Today, Los Angeles-based alt-pop musician Riz La Vie shares his highly anticipated debut album Haven out everywhere now including a limited run on vinyl. Alongside the release, La Vie shares the album’s title track with an accompanying video.
Plus, Riz La Vie will hit the road across North America this spring on The World Could Be A Haven Tour beginning tonight in Phoenix, AZ with support from Johan Lenox and Ayleen Valentine. Tickets are on sale now, along with brand new merch.
The album’s title track, out today, explores loss, but even in the deepest depths of sadness, it sees La Vie determined to find the silver lining. The track swiftly embodies the thesis of the album as its themes speak to the album as a. whole.
On its subject matter and overall message, Riz La View explains
“The lyrics speak to the choice one can make to not dwell on negative emotions, but instead to find refuge in the power of one’s own mind. The message is one of personal strength and the constant effort needed to nurture one’s own inner haven.”
Its accompanying video, directed by Quinton Dominguez, opens with La Vie seated in a movie theater, ready to watch a movie of his newfound life in Los Angeles. The film and the track’s lyrics follow La Vie’s emotional effort to hold onto optimism, freedom and safety.
Dominquez explains
“Reflecting the framework of the mind in real time, ‘Haven’ takes us on a trip through RIZ’s world in LA.” The director continues, “We collaborated on this video over a period of 4 months, putting our energy into making an expansive video that encapsulates Riz La Vie in his current form.”
With Haven, his debut studio album out today, Riz La Vie expands on the vibrant sonic world he’s built with previous releases, but this time, shares more of himself with his fans. Experimenting with new production elements and blending genres,
La Vie pushes boundaries like never before, culminating in his most realized, ambitious work to date. Over 15 tracks, La Vie embarks on a search for a sense of safety and security, both internally and externally–within himself, in his relationships, community, environment, and in the world at large.
Riz La Vie explains the album
“The album reflects my journey facing the struggles of trying to find a home in a city like New York, during a recession and eventually having to move to another city like Los Angeles.”
“It showcases the ups and downs of forming new connections, and the impact of losing some friends temporarily and some permanently, both for the better and for the worse. The album also expresses my determination to not fall victim to fear-mongering, and trying to find light and positivity in difficult times.”
In perpetual pursuit of hope and optimism, the project chronicles La Vie’s courage in the face of adversity as he ultimately discovers his own strength and confidence.
Collaborators on the album include Vic Wainstein (Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller), Daniel Hartzog (Tom the Mailman, ericdoa), Lucy Blomkamp (6LACK, Mallrat) and Johan Lenox (BROCKHAMPTON, Metro Boomin, Shawn Mendes). It was mixed by KES (Ed Sheeran, Jacob Banks) and mastered by Mike Bozzi (Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy).
Speaking to the album title, La Vie explains
“It evokes imagery of a safe place for boats and ships, representing the artist’s journey as a metaphor for their own life journey, much like a ship navigating through storms and troubled waters to find a safe haven. The album is a reflection of the journey the artist had to go through to find that inner and outer peace and stability, and it comes across as an album that is relatable, reflective and empowering.”
The previously shared single “FYP,” offers La Vie the space to express the discomfort and fear that accompany a cross-country move, and the aftermath of leaving home to land in a new environment, surrounded by new people while the place he once called home remains.
La Vie explains “FYP”
“It’s a representation of my love affair with New York City, even while living in Los Angeles. It reflects my feelings of longing, FOMO, and passion as I see my beloved city moving on without me, such as through concerts and billboards, while LA tries to capture my attention. It’s a story of my longing for my true home and my deep emotional connection to it.”
Riz La Vie is ready to set out on a lengthy tour across North America this spring with support from Johan Lenox and Ayleen Valentine beginning on the 9th of February 2023 in Phoenix, AZ. Join La Vie in his own haven with tickets to The World Could Be A Haven Tour are on sale now.
Riz La Vie’s 2018 hit “Napkins,” has become a fan favorite, with over 38M+ streams on Spotify to date, and like the artist himself, shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to a 30-date tour in 2021, La Vie performed at festivals like Governor’s Ball and Lollapalooza.
The artist has consistently turned heads of several leading tastemakers in recent years, including Billboard, “Pigeons & Planes”, “Ones to Watch”, and more.
Billboard wrote on his genre-defying sound
“He successfully blends elements of hip-hop, electronic and soul and delivers each lyric with incredible energy.”
Now, with over 565K Spotify monthly listeners, La Vie is ready to invite listeners into the ethereal oasis of Haven.
More info about Riz La Vie
The soul-baring Riz La View, originally from New Jersey, has a vocal approach that ranges from a consoling croon to a fervent howl. His artful, and occasionally bluesy hybrid of R&B, hip-hop, and pop was showcased throughout his singles like “Go Again,” “Hot Rod,” and “Nitelite (casino royale), and a catalogue that has surpassed 100 million career streams.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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