Introducing: Holly Riva

Dark pop trailblazer Holly Riva is turning heads once again with her razor-sharp new single, So Vanilla, a tongue-in-cheek anthem for the swipe-right generation, the track skewers modern dating culture with biting wit, a punchy synth hook, and lyrics styled as a snarky phone conversation. Produced by Charlie White (Lexis, Nintendo), So Vanilla is Holly’s fearless declaration of individuality in a world obsessed with sameness.

Hot on the heels of her breakout hit Feel It Comin’, which lit up the ARIA Club Charts and racked up over 170,000 streams, Holly is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. With a visually stunning music video dropping December 2, a club-ready remix arriving December 6, and a high-profile live performance set for CBBC TV, So Vanilla cements Holly’s status as one of pop's boldest rising stars.We caught up with Holly to chat about the single, her striking music video, and how she’s redefining pop on her own terms.

1. With your impressive accomplishments at such a young age, including winning the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and being a nominee at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, how do these milestones shape your vision as an artist?

Honestly, it’s surreal! Winning the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and being nominated at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards were such “pinch me” moments. They’ve really boosted my confidence as an artist and pushed me to think bigger. It’s like getting a little nudge that says, “You’re on the right path, so keep going.” These milestones remind me why I love what I do and inspire me to keep experimenting with my individuality, pushing boundaries, and pouring everything into my music.

2. Your music blends dark pop influences like Billie Eilish and Dove Cameron with captivating storytelling. Can you share how you approach crafting such evocative songs, and what inspires your narratives?

For me, songwriting feels a lot like telling secrets—but in a way that makes everyone listening feel seen. I usually start with something real, like an emotion or a moment I can’t shake, and then I build a whole story around it. I love playing with contrasts—vulnerability and edge, dark and light, heartbreak and hope. My inspiration comes from everywhere: messy relationships, my own life, or even random things like a line in a book or a scene in a movie. I want my songs to feel like worlds people can step into.

3. Your single "Labyrinth (Mask of Me)" being selected as BBC Introducing's Song of the Month boosted ticket sales for your UK tour. How has that recognition impacted your career, and what did you learn from the tour experience?

That was such a game-changer! Having “Labyrinth (Mask of Me)” picked as BBC Introducing's Song of the Month opened so many doors—it was like this amazing spotlight that made people stop and listen. The tour was such a whirlwind; seeing how much love the song got really gave me a new sense of connection with my audience. Touring also taught me to embrace the chaos—things don’t always go perfectly, but those real, raw moments are where the magic happens. It’s such a reminder that live music is about sharing energy, not perfection.

I’m also so excited to share that I’m currently BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Week! They chose me after hearing my latest single, So Vanilla, and that means so much to me. This track is such a cheeky, playful take on modern dating, and having the BBC get behind it is the cherry on top. It feels like the perfect way to close out an incredible year, and I’m so excited to keep building on this momentum for 2025!

4. With your songs featured in popular shows like Home and Away and films like Lair, how do you adapt your music to fit visual storytelling, and how does that process differ from creating standalone tracks?

For me, the connection between music and film is so powerful—it’s like the two are a tango, made for each other. As a songwriter, being able to create something that enhances a visual story is a beautiful process. I love diving into the emotions of a scene and imagining how the music can elevate it, whether it’s intensifying the drama or adding a subtle emotional layer.

A great example is my song Hypnotised, which was featured in the horror film Lair. It’s such a sweet, delicate track, which created this striking juxtaposition with the dark, eerie tone of the horror movie. That contrast was intentional—the director wanted the music to bring in lightness, creating a tension that made the scene even more impactful. I love films that use that kind of contrast between dark and light to surprise the audience and make the emotional impact stronger. The Joker movie is a brilliant example of that balance done beautifully.

I also look up to songwriters like Carole King, who could wear so many different hats depending on the project or artist they were working with. That kind of versatility is something I aspire to. It’s about channeling parts of yourself into a brief while still bringing your own flair to the table. I think it makes an artist more holistic and complete when they can adapt creatively while staying true to who they are. Music’s ability to transform and connect with a story is why I love working in this space so much.

5. Your live performances, from the Devil on My Shoulder UK tour to your Sydney shows and collaborations with DJs, highlight your versatility. How do you balance studio work with the energy of live performance, and what can fans expect from your upcoming tours?

Performing live is where all the magic happens—it’s the ultimate way to connect with my audience. I’ve been working hard on making my shows more than just performances; I want them to be immersive experiences where we all have an incredible time together. My goal is to create a big party atmosphere where the music, energy, and vibes bring everyone alive, and we all go home feeling uplifted and loved.

To make each show unique, I’ve been connecting songs and experimenting with stems, which allows me to play with arrangements and transitions, keeping things fluid and different every time. As an electronic pop act, I use a mix of live instruments and tracks/stems, blending the precision of studio production with the organic energy of live performance. Alex Klein is my live music director, and he’s incredibly talented—we just have the most amazing time sharing the music that we love.

I also kickbox for fitness to prepare myself physically for these shows. The energy I use on stage, especially with all the jumping and high-impact movements, I need to stay in top form. Kickboxing has been such a great way to build stamina and strength, so I can give my all during every performance.

I’m currently in rehearsals for my club set, an awesome new chapter, especially since we’re in the club charts in Australia with Feel It Comin’. The club scene is so dynamic, and it’s pushed me to up my game, crafting sets that are fresh, high-energy, and perfect for the dance floor. Fans can expect a mix of big moments, interactive energy, and performances that truly come alive in the moment. It’s all about creating memories and making every show feel like a celebration!