RISHI Unveils His Deeply Personal Debut Album “Treading Water” – Out Now!
Canadian singer-songwriter RISHI proudly unveils his debut album, Treading Water, a deeply personal collection of songs that reflects his journey through the music industry and his own life’s challenges. This album signifies a pivotal moment in RISHI’s career, marking his evolution as an artist who has fought against industry expectations and embraced his true self.
Treading Water is available now on all major music platforms.
The Album: Treading Water
Crafted over the past year, Treading Water is a testament to RISHI’s determination to stay true to his voice, free from the confines of management or label interference. After spending a year writing and composing, RISHI returned to Canada in September 2023 to independently record, executive produce, and create music videos for the album, fulfilling his promise to his late grandmother.
The album captures RISHI’s experiences navigating his 20s, delving into themes of sadness, grief, and the relentless passage of time. Yet, amidst these emotions lies a journey toward self-love. Though deeply personal, Treading Water resonates universally, offering listeners a soundtrack for their reflections on growing up, loss, and the pursuit of inner peace. RISHI hopes these narratives inspire listeners to find hope and gratitude in their own lives.
Singles: “Treading Water”, “Better,” “Save Me,” “IDC” and “Timezones”
These singles - “Treading Water,” “Better," "Save Me," “IDC,” and "Timezones" – showcase the emotional depth and vulnerability that define Treading Water. These tracks provide a window into RISHI’s struggles and triumphs, offering listeners an intimate look into the emotions that fuel his music. Each song reflects a piece of his journey, underscoring the powerful connection between artist and listener.
Treading Water:
RISHI aimed to capture the challenges of growing up, the feeling of being left behind, and the determination to keep moving forward during uncertain times.
Lyrics excerpts
“Never thought it’d go like this, tried to be an optimist, but we all grow up and some get left behind
Nothing wrong with staying still, bide my time until, the storm evaporates from my mind”
[...]
“Been treading water alone, so long, I’ll go on”
Better:
“Better” is a heartfelt tribute to RISHI's grandmother and mother. It reflects the urgency of fulfilling his potential while his loved ones can still witness his success. The music video was shot at St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto.
Lyrics excerpts
Why you spending all your time
With people that don’t like
You
Why you living in a life
You don’t even like
To
It’s been too long
Since I’ve been strong
Why can’t I figure out where I belong
I need to grow up make myself proud
While my mama is still around
So I need to
Hold on
Before the
Time is gone
Need to be
Someone
Better
Save Me:
This song delves into RISHI's severe childhood bullying and subsequent mental health struggles. It speaks to the longing for a saviour and difficulty accepting help.
Lyrics excerpts
“Who’s gonna save me… if I can’t save me from myself… losing my safety… caught between heaven and hell”
IDC:
This song wants to embrace personal growth, the realization that everyone moves through life at their own pace, and the importance of letting go of someone who no longer part of your life.
Lyrics excerpts
“Different Pace, different speeds, I see everybody moving their own way, their own way.
Do a runaway or sit and breathe. I’ve learned it’s not a tragedy you’re not with me
Mind over matter, I’m learning now I’m learning how not to let you take control”
Timezones:
Written with a group of close friends, "Timezones" explores the deep depression RISHI faced after being dropped from his first record deal. The song captures his inadequacy and disorientation, reflecting on his struggle with unmet expectations.
Lyrics excerpts
“I’m catching sunsets in the morning light, but when I wake up it’s the middle of the night, missing milestones, we’re in different timezones, so I let you go.”
The Story Behind RISHI
RISHI’s journey began at 18 when he signed his first record deal with a major US label right after high school. Discovered by an LA agency through an audition tape, his talent was clear, but he quickly faced pressure to conform. As a young Indian artist, he was labelled "not marketable" and criticized for his appearance. This led to a difficult "artist development" phase, where he was urged to change his image and create music that wasn’t true to him.
Despite his efforts, both his first and subsequent record deals fell through. After four years of recording and rejection, RISHI returned to Canada, facing personal struggles and an uncertain future in music. His grandmother’s unwavering support reignited his passion, urging him to keep pursuing his dreams.
Determined not to let his dreams pass him by, RISHI returned to the studio as a solo artist during the pandemic. He began writing his songs, using music to cope with his fears and anxieties. In early 2022, just before moving to LA to collaborate with other artists, RISHI's grandmother was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. He stayed home to care for her, and her passing in the summer of 2022 profoundly impacted him. One of her final wishes was for RISHI to pursue his dream and become a great rockstar. Motivated by her words, RISHI moved to LA, where he found supportive friends and collaborators who helped him honour his grandmother's wish.
Hear RISHI’s singles & EP
https://www.therishiverse.com/
For any inquiries, interviews or questions, please contact Blend PR.
