Ria Moran is unveiling her true self with her debut album ‘Cubico’. As she continues to carve out her identity as a solo artist, she confidently steps into the limelight with an album that is deeply personal yet widely relatable.
Entering a week filled with nerves and excitement leading up to her release, Ria starts her Monday with yoga before sitting down for a conversation with Clash. “I’ve been striving to remain the calmest person possible; I felt quite anxious the week prior, but I think it’s about knowing how to channel it,” she shares. This tranquility can certainly be linked to the progress she has made in therapy, a journey reflected in her new 11-track project, featuring songs like ‘Slow Breathing’ and ‘Automatic.’
Ria is perhaps most recognized for her collaborations with artists such as Nubiyan Twist and Gotts Street Park. From performing at Glastonbury to touring and even receiving a MOBO nomination, she experienced considerable success during her time with various bands. What prompted her transition to solo artistry? “It honestly stemmed from a moment I had with my voice. I began experiencing some tension in my voice, and through extensive work in therapy, I realized I needed to grasp what I wanted to do and fully commit to it, while building my confidence as a solo artist,” she explains.
“When you’re in situations like mine—when many of my songs were with bands and I often performed covers of other artists—your voice can start to change; you have to adjust it to fit their music. I then recognized that my voice needed me to take a step back and truly explore what I wanted to sing, pushing it in the direction I desired.” Ultimately, she attributes this shift to a “gut feeling” to “be a bit braver,” and acknowledges the encouragement from her previous collaborators when she decided it was time to pursue her own path.
Artistry has always come naturally to Ria, who displayed a talent for dance at an early age. However, after some injuries sidelined her, she gravitated towards different forms of creative expression, discovering classical piano and singing. “Musically growing up, I never fully acknowledged that this would become my career; it was just something I did for my own enjoyment.” When a friend submitted Ria’s home-recorded demo to her sixth form, she quickly secured a spot in the program that provided her with “much more support,” fostering confidence in the emerging musician at a crucial time.
Collaborating with Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Ego Ella May), ‘Cubico’ intricately blends silky electronics, neo-soul grooves, and alternative influences, showcasing Ria’s talents as a producer, lyricist, instrumentalist, and composer. The 11-track album strikes a balance between playfulness and vulnerability, crafting a sound that is both danceable and introspective.
Regarding her dynamic with long-time friend and collaborator Tom Excell, Ria jokingly likens him to “a favorite pair of trousers in the studio – comforting and familiar.” Their enduring friendship and creative collaboration that began in university and continued through shared band experiences enabled them to effortlessly transform Ria’s vision into songs that balance emotional honesty with musical sophistication. While ‘Cubico’ represents Ria’s bold venture into solo artistry, she underscores the ongoing support and respect within her artistic community.
Indeed, ‘Cubico’ serves as both a professional achievement and a personal victory. Creating the album was a slow and methodical process, with Ria assembling songs individually before weaving them into a cohesive and cathartic journey. “I’m proud not just of the work, but of how I’ve processed my feelings,” she states. “It’s been a genuine healing experience.”
Ria hopes that listeners find connection and acceptance in ‘Cubico’. “I want people to feel however they choose,” she expresses. “But ideally, they will feel seen and understood, with the album providing a shared experience of emotional complexity.”
As Ria prepares to perform the album live for the first time at a show in Dalston on August 26th, she is particularly excited to share her music with her talented band on stage. These performances are set to unveil new dimensions of the album’s textures, merging pop songwriting with jazz improvisation and soulful freedom.
‘Cubico’ emerges as a striking debut that signals Ria Moran’s arrival as a solo artist willing to explore her vulnerabilities and translate them into captivating art. This record invites listeners to both move and reflect, extending a heartfelt invitation to breathe slowly, feel deeply, and embark on their own journeys.
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‘Cubico’ is now available.
Words: Sophie Harman
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Ria Moran is exposing her true self with her debut album 'Cubico'. As the versatile musician works to solidify her identity as a solo artist, she progresses forward.