New York City-based indie rock/pop musician and actor Rivkah Reyes has shared their latest confessional, bubble-grunge tune, “Miss Congeniality”.
Out now alongside a striking music video, the track documents Reyes’s real, lived experiences through revealing, punchy lyricism on what she affectionately refers to as “sapphic doomcore situationship bangers.”
For years, Rivkah Reyes has been the reliable instrumentalist in the background, but “Miss Congeniality” marks a definitive step into her own spotlight.
The track is an emo-tinged, Y2K pop anthem that balances power chords with an upbeat confidence, exploring the exquisite joy of longing and the sharp realization that one may not be for everyone.
The Pageant Energy of Modern Relationships
The single directly addresses the exhausting cycle of relationship performance and people-pleasing. Reyes shares that the track stems from a pattern of shapeshifting into whatever version of herself feels the most likable in the moment.
She compares the experience to a traditional beauty pageant where you manage to be everyone’s favorite while still somehow not being chosen – a dynamic where the humor and the sting occur simultaneously.
To bring this sonic vision to life, Reyes teamed up with frequent collaborator Blonder, a producer well-regarded for his work with notable alternative acts like Anna Shoemaker and Ryn Weaver. Together, they crafted a distinct sonic palette that blends bratty, high-energy alt-pop with crunchy guitars and a nostalgic touch of early-2000s indie sleaze.
The arrangement remains polished on the surface while intentionally unravelling underneath, perfectly capturing a state of being barely held together. As Reyes notes, the song lives comfortably right in that delicate space between sweet and frustrated.
A Queer Boxing Ring Homage to Sandra Bullock
The accompanying music video elevates the track’s narrative themes, operating as a co-directed effort by Reyes and Katie Colwell, with fast-paced editing handled by Jill Blutt.
Shot entirely on location at OutBox, a celebrated queer and trans boxing gym in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the visual features a bruised Reyes hitting the ring donning a bright pink dress and a tiara.
The aesthetic serves as a direct, gritty homage to the classic 2000 film Miss Congeniality. The video plays heavily with rigid gender and societal expectations, mirroring how Sandra Bullock’s cinematic character tries to survive inside a version of hyper-femininity that doesn’t naturally fit her.
By taking a traditionally pristine aesthetic and roughing it up with sweat, smeared makeup, and a busted lip, the production creates a raw visual contrast that directly aligns with the song’s emotional core.
Rivkah Reyes: From “School of Rock” to Self-Assured Artistry
Born in Chicago, Reyes learned to play guitar at just four years old before shooting to global fame as a child actor, playing the memorable, stone-faced bassist “Katie” in the acclaimed 2003 comedy School of Rock. Since then, they have sustained a busy, multi-hyphenate career across film, comedy, and theater.
Recent acting credits include roles in the buddy comedy One Of Them Days, Netflix’s holiday hit The Merry Gentleman, and the queer horror-comedy short Gianna alongside Margaret Cho, which made waves at the Sundance Film Festival.
Throughout their extensive journey in the entertainment industry, music has remained an absolute constant and a vital creative outlet. This new release expands an ever-growing independent discography that includes the 2024 single “another vice”, “Big League Chew”, and the breakout track “sick”, which previously earned critical praise from Rolling Stone.
“Miss Congeniality” stands as Reyes’s most confident, self-assured release to date, beautifully blending theatricality with the vulnerability of a raw diary entry.
Check out the video for “Miss Congeniality” below:
You can stream the track HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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