Personal Lyrics and Dreamy Grooves: Meet Ria Moran
- neunorganisation
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
© Martyna Bannister
From classical piano beginnings in Liverpool to soulful songwriting in London, Ria Moran’s journey is one of passion, growth, and self-discovery.
"My name is Ria Moran, I am originally from Liverpool (Merseyside) and am currently living in London.
I began learning classical piano at the age of 9 and immediately fell in love with it. Piano has always moved me, and it’s how I start writing all of my songs. I love the combination of harmony and melody and the ability to let the instruments speak as loudly as my vocals.
As a songwriter, creativity comes in waves for me. I write when I have things on my mind that I want to explore and understand. During the process of writing my album, I began attending psychotherapy sessions, and songwriting became my way of journaling and connecting with myself. Each song on the album represents something I was working through, so the lyrics are deeply personal and truthful to what I was feeling at the time.
© Martyna Bannister
My new single, No Reason (Ode to You) (released with DeepMatter Records), was written by me and Tom Excell. We got together in Sheffield to write a few songs for the album, and this one came together pretty quickly. It started as an outro on No Reason (Interlude), but it soon became clear that it needed to be its own song. Production-wise, we wanted to create a dreamy atmosphere for the vocals, with hazy synths, layered harmonies, and a solid groove to let the melodies weave and float on top.
The lyrics of No Reason (Ode To You) explore my hopes for future love. 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.
The track features US-based guitarist Paul Grant. I’ve been a fan of his music for a long time and was hoping for an opportunity to collaborate with him; I’m so grateful he was up for it! Music is all about collaboration, and this song really came into its own after recording the live elements at Livingston Studios. It also features Lyle Barton on Keys, Alec Hewes on Bass, Matt Davies on Drums and Tom Excell on Guitar.
© Martyna Bannister
I recorded the vocals at home - I’m sure a lot of singers can relate! Personally, I find that recording vocals is so hard to get right! When I’m at home, I can create a relaxing space and do the vocals in my own time - get in a nice headspace and do as many takes as I need without the time pressure. I really love having control over the vocal edit and creating a vocal sound that embodies the lyrics and my style.
I’ve previously collaborated with Nubiyan Twist, writing Morning Light, All the Same, and Take It or Leave It. Together, we’ve traveled the world, performed at Glastonbury on the West Holts Stage, We Out Here, and Cross The Tracks. I’ve known these guys since I was 18 at university—they’re really like brothers to me. I’ve also had the honor of working with jazz bassist Daniel Casimir on his albums Boxed In and Balance, and I joined Gotts Street Park as their featured vocalist on their UK and European shows last year. All of these artists have given me space to learn, grow, and have so much fun!
Writing my new upcoming album Cubico allowed me to shift my focus toward my own goals. I had a gut feeling that I needed to embrace myself as an artist, sing my own songs, interpret my own words, and see where the journey takes me. So, let’s see!
© Martyna Bannister
I am heavily inspired by Jill Scott and D’Angelo—both of whom have blown my mind with their storytelling and live arrangements. Growing up, I listened to Kate Bush, dancing around my room to her expressive vocals and moody production, which led me to discover alternative music. Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, The Distillers, and Pearl Jam—I was deep in it! These songs were my companions through my teenage years, and I wanted to open this door on my album with my tracks Automatic and Cubico, written with Tal Janes.
Overall, however, I feel that No Reason (Ode to You) feels like the perfect introduction to my album Cubico. Thank you for supporting my music. I hope it resonates with you."
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