Jill Scott, Sade, Rosie Lowe: Ria Moran rounds up the tracks that provided inspiration for her gorgeous debut album Cubico.
Ria Moran offers a unique twist on contemporary soul on Cubico, her excellent debut album, shared via DeepMatter Records. The Liverpool-raised, London-based singer-songwriter is known for her vocal contributions with Nubiyan Twist and Gotts Street Park, and with this new record showcases herself as an engaging and effervescent solo entity.
The body of work’s grooves are luscious and flavourful, the instrumentation is potent, progressive and pleasing to the ear. Moran’s textured voice is undeniable. There’s plenty to pick apart from the album — but what provided influence in its making and meaning? Ria reveals all below.
Listen to Cubico…
Ria Moran Is On Repeat…
Cubicolour – “Counterpart”
“Counterpart” takes me on a journey every time I hear it. I love the darkness of the harmony and how the instrumentation and production builds – the strings at the end are so beautiful. This song really inspired myself and Tal Janes (producer) for the sound world of “Cubico” and “Automatic”.
D’Angelo – “The Charade”
This tune is so heavy. I’ve always been a fan of vocals being lower in the mix and I love how D’Angelo mixes and stacks up his vocals. I’m also such a fan-girl of Pino Palladino since learning bass guitar so the combination is pretty heavenly.
Jill Scott – “The Way”
Jill Scott is my favourite vocalist and songwriter. Her flow and ability to take the listener on a journey through some of her more intimate experiences in her life is so organic and truthful. Being truthful and authentic with the lyrics was so important to me whilst writing the album, every song became a feeling or thought I needed to explore and express.
H.E.R & Robert Glasper – “Better Than I Imagined”
I mean, H.E.R, Robert Glasper and Meshell. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rinsed this song. It’s beautifully written and I always come back to it when I want to relax. When I was writing/producing ‘All I ever wanted’ I was listening to this song a lot.
Sade – “Cherish The Day”
The way the production leaves so much space for Sade’s voice is so beautiful and sensual, the whole song breathes.
Alex Isley – “Under The Moon”
Alex Isley is one of my favourite singers at the moment, I really resonate with her softer vocals. As a quieter vocalist myself, I’m really drawn to how she fully embraces and leans into her vocal quality. “Under The Moon” is one of my favourites.
Rosie Lowe – “Something”
I’m a huge fan of how Rosie phrases her melodies and lyrics, super creative and the whole album ‘Love, Other’ is a 10/10 for me. The way the keys open up towards the end gives the tune so much fluidity against the programmed drums.
Geo Jordan – “Need to know”
Geo is one of my good friends and I’m so inspired by him as a person and musician.
The way Geo approaches melody and harmony really speaks to me – another favourite of his is ‘Irreplaceable.’ So lucky to have so many inspiring friends.
Arjuna Oakes – “The Love That I Feel”
I met Arjuna recently when we were singing for Don Glori and afterwards discovered his wonderful album While I’m Distracted which was released a few months ago. This song transports me into my own little world – I love the unexpected ending too!
Onipa – “Menua”
Onipa are good friends of mine and I love this collaboration with Lamisi. The kinda song I want to blast loud in the summer, dance around and feel a little more connected.
