Signing to a major label at just 12, dazzling at the BAFTAs, earning praise from Usher, and securing a coveted feature on Sir Elton John’s Apple Music Beats 1 show, Riva Taylor has carved out a meteoric rise rooted in a sound that effortlessly blends sophistication and soul. Now, in an electrifying collaboration with British funk/gospel artist and director Marcus Foster, along with acclaimed mixer Richard Wilkinson (Adele, Amy Winehouse), Taylor unveils “Valentine Road”—a spellbinding new release arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Steeped in Riva’s rich jazz heritage while paying homage to the golden era of 1960s songwriting, “Valentine Road” is a bold and evocative addition to her growing discography. Lush, glowing instrumental arrangements intertwine with Riva’s dynamic, expressive vocal palette, creating a tapestry of sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Her soaring, impassioned lyricism adds an undeniable poignancy, making “Valentine Road “ an arresting, cinematic journey that only heightens anticipation for Taylor’s forthcoming EP.
Reflecting on the track’s creation, Taylor shares, “This is a song that has lived as a file on my laptop since 2021 and ironically, given its ethereal backing vocals and ghostly imagery, is a melody that has haunted me ever since writing it. I repeatedly revisited the demo waiting for the right moment to release it. As soon as I turned up at Marcus’s studio on Valentine Road, I knew what the title of our song would be. It’s written for all those people out there who have been in love with the idea of a relationship that didn’t actually exist. In all honesty, the song presents ‘Valentine Road’ as a long and varied one which always offers hope…”
Listen to the track…
Watch the video…