IAMTHELIVING is the musical project of London-born, Vancouver, Canada-based singer, songwriter and producer Rian Peters. He’s just come to my attention thanks to his new EP that is infused with life and energy. It’s called Nebra Sky, Pt. 1.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Raunie Mae
Music has been a crucial part of Rian’s life since childhood, where he grew up with his mother in Peckham, South London. Initially, his relationship with it was about dancing, and he became a professional dancer at the age of fifteen. The deviation into song writing came in 2018, and his debut EP Thing Called Life came out the following year, receiving a nomination for a JUNO award in the category of Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.
His latest opens with a short intro sub-titled (Voice Note to Mother) which is exactly what it sounds like. It provides an intimate and relatable start where we discover a lot about Rian before Superhero gives us his mother’s response, delivered against a backdrop of delicate acoustic guitar. It develops into a soulful autobiographical story where Rian recounts his early years, and celebrates the woman that made them possible. Together the two tracks provide an authentic and heartfelt opening.
Rockin’ London City ups the tempo with a funky, move inducing number that combines classic and modern elements seamlessly. Can’t Be Replaced then returns us to some soul-rendering acoustic R&B that explores self-doubt before arriving at a life-affirming conclusion. It’s a highlight.
Make It Home Alive is a team up with Jake Isaac and gives us some lively percussion and an infectious groove. Calloused Heart is an emotional slow-burner with a big finish. Love So Divine then closes the EP with a little romance thanks to its image-laden lyrics and genuine declaration of love. It’s a final highlight.
I feel like I’m a little late the party but I’m so glad to finally be in the IAMTHELIVING fan club. He’s a special artist with an irresistible sound.
Nebra Sky, Pt. 1 is out now via Nettwerk Music Group and you can check it out below.
