A Soulful, Slow-Burning Anthem of Support Without Sacrifice
DENVER, CO (June 3, 2025) – Dark-pop artist Riah returns with a striking new single for “Stand By You,” with the music video following on June 10, the first release from her upcoming album, The Fourth Wall, out this fall. Seeking the single to stand out from the rest of her catalog, “Stand By You” has a heavily blues-influenced sound, offering a vulnerable meditation on love, boundaries, and emotional self-respect.
Recorded at Conway Sound in Wheat Ridge, CO, and featuring celebrated guitarist El Javi and pianist Dominick Williams, “Stand By You” marks a sonic shift for Riah. The track leans into classic blues and R&B textures, slowing things down, stripping them back, and letting the weight of every lyric breathe.
The single was captured live in-studio during an intimate recording session that also served as the backdrop for the official music video and BTS content, directed by longtime collaborator Chris Rasmussen.
With lyrics like “If I could mend for you, I’d lick all your wounds / But I can’t, so I’ve gotta let you heal,” Riah delivers a message many will recognize but few have put into words. “Stand By You” explores the quiet strength it takes to let go of control while remaining fully present, for a love that doesn’t rescue, but doesn’t walk away either.
This song is my way of saying, ‘I’m here for you, but I won’t carry your healing for you.’ It’s about honoring someone’s strength, even when they don’t see it yet."
- Singer-Songwriter Riah
For an artist known for her fierce emotional honesty, this track feels both intimate and expansive. This time, the power comes not from confrontation, but from presence and choosing to stay.
Production Credits: Riah (Main artist and Songwriter), El Javi (Guitar, Bass, Arrangement), Dominick Williams (Piano, Arrangement); Chris Rasmussen (Videographer/Photographer)
Images by Martha Wirth
About Riah:
Riah is a rising force in the Bedroom Pop scene, crafting introspective and evocative music that resonates with the complexities of love, sex, loss, and a distinctive "villain energy." Drawing deeply from personal life experiences, Riah channels raw emotion into every lyric and melody, creating an intimate connection with listeners.
Starting in the Los Angeles entertainment industry at the tender age of 17, Riah faced the harsh realities of the pre-Me Too era, which fueled her desire for autonomy and control over her artistic vision. After years of enduring the industry's darker side, she stepped back, determined to return to music only on her own terms. Now, as an accomplished entrepreneur, Riah has reclaimed her voice and is ready to make waves with a fresh and authentic sound.
In addition to her musical journey, Riah has captivated audiences at numerous festivals, clubs, and acoustic venues. Her passion for performance extends beyond music, as she is also a competitive pole dancer, having won the prestigious PSO Mountain competition in 2023.
With a unique blend of vulnerability and power, Riah is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music world, bringing a new level of depth and intensity to the Bedroom Pop genre.