In the early 2000s, a new wave of music began to dominate the airwaves. It was raw, confessional, and unapologetically emotional. At the forefront of this movement was Dashboard Confessional, led by singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba. With his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies, Carrabba became the voice of a generation that was seeking something genuine amidst the chaos of mainstream pop and rock. Dashboard Confessional: A Voice for a Generation Born out of the ashes of his previous band, Further Seems Forever, Dashboard Confessional started as a solo project for Carrabba. It wasn’t long before his introspective songs, like “Screaming Infidelities” and “Hands Down,” resonated with an audienceAn audience is a group of individuals who receive and engage with a specific message, content, or product. In marketing and creative fields, understanding the audience is critical to crafting resonant and impactful strategies and campaigns. hungry for authenticity. His music wasn’t just played—it was felt, capturing the angst and vulnerability of youth in a way few artists have managed to achieve. As Dashboard Confessional’s popularity soared, they became a defining force in the emerging emo scene. Carrabba’s deeply personal lyrics and acoustic sound set them apart from their contemporaries, and by the time […]

Discover the legacy of The Holy Bible by the Manic Street Preachers—an album born from the personal anguish of Richey Edwards and a reflection of societal decay. From its harrowing lyrics to its bold political statements, the album remains a raw, unfiltered expression of art.

Tool's "Ænema" is more than just a music video—it's a visceral and surreal journey into the human psyche. Directed by Adam Jones, the video broke boundaries with its stop-motion animation, dark themes, and visual mastery.

At RIOT, music is the heartbeat of everything we create. It’s the pulse that drives our wildest ideas and keeps us pushing boundaries. We take our cues from the industry’s game-changers—those who’ve ripped up the rule book and redefined what music can be. One name that’s always at the top of our list? Rick Rubin. The mastermind producer whose raw, genre-busting creativityCreativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, or solutions by thinking in unique, innovative, and unconventional ways. It is the foundation of innovation, problem-solving, and artistic expression. is etched into the soul of RIOT. Rubin’s knack for blending the unexpected and his relentless pursuit of authenticity is what makes him a legend in our book. To celebrate his genius, we’ve embedded a massive 97-hour playlist by GLV Records, showcasing the depth and breadth of his work. Smash that shuffle button, crank up the volume, and let Rubin’s magic be the soundtrack to your day. Trust us, it’s the creative kickstart you didn’t know you needed. That’s not art. That’s commerce. Rick Rubin’s career spans over four decades, breaking boundaries and redefining sound. From co-founding Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons to shaping the sound of rock, hip-hop, […]

At RIOT, music is more than just a passion—it’s the pulse of our creativityCreativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, or solutions by thinking in unique, innovative, and unconventional ways. It is the foundation of innovation, problem-solving, and artistic expression.. We’ve always championed bands and artists pushing the boundaries of music and their entire package to the outside world, or, as it’s 2024, their “brandingBranding is the process of creating and managing the unique identity, image, and perception of a business, product, or service in the minds of its audience. It involves crafting a cohesive message, visual identity, and emotional connection..”. One band that epitomizes this ethos is Sleep Token. Their unique branding, an intricate blend of mystique, musical innovationCreativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, or solutions by thinking in unique, innovative, and unconventional ways. It is the foundation of innovation, problem-solving, and artistic expression., and visual textures resonates deeply with us and fuels our creative visionA concept is a foundational idea or vision that serves as the starting point for creative projects, strategies, or campaigns. It shapes direction and provides a framework for development, execution, and storytelling. at RIOT. The Genesis of Sleep Token […]

Unearthed from 2013, this James Blake interview offers a deep dive into his unique approach to music production and his creative process. A rare look into the mind of one of music’s most innovative artists, influencing modern soundscapes across genres.

Steve Albini was more than a music producer—he was a visionary whose raw, DIY approach to sound engineering shaped an entire era of music. In this tribute, we explore his legacy, influence, and how his ethos continues to inspire artists and producers today.

Discover the raw artistry of Ren's 'Sick Boi' in our latest RIOT journal entry. Dive into the world of audio tape revival and experience how this Welsh rapper's personal narrative is driving a resurgence of musical tangibility.

Ásgeir’s “Unbound” is a glitchy, futuristic masterpiece with stunning falsetto vocals and a cinematic video set in a dystopian virtual reality. Discover why this track has become a RIOT HQ favorite.

Few songs have the power to stop you in your tracks and completely reset your mood. For the past few weeks, Wenninck’s “Dissolve” has been doing exactly that. Every time that somber piano emerges after the initial glitch, the world around me fades, and I’m left in a space where only the music and I exist. It’s stunning, clever, and thought-provoking—a journey into another dimension where introspection takes the lead. The brilliance of “Dissolve” lies in its ability to simultaneously transport you and ground you. It’s a moment of pause in an otherwise chaotic world. For me, it’s the way the song holds space for you, allowing reflection to take center stage. It’s a powerful reminder of how artArt is the expression of human creativity and imagination through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and digital design. It serves to communicate, inspire, and evoke emotions, often reflecting cultural and personal experiences. can quietly but profoundly alter your state of mind. A Personal Journey “Dissolve” makes me think about myself. Today, it made me pause to reflect on my own day. Here I am, tattooed with the Santa Cruz blue hand (complete with its iconic mouth inside) fresh on […]