From Australian artist Holly Riva comes a compelling track inspired by inner conflict and temptation, penned by Riva and the talented Jennifer Ann. The track's infectious beat and Riva’s hypnotic vocals—drawing comparisons to the stylings of Dove Cameron and Billie Eilish—create an immersive experience. The song blends a bright but haunting melody with introspective lyrics that explore the pull of our inner demons and unspoken desires.
Riva reflects on the process of creating her new single Devil on My Shoulder, sharing, “It’s so empowering to compose with a female producer/songwriter, Jennifer Ann (Astraea). Don’t get me wrong, I love my male producers, but it's super rare to find women in production.” Astraea is also passionate about contributing to the music scene as a woman, to share what she has to say, but also to equalise the playing field, which is still male-dominated. Her partnership with Riva was integral to the making of this track, as their values and goals aligned.
Sound engineer Will Reeves, known for his work with Stormzy and Khalid, lent his mixing prowess to the single, while Christian Wright of Abbey Road Studios, who has mastered tracks for Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, ensured a flawless auditory experience. Set in a low-lit, eerie house in Sydney, the music video captures the song’s essence as conceived by award-winning director Antonio Ruffino. The visuals are dark, shadowed, and feature a haunting figure trailing Riva’s every move.
Riva is set to perform Devil on My Shoulder at her headline show on Freight Island’s main stage in Manchester, UK, on May 24, followed by Brighton, London, and Wolverhampton for her UK tour. She’ll be heading to India and Australia later in the year, promising unforgettable live experiences.
