Following opening for Congratulations, Suffolk based solo artist Gabby Rivers returns with the electrifying grunge-pop fizzer ‘Lipstick Karma’.
Since her debut play on BBC Radio 1 in late 2023, Gabby Rivers has been making waves on her local scene and has begun to establish herself on a national scale, selling out shows in the south east of the UK and gaining major coverage. The new single ‘Lipstick Karma’ beckons in a new direction for Gabby as she takes on a more angst driven, grunge-come-pop-rock sound, fueled by edgy guitar lines, punching live drums and inventive production.
Growing from the chorus drench guitar and boxy drums of its open ‘Lipstick Karma’ introduces a processed vocal through the pre-chorus before bursting into the explosive distorted tones and infectiously catchy melody of the chorus.
Speaking about the single Gabby explains: “The single Lipstick Karma comes from a time when I was pouring everything into a relationship. I truly felt like I helped that person grow—I was there through it all. But when my mental health declined, they used that against me. It turned toxic, and I eventually walked away.
After the breakup, it felt like karma hit them hard. I got this weird, validating feeling, like my conscience was saying, ‘Told you so.’
The writing process was easygoing. We’d already finished the EP, and one evening at home, Stan and I had time to write. No pressure—just a song about something we both understood. ‘Monsters crept in, let you slip by’ is my favourite lyric. The ‘monsters’ are mental health struggles, and how I let that person’s mistakes slide. Once we had that line, we added creepy vocal effects, and the rest of the track came together in under an hour. We were buzzing—listening to the demo while making dinner.
Most of the song was made in the house, which felt perfect. The same kitchen I cried in became the place I wrote about it. That full-circle moment was so satisfying.”
Backed by a talented 5-piece band, Gabby has gone from strength to strength, picking up support from BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, Earmilk, 1883 Magazine, Ones To Watch and Notion as well as placements on a number of editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. Appearing on festival lineups including Latitude, Reading and Leeds, Secret Garden Party and Wildpaths Music Festival, Gabby has already opened for the likes of Congratulations, Vistas, Coach Party, Tiny Umbrellas and Ellie Dixon.
Continuing her upward trajectory, Gabby Rivers continues to grow as an artist, cementing her place as an exciting up and comer.
Gabby Rivers – Lipstick Karma
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