Ria Moran announces her debut album ‘Cubico’
Liverpool-raised, London-based alt-soul singer-songwriter Ria Moran announces her debut album ‘Cubico’ with the release of lead single ‘No Reason (Ode to You)’. The track delves into Ria’s forward-thinking take on soul music, blending silky electronics with neo-soul and alternative influences.
Carefully constructed with groove at its core, the track sees Ria and co-producer Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Ego Ella May) create a dreamy concoction of hazy synths and weaving vocal melodies, complimented by additional guitar work from prolific US-based guitarist-producer Paul Grant. An ode to future love and trust that builds on previous lessons in relationships and vulnerability, the track acts as a supportive letter to Ria’s future self. She shares: “The lyrics of No Reason (Ode to You) explore my hopes for future relationships. Trust and romantic love can often feel confusing and complicated, so writing from this perspective gave me the space to reflect on the kind of love I want to experience—one that is kind, supportive and takes me as I am.”
Ria’s forthcoming debut album ‘Cubico’ showcases her adventurous tendencies as a producer, composer and lyricist, perfectly balancing playful arrangements with sincere, emotionally resonant lyricism. Drawing on her experiences of psychotherapy, as well as reflecting on acclaimed physician Gabor Maté’s writing around trauma, the record builds a strong narrative around self-care, love and connection: “I wanted the album to feel authentic to me and my experiences, without fear of exploration. It takes listeners down a few different paths, but at its core, it’s always about feeling something real. The album serves as a therapy journal, guiding listeners through deep emotional landscapes while offering solace and connection.”
Inspired by pioneers of soul music including Jill Scott and D’Angelo, the alternative RnB hues of H.E.R, and Cleo Sol’s warming tones, Ria’s approach to songwriting across ‘Cubico’ also channels the beauty and introspective lyricism of Jeff Buckley and childhood favourites Sonic Youth. To distil this eclectic mix of influences into the sound she envisioned for the project, she collaborated with a stellar line-up of additional producers and musicians, including Luke Wynter (Lava La Rue), Tal Janes (Jordan Rakei, Waaju), Tom Excell, and Lewis Moody (CHERISE, 30/70). With a focus on looping progressions, strong melodic hooks, and stacked harmonies, her background as an instrumentalist also shaped her approach, with bass and drums playing as much of a role in storytelling as her lyrics and melodies.
