roman around's "Rhythm" is a Heavy Celebration

Fresno, California-based shares their new single and music video “Rhythm” via Trailing Twelve Records.

After receiving critical acclaim for their first three singles “Star Signs,” “DNT,” and “Like Me More,” roman around returns with “Rhythm” – a visceral post-punk juggernaut filled with chugging percussion, swirling guitar, and buzzing sonics to support passages on the sudden and tragic loss of a family pet.

roman around acts as a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera (they/them), an accomplished drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and teacher. The non-binary, pansexual, Native & Mexican American songwriter emphasizes the importance of community and spirituality. After the sudden death of their dog, Rivera spent time processing the loss through songwriting. Rivera elaborates on the inspiration behind “Rhythm” below.

“Rhythm” is a story of the tragic loss of my animal friend, Rhythm. Rhythm was my pup who I had for a couple of months. He had a disability that made him walk funny and emotionally extreme. He passed away in my arms suddenly and tragically. Rhythm was not the first animal I watched pass, so this song is a memorial to all my animal friends. Our pets feel like family. Our pet relationships and the way we cherish them should be celebrated.“

Tell us about your story as an artist

Roman Around started as just a little project where I was originally going to post the progressive beats I’d made. I didn’t mean for it to get as crazy but it’s truly been a blessing so far!

What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?

my health and my little family! I barely get breaks with everything I have going on, and it’s been feeling like everyone wants as much of me as they can get, which is super cool but super stressful. Rhythm always reminds me of what’s important.

What makes this song special in your opinion?

“Rhythm”, the song, is named after a little dog I had, named Rhythm. We had to put him down after he got sick and as you could imagine, it broke our heart.

What inspired this track?

the experience. I tend to write music and lyrics separately, and they just find each other. Heavy musical influences for this track influence From Indian Lakes, Radiohead, and DIIV.

What are some of the core messages here?

Pets are family! You can’t verbally converse, but anyone who is close to their pet knows what they want, when they want it, how they want it, and why. These short relationships are beautiful and they’re so many memories we all make with our pets. Most lyrical content is just reminiscing on memories.

How do you think TikTok and social media are contributing to changing an artist’s career?

I have no idea. Call me old-fashioned, but I think there is nothing like being in front of people and your community and doing nice things for them. Being present has been a thousand times better for me than showing my face to my phone camera. Plus I’m truthfully really bad at the internet, and whenever I’m asked to make a thank you or acknowledge something that’s happened for Roman Around it’s hard to be genuine. It’s mainly because I have no idea how cool it is to be interviewed by Mundane or to be on KCRW a lot, but I’m just going with the flow and trying to live my life in my body.

What excites you about your life?

Everyone is beautiful, everything is crazy. They’re too many great things right now, but if you know me personally, you know my priorities.

What are some of your core values as a human being?

let everyone develop and live their lives. Growth is an embarrassing but necessary process. You’re never better off not knowing something. When you’re at your best, there is nobody better. Give it time, then forgive. Don’t ever compare, but earn your confidence. The truest wisdom is knowing that you know nothing. The best fail more times than everyone else. Everyone knows something you don’t, and the next best thing is always out there 🙂

What are your projects for this year?