RIJAH – AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH A RISING NEW STAR

By Ralph Beauchamp

Rijah is a talented rising star who is currently a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Raised in one of my old hangouts of Jersey City, Rijah creates dazzling melodies and writes deliciously refreshing songs. Her sound flaunts with a myriad of musical genres. You can hear jazz as well as soul, R&B and pop. She cooks up these delightful aural stews that are both mysterfing and sonically explosive. Her smooth vocals are intriguing while being harmonically rich. Rijah was the opening act at this year’s Soundside Music Festival.

Rijah is a partner at the Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI). This is the same association that brought us Kieran Rhodes last year. Her affiliation with the organization has given her the opportunity to showcase her talent at Soundside. In addition, Rijah has performed at the NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf program with much acclaim. She has just released her new project, a six song EP entitled Motion Pictures. With an innovative approach to R&B, her songs reflect the bridge between youth and adulthood. Motion Pictures flares with exuberant rhythms and exotic textures while still being real and relevant. Songs like “Up” and “Midnight” create a spellbinding aura of unique delicacies.

Rijah is an artist to definitely watch. She will be a musical force in the very near future. Rijah was kind enough to sit with AMP right after her dynamic performance at Soundside.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of your musical journey?

RIJAH: I grew up in a really musical family. So, I was introduced to music at an early age. I first started singing and then I learned the piano and guitar. When I started high school I majored in music and audio technology. That’s when I started to produce my own music. Fast forward to college and I decided to attend Berklee. I had already released my first EP even before I started taking classes there. My second project just got released. Since then I have been playing a lot of shows with my band and writing new music. Music is such a huge part of my life.

AMP: Who were some of your early inspirations?

RIJAH: My dad was a major inspiration. He’s also a musician. Stylistic inspirations would be Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, Yebba, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson. I was always drawn to jazz, soul and pop music.

AMP: Can you give us a little insight into your creative process?

RIJAH: When I write, I usually start with a lyrical concept. I always have a guitar in my hand. That’s where I go when I begin to build a song. Production is a huge part of my creative process. It’s also a passion of mine. So, I love building the instrumentation around the chords and melodies I create. Just putting the pieces together is a thrill.

AMP: How would you describe your sound?

RIJAH: It’s a mixture of all the music I love which is really deep. I tend to be lyrically deep and harmonically driven. It embodies a lot of soul and R&B. It truly represents me. Turn me into a sound and you got it.

AMP: Your new EP, Motion Pictures, is a real treasure. How has the reception been?

RIJAH: Pretty good! I’m currently studying abroad in Spain and it was released while I was still there. I wasn’t even awake when it dropped in the States.

AMP: You have been featured on a NPR Tiny Desk Top Shelf segment. How was that experience?

RIJAH: It was great. I had so much fun just putting together those submissions. I was thrilled that they were so well received. It was exciting, not only for me but for all the musicians that played with me. That’s why working with this group of musicians is so special. They are always so pumped which in turn, ups my excitement level. Plus, I also got to meet some cool people.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

RIJAH: Allen Stone would be one. He is one of my biggest influences. Another one would be Yebba. Both of them for the same reason. Their sense of harmony and melody are super strong. They are also amazing songwriters, vocalists and performers. Stylistically, we would mesh perfectly. They may be a little different from each other but they both have this incredible presence of soul.

AMP: How does it feel to be able to perform at such a large event such as Soundside?

RIJAH: It’s been crazy. I didn’t properly process it before today. It hit me when I got here and saw the stage. That’s when I said “WOW”! I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

AMP: Last year we interviewed Kieran Rhodes who was also in the Berklee Popular Music Institute. What’s the program’s secret to success?

RIJAH: It’s all about the incredible team involved. Morgan Milardo and Morgan Luzzi are an amazing pair of people who have always been so supportive. They are the secret sauce behind BPMI. They just do their jobs so well. The two Morgans are both passionate and awesome people.

AMP: What’s next for Rijah?

RIJAH: My dream is to play more shows and connect with more people. I just released my new project and hopefully something comes from that. I’m not exactly sure where I go next but I am truly excited to find out.

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