Based in Fresno, California, Roman Around is an American rock band and outfit for the songs of Roman Rivera. Identifying as non-binary and pansexual, Rivera is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community.
Of both Mexican and Native American heritage, Rivera grew up surrounded by music and spirituality, initially honing their skills as a drummer before becoming a multi-instrumentalist. In their late teenage years, Rivera began touring as a drummer for a variety of brands, before working on their own music.
With a sound that blends genres and styles, there is a loose and funky feeling to DNT. Tight, clipped percussion and afropop melodies come together to create a muted, dubby and introspective atmosphere. The result has a groove, but also an emotional intensity. The song itself came together through experimentation, but wouldn’t have got to completion with some encouragement, as Rivera describes:
“DNT started as a demo in April of 2021. I was using it as a project to design synth sounds and create random drum loops. It wasn’t intended to go anywhere, but when some friends heard it, they became attached to the creation and encouraged me to finish it.”
The song depicts the depression and abuse, with the song’s central falsetto refrain, “Yeah, I don’t wanna feel this way,” becoming somewhat of a mantra for Rivera as they were living within an abusive relationship. That tension is audible in the song itself, with a drop that shines a tense light on an argument.
Alongside Rivera, who performs vocals and guitar, the group consists of Justin Vogal (bass, keys, and vocals), Chevas Vandel (keys, and vocals) and Luke Schafer (drums). Take a look at the video for DNT below: