You probably know that song “Se Pa Pou Dat” (It’s About Time) by the singer Alan Cave .
Bet you like it.
Bet you’d wager that no one could do a decent cover of said song. Bet you’d wager that if someone did, said person wouldn’t be able to do justice to it. Riva Precil does. Outside of LaCaye Restaurant, an eatery in downtown Brooklyn, the singer-songwriter showcases the pipes of a cockatiel and canary and hummingbird combined, crooning out an incredible rendition of the song—accompanied by musicians Monvelyno Alexis, Roussel Pierre and Peter Barr.
Konpa music covers aren’t the only things that Riva Nyri has up her sleeves. Jazz is undeniably her thing too. Precil will be the first to confess her affinity for Jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. “My Funny Valentine” and “Misty”, two of the biggest trademark songs of the Fitzgerald musical repertoire, have already received the Riva Nyri Precil treatment.
Born in Brooklyn, of a Irish-Russian mother and a Haitian father, Precil lived in Haiti during her early childhood years. She earned a full scholarship to study Music Therapy at Loyala University in New Orleans. Read what she had to say to Kreyolicious.com during a convo.
Kreyolicious.com: Music obviously means a lot to you.
Yes, music is the air that I breathe. For as long as I can remember it has been my therapy, my consolation and my best friend. When I’m happy, I sing, when I’m sad or confused I sing, when I want to remember something I create a tune in my head to help me memorize it, when I create I listen to music, it plays a major role in everything that I do. Mizik mache nan san m!
Kreyolicious.com: Were you in chorus in elementary, middle or high school?
I started singing at a very young age because several family member of mine are musical. I began formal music training—piano—in elementary while attending Victorian School in Haiti—under Mr. Joseph. I auditioned for a few specialized high schools in New York and chose to attend LaGuardia High School for Music and Performing Arts—also known as the Fame school. I was in gospel choir, women’s choir, mixed choir, tout choir yo nèt! Then for college I went to Loyola University of New Orleans where I was a Music Therapy Major and I was in several choirs there as well. While in New Orleans I spent some time learning New Orleanian Creole songs—which was quite an amazing experience. Their culture is so similar to that of Haiti, which I why I attended college there to begin with, it reminded me so much of Jacmel. [Smiles]
Kreyolicious.com: Did you consciously develop a style, or do you think it’s something that came organically, through influences?
Mmm…the latter. It definitely came organically and is continuously developing. I’m still exploring different sounds and figuring out what works best for me, all the while staying out of my own way.
I think it’s so easy to get caught up in what other people expect of you that it sometimes clouds your judgment when deciding what resonates with you the most. I have many influences, but the biggest of all is the time I spent living in Haiti, that’s what weighs the most in my heart.
Kreyolicious.com: A singer’s life can be demanding, especially on the vocal chords. Do you take steps to care of your voice?
Mezanmi pa pale pawòl sa! Especially here in New York! The weather is the least conducive to vocal health. But I do the best I can. I bundle up and try to always wear a scarf in the winter. I refrain from screaming or speaking too loud while in noisy places—minding my volume at all times. I drink a lot of tea and hot water with lemon, ginger and honey. I never drink anything with ice, always room temperature. And whenever I take a shower I warm my voice up by doing various vocal exercises.
Kreyolicious.com: [Laughter] When should we expect a full-length album? And what do you hope to accomplish with it?
I’m currently in the studio working on the final touches of my first complete solo album, which I am so very excited about! I’m looking to release it by the spring of this year. It is a combination of traditional Haitian music fused with R&B and world beat influences. I plan on touring with the album and expanding my audience across the nation as well as overseas.
Kreyolicious.com: You also make jewelry. Do these streams of creativity ever cross or clash?
I strive to create a perfect harmony among all my passions so everything works hand in hand. I pull my inspirations from the same sources so it works beautifully. Much of the time I create both music and jewelry simultaneously. Art is art regardless of its form.
Kreyolicious.com: When was the last time you landed at an airport in Haiti?
I went to Haiti four times in the year of 2013. The last time was this past August. I plan on going againfor my album release in the spring. Haiti is my biggest source of inspiration and whenever I’m there I feel rejuvenated, at ease, and am filled with fresh ideas and an overflow of drive and determination. I try to go as often as I can.
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