From Past to Future: roman around’s Wish (Tapes EP) Defies Time - 10 October 2025

roman around, ‘Wish (Tapes EP)’ Artwork

roman around shares ‘Wish (Tapes EP)’ available October 10th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Fresno-based writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist roman around, the musical persona of Roman Rivera, releases Wish (Tapes EP) on October 10th via Trailing Twelve Records. With yet another captivating release, Rivera reimagines four previously completed songs, reshaping them into a more introspective soundscape. Crafted entirely on a Yamaha CMX100, Wish extracts new textures while challenging listeners to engage with music and life from an ever-evolving perspective.

Having garnered attention from influential outlets like LADYGUNN, Ones to Watch, METAL and Grimy Goods, Rivera has solidified themselves as a pioneer for the underground indie electronic rock scene. Rivera has seen their work featured on KCRW's esteemed radio Morning Becomes Eclectic and synced in Freeform's Good Trouble. Beyond their musical achievements, Rivera is also a dedicated music educator, championing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ and POC students and peers.

Photo by Blu Torress

The EP opens with the title track, “Wish,” inviting listeners into a haunting, meditative space. Dark, pulsing synths rise and fall like ocean waves, punctuated by a crystalline synth bell. Barely audible whispers can be heard throughout the track, creating an intimate atmosphere. The point of the EP was to make something darker, haunting, also somewhat nostalgic. This track also underlines apprehensiveness and perseverance.

On “Moves pt.2,” a continuation of “Moves” from the album The Toll of Unconditional Love, roman around explores themes of time’s passage and update. Clock-like synths echo in call-and-response with vocals, at one point chanting the word “shame” back and forth, underscoring the song’s reflective nature on issues such as US policy, including decades-long military occupation and mass deportations.

“Bear the Burden pt.2” juxtaposes a somber guitar riff with an industrial clap, evoking the tension between dreamlike reverie and harsh reality. “Star Signs pt.2” continues in a similarly ethereal space, blending cosmic sound design with Rivera’s heartfelt vocal delivery.

Photo by Blu Torress

“Wish is a remake of several of my songs from 2022-2024,” says Rivera. “This project allows me to experiment and express concern with some ongoing geopolitical issues. I hope to show my perseverance and leadership, as those who know me know that I have been climbing out of a hole for a minute. I'm not going anywhere! Thanks for the support, more coming.”

Wish (Tapes EP) is out October 10th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve. 

TRACKLIST

  1. Wish

  2. Moves pt.2

  3. Bear the Burden pt.2

  4. Star Signs pt.2

CREDITS

Roman Rivera - Vocals, Guitar, Production
Dalton Morris - Vocals, Bass Guitar, Guitar

Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

TTR035
© & ℗ 2025 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

Release Date: 10 October 2025
Release Title: Wish (Tapes EP)
Artist: roman around

STREAM

Socials: instagram / tiktok / facebook

BIO

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 leader and educator in the community. Through story & experience, Rivera challenges traditional gender norms, racism, anti-intellectualism, and division, while fostering harmony for themself and others. 

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 vision.

roman around's sound blends hypnotic rhythms, hazy atmospheres, and shadowy textures that will please fans of Mk.gee, 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.

Their songs 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 METAL, Wonderland, Ones To Watch, LADYGUNN, Atwood, and Grimy Goods. In 2024, their song “Comes With Age” was synced in the final season of Good Trouble on Freeform.

PRESS & FEATURES

“Teeming with a fresh perspective and encompassing tracks” - Grimy Goods

“Awash with pulsating electronic beats and silky, R&B influenced vocals” - DUMMY

“dreamy and orthogonal, an eclectic blend of ethereal and moody textures that echo faintly of shoegaze, bedroom pop, dream pop, post-punk, and more.” - LADYGUNN

“A transportive wall of sound” - Atwood Magazine

“…what makes [their music] stand out is its texture — the raw intensity of the percussion, the hypnotic sonics, and the swirling guitar all make for a cathartic listening experience that leaves us wanting more.” - The LUNA Collective