‘Celebrate’ was written with Craigie Dodds (Amy Winehouse/Billie Eilish/Leona Lewis), whilst the video – directed by Blue Laybourne who has worked with the likes of Stormzy, Novelist, and Gary Barlow – follows a solitary red balloon on its journey across the London skyline.
Speaking about the video, Riva says: “I wanted the video to be both dark and light, to touch on the sadness of loss and grief but also represent the happiest memories and a celebration of an unknown future. I wanted it to feel deeply personal but also universal. Blue [director] has captured the juxtaposition of these very contrasting feelings perfectly using a red balloon as a beacon of hope, a well known symbol of Celebration and innocence that also jars a little as its journey is noticed while flying through lockdown London. It reminds the people who see it of the people they miss, and a life worth living after the weight of 2020 lifts.”
Riva has previously performed alongside Barbara Streisand, and had her single ‘My Mouth’ supported by Elton John, who played it on his Apple Music Beats1 show.
2020 has also seen Riva launch TWH, an online community that supports and connects women in the arts. As part of this, she started a new interview series called ‘Creative Light,’ where she talks to women across the arts about how music and art have helped them positively refocus on times of change or challenge.
Riva also established the Roundhouse Songwriters Circle, a live show in collaboration with Nashville icon Jeff Cohen, that was made into an online series during lockdown, with the aim to raise money for venues who had to close their doors during the pandemic, including the likes of the Roundhouse and Bluebird being a few to benefit.
The second part of her This Woman’s Heart album project is due next year.
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