(Music Video) roman around’s “DNT” is Trauma You Can Groove To (3/2/22)

roman around releases “DNT,” available March 2nd on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Fresno, California-based roman around share their new single and music video “DNT,” set for digital release on March 2nd through Trailing Twelve Records. At the heels of the haunting and expansive “Star Signs”, their new song “DNT” utilizes intricate rhythms and lush textures to support passages on relationship red flags and the recurring trauma of an abusive relationship.

roman around acts as a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera, an accomplished drummer, and multi-instrumentalist. Rivera identifies as non-binary and pansexual, an identity they are proud to represent within the LGBTQ community. With both Mexican and Native American heritage, Rivera grew up in a community of spirituality and music. After touring the country as a drummer for various bands, Rivera began experimenting with their own music. The creation and writing process behind “DNT” marked a paradigm shift for roman around.

Rivera shares what encouraged them to make “DNT” below.

“DNT” started as a demo in April of 2021. I was using it as a project to design synth sounds and create random drum loops. It wasn’t intended to go anywhere, but when some friends heard it they became attached to the creation and encouraged me to finish it.

Rivera’s songwriting balances self-reflection with sharp wit, offering poetic metaphors on trauma [Your voice doesn't make a sound / But it's only getting louder”] along with a wry take on depression [“The doctor says I'm only good enough / To lie in bed all day and night to cry”]. Aquarium synths and stabbing rhythm guitar make for a compelling contrast to Rivera’s initial falsetto refrain ”Yeah, I don't wanna feel this way” - acting as a sort of mission statement for “DNT.” Rivera shares that this was a line they would frequently repeat to themselves while in the throes of an abusive relationship.

I kept repeating this to myself while in this relationship and eventually it found its place in the song.

Recorded entirely in roman around’s home studio in Fresno, Rivera then decided to recruit some friends to create a music video for “DNT.” Directed by Angel Orozco, the music video follows Rivera and their bandmates getting into a roadside confrontation. In addition, we see Rivera in various modes of isolation, e.g. painting a blank canvas at the dining room table, laying on the living room floor, strumming a guitar in a moody rehearsal space.

“DNT” blends lush ambiance, underwater synths, jagged guitar, and gritty bass to construct a hypnotic and mysterious groove. The percussion is mixed front and center, allowing all its fine details to shine through, while Rivera’s airy vocal effortlessly weaves in and out. The magic of the song is not only its refined groove but its ambition scope. Midway through the song, everything except for the rhythmic guitar drops out and seamlessly morphs into a single bar of wobbly west coast hip-hop. This section gives way to incoherent audio of an argument between several people - an aural glimpse into the relationship that influenced the writings of “DNT.”

roman around’s “DNT” is out March 2nd, 2022 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve.

Watch the music video for “DNT” below.

Written & Performed by Roman Around
Roman Rivera - Vocals, Drums, Bass, Synth, and Percussion
Mixed and Mastered by Roman Rivera

Music Video Directed and Edited by Angel Orozco

Press Contact: trailingtwelve@gmail.com

TTRS-053
© & ℗ 2022 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

ROMAN AROUND - DNT
TTRS-053
Releases 2 March 2022
Length: 4:23

Socials: instagram / tiktok / facebook

BIO

roman around is an American rock band from Fresno, California, formed in 2020. The band is a vehicle for the songs of Roman Rivera and consists of Roman Rivera (vocals, guitar), Justin Vogel (bass, keys, vocals), Chevas Vandel (keys, vocals), and Luke Schafer (drums).

With both Mexican and Native American heritage, Rivera grew up in a community of spirituality and music. Rivera first honed their skills as a drummer before becoming a fully-fledged multi-instrumentalist. 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.

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 single “Star Signs” premiered on the award-winning radio station KCRW, playlisted by Spotify Fresh Finds, and was featured by the tastemaker site Ones To Watch.