Bella Rios’ EP 'Right Now' conveys the emotional peaks and valleys of growing up, providing an authentic glimpse into love, transformation, and self-exploration.
Stream: 'Right Now' – Bella Rios
Bella Rios could very well be the girl next door… if that girl next door combined Olivia Rodrigo's pop-punk edge, Adele's emotive ballads, and a hint of Hannah Montana's dual existence. As a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who excels at channeling vulnerability into strength, Rios demonstrates that she is more than just an emerging talent with her sophomore EP Right Now, set for release on July 25. She serves as a powerful storyteller, ready to convert tumultuous emotions into songs you can belt out while driving or cry to in the late hours.
The title track of the new EP serves as its emotional centerpiece, a powerful anthem crafted during a time of personal turmoil. Rios was concluding her college journey—facing the end of the familiar and the daunting onset of the unknown. “Right Now” powerfully captures the dizziness of this transition with both clarity and release. “I wrote it when I needed faith,” she reflects. “It’s about bidding farewell to something you’re not prepared to let go of, and discovering who you are when your next steps are unclear.”
This tension between past and future, fear and faith, resonates throughout the entire record. Right Now immerses listeners in the emotional chaos of early adulthood: heartbreak, anxiety, self-doubt, and the gradual, at times painful, ascent to confidence. Yet, Rios maintains a steady honesty throughout; her songs are not mere confessions but rather dialogues.
In “I’m the Man,” she revisits a one-sided relationship with both weariness and understanding, reflecting on the emotional energy she invested and the insights she gained from it. In contrast, “Overthinker” delves more into her inner world—depicting racing thoughts, tangled expectations, and perfectionism. “The verses and pre-choruses express my anxiety and confusion,” she clarifies. “The choruses embody my hopes—freedom, clarity.”
Such contrasts make her songwriting deeply personal. She writes not solely from her experiences but also from her emotions, capturing the essence of being in the midst of a situation before resolution is achieved. This instinct was already visible in her 2024 debut EP Sincerely, which showcased coming-of-age themes filled with raw emotion and catchy pop melodies. However, Right Now represents an evolution—bigger, bolder, and with a stronger sense of self. The production shines, while the emotional depth remains palpable.
Rios' sound reflects the influences of artists who have shaped her journey, from Fleetwood Mac and Heart's lush rock to the intense pop of Adele, P!nk, and Lady Gaga. Growing up in suburban Chicago, she began classical piano lessons at the age of five, but it was her parents' record collection, coupled with her own exploration of artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan, that ignited her passion for storytelling through music.
This blend of vintage rock theatricality and contemporary pop honesty defines Rios' current sound. Her music thrives on profound emotions, catchy hooks, and a resolute emotional foundation. She confronts challenging topics head-on, using her writing as a means of processing.
She is also still coming to terms with the impact her songs have on others. Whether performing live or witnessing friends become emotional while absorbing her lyrics, it’s an unfamiliar yet touching experience for her. “There are times I hear a line and think, ‘That’s actually pretty good,’” she chuckles. “It’s still a new feeling for me.”
Atwood Magazine chatted with Rios prior to the release of Right Now to discuss songwriting, self-awareness, and the experience of finding her voice in the world.
— —
:: stream/purchase Right Now here ::
:: connect with Bella Rios here ::
— —
A CONVERSATION WITH BELLA RIOS
Atwood Magazine: I have to mention that if there’s a report indicating someone in Winnipeg listened to “Ever After” 17 times today, that would be me, and I’m totally fine with that! It’s an amazing song! How does that one go over live?
Bella Rios: Thank you so much! That really means a lot. It varies. I prefer playing it with the band – it allows me to express more anger instead of sarcasm, which is the vibe I tend to give when performing it alone acoustically. I usually focus on my mom during that performance, as it’s her favorite song of mine, and it holds a special place in her heart because I wrote it when I was quite young. It was one of the first times she heard me confidently use strong language. I aim to make her happy during that performance. Generally, people laugh, which I appreciate.
You refer to yourself as
Debbii Dawson explores themes of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-expression while discussing her latest tracks and revealing the inspirations behind her daring, genre-defying music in 2025.
Big Noble, a project directed by Daniel Kessler and Joseph Fraioli from Interpol, is set to launch their new album 'It's Later Than You Think' this summer. The upcoming
Nell Mescal has released a new song titled 'Carried Away'. The Irish songwriter recently signed a contract with Atlantic Records before heading to America for
“I aim to create an intimate atmosphere in my shows, even when there are many attendees. I want everyone to feel as though they’ve truly spent an evening with me.” That's how
UK RnB artist Mnelia is back with her latest single, 'BroZone'. This release comes after 'My Man,' which was launched in June. 'BroZone' is produced by Nosa Apollo (Ella Mai,
In “Crashing the Car,” Scottish singer-songwriter Blair Davie embraces vulnerability and emotional surrender, creating a heartfelt, intimate anthem that captures the beautiful risk of falling profoundly in love.
Bella Rios' EP 'Right Now' encapsulates the ups and downs of adolescence, providing an unfiltered and genuine perspective on love, transformation, and self-exploration.