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One spin of RYAH’s music, and you’re immediately smitten. Her buttery voice pairs perfectly with her beauty and overall aesthetic, reminding music-lovers that feel-good R&B is here to stay forever. Her lyrics are inspired by real-life experiences, here to empower females all around the world to walk in their truth, be confident, and never stray from turning your dreams into a reality.

Speaking on what inspired her newest single “Solo,” RYAH states, “I’ve been through a lot, been through a lot of different relationship experiences. And I realized that I need to find who RYAH is in that journey, being okay with being alone right now and focus on my career. It was really a conversation to myself.” 

And while RYAH may represent New York, she’s actually from Rockland County. The only other notable name to come out of there is Grace VanderWaal, who blew up after her time on America’s Got Talent. But with RYAH’s vision in becoming a superstar, soon enough the world will be familiar with the place that birthed her. 

Sheen spoke with RYAH in downtown Los Angeles to discuss her love for music, shooting “Solo,” the inspo behind “Day and Night,” studio essentials, beauty go-to’s, and more!

For those who don’t know, who is RYAH? How would you describe yourself?

RYAH is very confident. She’s that boss girl that’s gonna make you feel good about yourself. RYAH loves to have a great time, we’re gonna vibe and kick it. That’s RYAH.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is definitely very versatile. It’s all about things that I have personally gone through. In terms of my music, it’s all about a vibe. So whatever moves me, that’s RYAH.

What part of New York are you from?

I’m from Rockland County, I don’t know if you know where that is. [laughs] It’s about 45 minutes out of the city, out of Manhattan.

Who made you fall in love with music? 

I always loved singing. When I was about 6 years old, that’s when I really found out I could sing. My mom heard me sing and she was like “oh my God, did you put the radio on? What’s going on?” She heard this bravado. I grew up listening to Motown, gospel music. My parents definitely had me listening to a variety of different things. By being around that and being around people that loved music, I just loved to perform. Every party we have, family cookout, “RYAH go sing. Go do your thing.” [laughs It was always in me. 

Was there a point where you realized you could do music for a living?

Definitely. When I had my first showcase, that’s when I realized, this is what I love to do and to perform. Seeing how my family reacted, how my friends reacted, that’s when I said okay, you know what? Let me take this seriously, for real. And the rest is history. 

I love the pink aesthetic in your “Solo” video. Talk about your creative vision. 

In terms of creating that particular space, shout out to Cory. He was the one that found the space. We wanted it to be very serious, more so you feeling every single word that I’m saying and not having too much going on. That’s why we kept the aesthetic very simple. In terms of the pink space, we wanted a room that didn’t have too much distraction. “Solo” is very much where you’re by yourself. That’s why I never looked at the camera, because I wanted you to feel every single word.

I didn’t notice that you never looked at the camera! 

Yeah, only little moments. But I wanted it to have that seriousness. 

What were you going through recording “Day and Night”?

“Day and Night” was honestly about a relationship that I just got out of, and I realized what kind of man I wanted at that time. Really, I want that love. You are so enthralled into that person all the time, and the love never dies. I also saw this old couple and they were so still in love with each other.

I love seeing old couples show affection, that’s my favorite thing in the world.

Exactly! When I saw that, see that’s the kind of love I want. Because you could tell they were still in love with each other.

3 things you need in the studio at all times?

Definitely tea, for sure. My notebook to write, and a blanket because I’m always cold. Those are my 3 things, and obviously my cell phone.

What was the best memory opening for The Millenium Tour? 

Definitely hanging out with Bow Wow. That was fun, that was a crazy night. I got to know him on a personal level too. All the people that I met. they were so sweet and welcoming. 

What are your beauty go-to’s? 

Definitely need to have some foundation. The lashes, cannot deal without any lashes. And of course, some jewelry. Some bling. 

Lashes or nails?

Definitely my nails. Because if my nails are not looking right, the rest does not look put together. For me, personally. 

How would you describe your fashion sense? 

My fashion is very streetwear, it has some edge to it. A pop of color here and there. Definitely love bling too, gotta have some bling. It wouldn’t be the same, RYAH with no bling. 

If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t doing music, I’d probably do something with children because I love kids, or I would pursue being a chef because I love to cook. But if it was music based, probably something behind the scenes. Like an artist development coach, because we definitely need that in the industry. Or something on the business side, management or A&R.

Anything else you want to let the people know?

Definitely follow me, make sure to look for @itsryah on all the social media platforms. Look out for me, especially with this new EP I have coming up. I’m definitely going to be doing more tours soon. RYAH’s name is going to be everywhere, so definitely look out for that.