Nova Riot are making a unique mark in the modern alternative metal scene with their debut album, Blood, Lies & Lullabies. We spoke with their vocalist, Nova Ray, about the creative ideas behind the record and the musical ideas and influences that shaped the band.

Reuel

Hello Nova! I’m very happy to chat with you. How are you doing?

Nova Ray

I’m doing amazing! Super stoked to be talking with you and grateful to be here.

Reuel

Congratulations on your debut album! Blood, Lies & Lullabies was released a month ago, and if you saw my review, I absolutely loved it! Are you happy with how it turned out?

Nova Ray

I’m beyond happy with how it turned out. I’ve been making music for most of my life but I never was truly connected to my work in a way where I found myself actually wanting to listen to my own songs. But with this album that has been exactly the case I find my own songs stuck in my head and an eager feeling to want to listen to them. I’m truly proud of myself and band mates we poured every ounce of what we had into this and I believe it shows. Of course we will always be our worst critics and I do think there’s always room for improvement. Overall I’m truly amazed with how it turned out and still can’t believe some days that my own music sounds so good to me.

Reuel

What were some of your favourite reactions or comments you received about the album?

Nova Ray

The best reaction I had to my album would honestly have to be my mothers once it was finished and we listened to the whole thing, we both cried tears of joy. That’s a moment I’ll never forget. My favorite comment I got about the album was being told we sounded Maria Brink had a baby with Lady Gaga.

Reuel

That’s an amazing comment! You use the term “bubblegum metal” to define your sound. And even though the promos and press releases included a definition of what this label means, I didn’t quite understand what it was like until I listened to Blood, Lies & Lullabies. Away from technical terminology, how would you describe what your music sounds like?

Nova Ray

I’d say our music has the dark haunting feel to it but within the dark still has beautiful melodies that give you hope.

Reuel

I usually ask ‘what food resembles your music’ to help common readers imagine with their other senses what the music is like. But given your specific label, I’ll ask it differently. In a universe where the senses of taste and hearing are intertwined, what flavor of bubblegum would Blood, Lies & Lullabies taste like?

Nova Ray

Red hot cinnamon! Sweet and spicy at the same time.

Reuel

Brilliant! One thing I loved about Blood, Lies & Lullabies is how relatable your vocals make the theme of the song feel. It’s like when someone coughs, and everyone in the room feels like coughing, but in a musical kind of way. What approach do you use when you’re trying to make the listener connect with what you’re singing about?

Nova Ray

I’ve always been a very intense person, whatever emotion I’m feeling I experience to the extreme. When I’m singing I try to remind myself to really feel what I’m singing about and let the emotions come out in an authentic way.

Reuel

What song from Blood, Lies & Lullabies were you most excited to see how the fans would react to?

Nova Ray

Sorry mom, It sometimes can be a hard listen for me as it marks a really hard time in my life. I believe it is the most important song on the album because it’s raw and real and the most vulnerable I have ever been with my lyrics.

Reuel

If all the songs from Blood, Lies & Lullabies came to life and became humans, which one would be your best friend?

Nova Ray

Midnight coven crush! I wrote these lyrics to act as feel good song that makes you feel like a baddie. So she definitely can be my bestie.

Reuel

What musicians can you credit as the ones who inspired you, personally, in your life or career as a musician?

Nova Ray

Slipknot is my favorite band of all time, I can listen to the same songs I have since middle school and they still never get old. I love how they can be so melodic and heavy at the same time I try and find my own way of doing this often. In my personal life an artist that has really gotten me through the last 5 years and helped me find myself on a more personal journey is Ashnikko. I love how unapologetically weird she is she really helped realize it’s okay to be an absolute weirdo and still be fabulous. I don’t take much inspiration in our music from her but more in the way I carry myself.

Reuel

We have readers from all around the world, including women who still face barriers, and even persecution, in the music industry. What message would you like to share with those who dream of pursuing a music career?

Nova Ray

As a woman we’re still often told that we should stay small and out of the way. I believe this is engraved into us at a young age because we are extremely powerful in our full potential. Don’t be afraid to take up space or let anyone water you down. Our voices are powerful and we will get louder until we are heard.

Reuel

Thank you for your time, Nova! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Nova Ray

I just want to thank you for having me and tell anyone reading how absolutely special they are! We all have something so never be afraid to go after your dreams! <3