Riff Kitten links with Diana Alejándrovna

Operating under the artistic banner of Riff Kitten, Andrew Reilly’s creativity has always formed at the crossroads of imagination and experimentation. The Minneapolis-based composer, songwriter and producer has spent years building a sonic output unlike any other by combining the discipline of classical composition with the freedom of electronic music, resulting in a catalogue that’s become a playground where cinematic arrangements, swinging rhythms and modern production techniques collide in exhilarating ways. It’s fiercely original vision that’s earned him millions of streams while mapping out a musical identity that’s instantly recognisable.

Before Riff Kitten, Andrew’s interest in music began through another lifelong passion, video games. As a child, he found himself captivated not only by gameplay but by the soundtracks that brought those digital worlds to life. Curious about creating games of his own, he began experimenting with programming, quickly discovering that every game also needed original music. Without any formal musical training, he downloaded a free MIDI sequencer and started composing simple pieces to accompany his creations. That curiosity expanded beyond games themselves when he became increasingly drawn to cinematic music in all its forms, spending hours teaching himself favourite compositions on his parents’ upright piano.

In 2005, he enrolled in the University of Minnesota’s Music Theory and Composition programme, immediately showcasing both talent and dedication by testing out of first-year theory classes. During his studies he earned first place in a regional orchestral composition competition, collected several departmental awards and secured a grant to compose music for three full-length theatre productions. Graduating with Honours in 2009, he soon found himself immersed in the sphere of electronic music which opened entirely new creative possibilities, from atmospheric ambient soundscapes to the heavier energy of dubstep.

Arriving as a genre-breaking dark electro swing project, the Riff Kitten project alias gave Andrew complete freedom to explore unlikely musical combinations. Swing, soul, cinematic composition and electronic production coalesced across his extensive catalogue, resulting in music that constantly surprises while remaining tethered to his own creative voice.

Now, Riff Kitten enters another exciting chapter through a collaboration with Diana Alejándrovna on the infectious new single titled “I Love My Shades.” Like Andrew, Diana brings a unique creative background to the project; born and raised in Sochi, Russia, influenced by Sweden’s 90s hip hop movement and inspired by her South American Latina heritage, she creates music without geographical or stylistic limitations. Her passion for travel, hidden cultures, unusual instruments and unconventional melodies makes her a natural creative partner for Riff Kitten’s adventurous musical world.

“I Love My Shades” began life as little more than a joke before that playful idea bloomed into an energetic dance pop anthem built around catchy hooks and unapologetic party energy. The track leans into commanding EDM aesthetic, delivering punching rhythms designed to light up dancefloors while maintaining the charismatic personality that defines both artists. Brought in by the rattle of rolling drums and spacey vocalisations, the buzz of synths slips into bright leads as the track glides into a brooding electronic scene packed full of pulsing beats, stuttering synth elements and instantly memorable melodic hooks.

Progressing through intricate switch ups which brings passages of wrapped vocals, driving percussive energy and moments of stomping half-time rhythms, “I Love My Shades” sees Riff Kitten and Diana Alejándrovna serve up an epic collaboration that’s sure to win over new listeners around the world. Andrew Reilly’s incredible journey from programming video games and composing orchestral works to building one of electronic music’s most distinctive genre-blending projects has always been guided by an intriguing creative compass and by teaming up with Diana Alejándrovna, he delivers another thrilling musical moment on his exciting musical voyage.

Listen to I Love My Shades below

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