Five Questions With IAMTHELIVING

Vancouver, BC-based artist, IAMTHELIVING aka Rian Peters has released a video for his new single, “Could You Be?” featuring Ashleigh Ball of Hey Ocean!

Rian shares,

We wanted to create a love song with a melody and lyrics that would draw people in; a love song that we can all relate to and connect with – Could You Be is “that song.” It tells a story about two people falling in love, a powerful mental and physical energy exchange between them. Could You Be speaks the truth of our emotions – much more than we can say for most present day human connection (or lack thereof) and dating. You can hear and feel the expression of curiosity, hesitation, compatibility, and exploration, when it comes to falling in love, through the lyrics. That’s what it’s about. A couple mutually compelled to explore this natural feeling of attraction.”

Check out the video below and find out more about IAMTHELIVING via our Five Questions With segment.

Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

Peace, my name is Rian Peters but I am better known by my stage name of iamtheliving. I’m originally from a place called Peckham, in London England, but I now call Vancouver my home. I am a singer, songwriter, visionary, and all-round performer. I discovered my love for music and dance from a very young age, being inspired by many iconic and legendary artists who have come before me and who have paved the way: Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Freddy Mercury, Prince, and Anita Baker, to name but a few. They’ve all inspired me to become the artist I am today. From my past to present I can say I have a wealth of diverse experience.

Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.

First and foremost, my music is a reflection of who I am. If it moves me and makes me feel good then I know that it will do the same for other people. I feel that my music carries substance and soul. There are elements in my music of classic R&B, Soul with a little bit of Funk, mixed with a new and modern iamtheliving personal touch to it. I love to collaborate with people, I believe that the greatest creative ideas and dreams are born from collaboration –  so when it comes to writing, I really embrace and enjoy the co-writing experience. I always strive to write songs with words that can form a type of personal connection with the listener and have a strong melody.

Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?

There will most definitely be a lot of upcoming shows throughout the year. I usually post my live dates up on my Instagram, Spotify, and Facebook; so if you follow me on any of those platforms, you’ll be able to stay in the loop.

I would say that my live performance is engaging. I like to feel a connection with you the audience and create a space where we feed off one another’s’ (good) vibes and positivity. My goal is to transport you to a place where you can leave your worries of life behind, for that hour or so, and just enjoy a musical experience. When I go on stage, I want you to feel amazed and inspired.

If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?

Hmmm… right now, I would suggest, ‘It’s In All Of Us’. That song is one of my personal favourites from my most recent EP. It’s soulful, funky, bluesy with an R&B vibe to it… and from start to finish it makes me wanna nod my head constantly lol. Plus, the subject matter of the song is very much relatable to everyone. It’s In All of Us is about the loss of a loved one, due to death. How every individual, who has been affected by the loss, manages their reactions to the sad and distressing news. Again, a song that everyone can relate to in one way or another; love, life, family, death, we’re all connected as humans and can sympathize when it comes to any situation in life. A moment when loved ones might pull apart from one another, but in time come back together. To simplify, love can ultimately bring us joy and pain. We don’t have to choose one emotion, it can be both. So…have a listen.

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?

I’m definitely a fan of Canadian music. Right now, I would have to say a few of my favourite artists are, Dominique Fils-Aime, Tobi, Kaytranada, and local Vancouverites, Noble Son, Potatohead People, and Desiree Dawson.

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