. In my artistry, I’m moved by individuality and by crossing boundaries.

Are you free flowing? Emotionally dammed up?

I’m very emotionally vulnerable. That’s a part of me I really treasure because it helps me connect to people and open up a space where others can connect with me. I’m very open with my demons. I believe that when we’re honest about our fears and insecurities, they can’t weigh us down. Shame can’t survive in a place of that kind of vulnerability. That’s strength to me.

Worse yet, are you really cancer?

Sometimes I feel like it.

What, I’m scared to ask, is the genesis of the song?

The song comes from a place of self-loathing, a state of deep shame and guilt.

Any collaborators or features? Who produced the track?

I’ve been working closely with Johannes Henriksson, August Vinberg, and Rickard Andersson.

Can we expect more of this style in the future?

Yes, there’s an album.

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

Upcoming live shows. I’ve made a website called adyingsource.com for my previous release show in Stockholm. It’s a '90s-inspired game where you have to play to find details about more invitations and pieces connected to the project.

What’s inspiring you right now outside of music?

I find my inspiration through words, lines, and visual things that appear when I flip through books. I like to drift through books as much as through streets and stores without knowing what I’m looking for, and then suddenly something sticks in my head (if not in my hand to go with me home) that I can build on. I love old bookshops and secondhand stores where the least expected, most appealing thing can be waiting for me. Often, I find art, cut it out, and make something new out of it. Stealing art isn’t shameful to me. On the contrary, what an honour to have your art stolen.

Take us on your dream date; where do we go, what are we doing?

I’m going to my favorite restaurant in Stockholm, Tegelbruket. Then home to my place for a long foot massage. 

Who are your OnesToWatch?

Decalius.