Interview With Riva Taylor

Former child star Riva Taylor returned to public consciousness half a decade ago with the sensational single, The Creed. She then took another couple of years before starting to drip feed teasers of her new album, This Woman's Heart .1. Having firmly stolen out hearts with the collection, we decided to catch up with Riva to learn a little more.

First and foremost, hello and how are you?

Hello, very well thanks. Getting into the flow of lockdown now…just!

Tell us about the record you have just released…


I just released the first part of my two part album - its called this Woman’s Heart .1. This part of the album represents the darker half of the heart, the songs are about personal discovery, challenge and heartbreak.

How do you feel when releasing a record?

Always excited if I’m confident in the music. These days I’m pretty involved in the process of making everything I put out so it becomes a labour of love, and generally I am so invested in the music I just want to hear what people have to say about it - and hope some people like it and want to hear more!

What inspired the record?

My 20s - the journey and experience of those years, and the reflections of my previous career, as a young artist in the industry. There’s definitely an echo of a childhood voice in there.

Tell us a little about your creative process…

I like to travel when I write. It always starts with a word or a theme to drive my witting sessions. These are usually collaborative with other artists. I like to travel and I usually get my inspiration from putting myself in different situations and seeing different places to spike my creative impulse. This album has been written in all sorts of countries and places - from Berlin and Stockholm, to Nashville and LA.

If the record were an animal, what animal would it be?

Oh these are good questions! The first time I’ve had this one. An Eagle - expansive production like those wings, soaring and swooping melodies, takes you on an adventure across different times and landscapes.



Define your sound in five words…

Dynamic, epic, personal, sensitive, womanly.

What was the first song that caught your attention?

Ohhhh, Phil Collins In The Air Tonight. I remember it playing in the house when I was a kid - I liked its build and excitement.

What was the first song you bought?

No Scrubs - TLC. The first CD single I had…

And the first album?

Come On Over - Shania Twain. I was about 10. I danced around a lot to that album.

What was the best concert you have ever seen?

My first concert experience I remember was Justin Timberlake at the 02 in London - that was an amazing show and set the bar high! Last year I saw Sting and Shaggy perform at the Roundhouse - an original and surprising blend of two musicians but it really worked. A completely different vibe and more intimate but absolutely brilliant to hear Sting’s classics re-interpreted.

What did the experience teach you that you have translated to your own shows?

Have variety, surprise and keep the audience engaged with dynamics, give the audience the songs they want.

What other artist are you most excited to hear from?

I cant wait to hear what Adele is going to hit us with next after this long break - I’m sure I’m not the only person! I’m a fan.

If you could work with them, what would you hope to record?

A killer, femme-power ballad.

If you could jam with one artist alive or dead, who would it be?

Frank Sinatra - go classic.

If you could have written one song by another artist, what would it be?

Can I have two? Modern and classic.

Sound of Silence - Simon and Garfunkel

Jealous - Labrinth.

Both beautiful song lyrics.

Someone is making a film of your life, who will play you?

Zendaya! Of my life so far and represent the younger me. She will make me look great - and my legs a few inches longer. I’m all about the show and she’s a dancer, actress and can sing - important to have a triple threat.

Lastly, tell us one thing you have never revealed in an interview…

Hmmm - I once forgot to put on my underwear when I was performing at a relatively large event at The Natural History Museum and only realised when I was on stage. I was 12/13, in my defence, but it was a charity event and that makes it seem even more inappropriate!!

I also once forgot to do up my dress when was on stage in Amsterdam and had to sort of sidestep offstage like a crab after I finished. I should have probably just come clean.



This Woman's Heart .1 is out now