(Music Video) roman around’s “Bear The Burden” is a Spotlight on Environmental Injustice, Announces EP - 9 Nov 2022
roman around releases “Bear The Burden” available November 9th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.
Fresno, California-based roman around teams up with fellow Trailing Twelve artist Thavoron (Tav-er-on) to share their new single and music video “Bear The Burden” set for digital release on November 9th through Trailing Twelve Records. After a slew of single releases, including the critically acclaimed “Rhythm”, roman around returns with “Bear The Burden” - a hazy, progressive R&B cut, with hints of chillwave and an unrelenting dance beat throughout.
roman around acts as a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera (they/them), an accomplished drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and teacher. The multi-racial artist grew up in Fresno, CA, where they currently serve as a music educator. Rivera challenges traditional gender norms while fostering a safe place for themselves and others in the LGBTQ+, POC, music, and general community. “Bear The Burden” zooms out from Rivera’s typically personal songwriting and shifts focus to atrocities being committed on a global level.
Roman Rivera of roman around, screenshot from “Bear The Burden” video directed by Aieulogy
More specifically, Rivera is calling out the systematic destruction of the environment and how the first people to feel its devastating effects will not be those responsible, but the ‘burden’ will be instead placed on less fortunate populations. Rivera goes into more detail on the themes of “Bear The Burden” below
“The actions of one will not be enough to change the course of an economic, environmental, and power system which systematically burdens poor, minority, and disabled populations. The ways in which we continually destroy the planet are known and unchanging. These populations who are closer to their demise than those with a sense of entitlement are the first to bear the burden”
Thavoron, screenshot from “Bear The Burden” video directed by Aieulogy
Musically, roman around harkens back to the progenitors of the chillwave movement, with woozy synths and whispered vocals which call to mind the likes of Toro y Moi, Blood Orange, and DIIV. Rivera recruited fellow Trailing Twelve artist, Thavoron, for guest vocals on “Bear The Burden” and he immediately makes his presence known, crooning over rattling high hats and booming bass in a way that grounds the track by adding another layer of emotional vulnerability.
Teaming up with director Aieulogy, roman around created a companion music video which shows them and Thavoron through a thick filter - adding to the hazy atmosphere of the original song. Rivera goes into more detail on the video below.
“Filmed during the night next to the San Joaquin river on Yokuts land, the subjects are usually unseen or glanced at. Like the environmental and socioeconomic issues we often push to the dark, these scenes and characters suggest giving attention to these issues consistently. Grainy textures and the destruction of the land also give attention to the apocalyptic scenes we now face post-2020.”
“Bear The Burden” is not only a catchy bedroom pop cut with smooth vocals and a futuristic beat, it is also a relevant cry for justice against the powers that be. Along with this single, roman around has announced the release of their new EP Tell Me All About You. The EP will feature previously released singles such as, “Like Me More” “DNT” and “Star Signs”, along with a number of new songs, and is set to be released January 20th 2023 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve.
Watch the music video for “Bear The Burden” below.
Written & Performed by roman around and Thavoron
Roman Rivera - Vocals, Drums, Synth, Guitar, and Percussion
Thavoron Eang - Guest Vocals
Mixed and Mastered by Roman Rivera
Music Video by Aieulogy
Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com
TTR-023
© & ℗ 2022 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
ROMAN AROUND - Bear The Burden (featuring Thavoron)
TTR-023
Releases 9 Nov 2022
Length: 4:02
BIO - roman around
roman around is the vehicle for the music composed and arranged by Roman Rivera (they/them). The multi-racial artist grew up in Fresno, CA, where they currently serve as a music educator. Rivera challenges traditional gender norms while fostering a safe place for themselves and others in the LGBTQ+, POC, music, and general community.
In their late teenage years, after touring the country as a drummer for various bands, Rivera began experimenting with writing their own music. Years of communal exposure to beat making, singing, guitar, and drumming allowed them to quickly craft their own vision.
roman around's sound blends hypnotic rhythms, hazy atmospheres, and shadowy textures that will please fans of From Indian Lakes, Cocteau Twins, DIIV, and Toro Y Moi.
Performing with various musicians in Fresno, their band can range from a multitude of different members. Rivera is currently attending CSU Fresno and working as a music teacher while they continue to write, release, and perform music via roman around. Rivera identifies as non-binary and pansexual, an identity they are proud to represent within the LGBTQ community.
Their debut singles “Star Signs.” “DNT,” and “Like Me More” have premiered on the award-winning radio station KCRW “Morning Becomes Eclectic” with editorial playlisting by Spotify Fresh Finds and critical acclaim from tastemaker sites including Dummy, Ones To Watch, and Grimy Goods.
BIO - Thavoron
Thavoron is a 22-year-old first-generation Cambodian American artist based in Seattle, Washington. Layering angelic vocals and intimate lyricism over heart-breaking sonic progressions, Thavoron pulls inspiration from contemporaries such as Frank Ocean, Faye Webster, and Bon Iver.
Growing up as a first-generation Cambodian-American and not feeling represented in the music industry, Thavoron hopes to help pave the way for Southeast/Asian American and queer artists alike looking for a sense of creative community:
“..being surrounded by people I couldn’t fully relate to resorted to me locking myself up in my bedroom to just write to try and make sense of all my differences as a person.”
With coverage including Ones To Watch and Before The Data, Thavoron’s music has been described as deeply reflective, vulnerable, and increasingly rare. Tackling themes like cultural identity, grief, and strained relationships, Thavoron crafts hauntingly melancholy songs that leave a lasting impression.