Riah’s Latest Video Lestat: A Personal Power Exploration of Destiny

Dark-pop artist Riah reclaims the vampire myth in “Lestat,” a one-take music video exploring female autonomy, artistic independence and the shift from assumed victim to hunter.

Female autonomy and power take center stage in Riah’s latest work, Lestat.

Dark-pop artist Riah’s Lestat uses a one-take music video to tell the story of how an assumed victim flips the power dynamic and controls her own destiny. Riah draws on the familiar vampire mythology to reveal the woman as hunter rather than victim. Riah uses her emotionally charged, introspective musical style to turn a monster into a human being in control of her own destiny. 

Controlling One’s Own Destiny 

In Lestat, Riah is the vampire that society in general defines as a monster. As part of the pre-MeToo generation, Riah has experienced the music industry and its inner workings. Taking back one’s personal power is a strong statement requiring courage and perseverance. Riah infuses her music and dance with raw honesty and unfiltered personal experience. Riah blends vulnerability and strength to form an authentic female in control of her life, her art, and her world. 

Embracing the Monster in Lestat

Riah’s Lestat is a gothic pop video that leads one on a tense and authentic journey of self-discovery. Although initially assumed to be a monster, Riah’s vampire character occupies every position of authority in the story. She is a performer, lover, and ruler. Initially seen as the victim of a trap, Riah’s character reveals herself to be in total control. Riah’s performance reverses from victim to assuming power over her life, love, and career. 

Lestat is directed by Riah and Luke Ostermiller. Tension builds naturally as the video is one continuous shot. Riah’s character transforms as the camera follows her through a vampire den. Riah plays the innocent outsider searching for her true love among villains. Riah becomes a hunter and queen in charge of her own autonomy. She is never an innocent or naive victim, but intentional in her actions. Riah controls her own destiny. 

“This was my first music video with a full cast of extras and my first time attempting a one-shot concept. We wanted the audience to feel like they were wandering through a vampire den with me in real time,” says Riah. 

Riah Builds Artistic Autonomy in Lestat

Lestat’s theme of personal autonomy and control comes from Riah’s personal experience of entering the Los Angeles music scene as a teenager. After stepping away and rejecting traditional industry structures, Riah returned as an independent artist and entrepreneur in the dark and bedroom pop genre. 

Riah’s World 

The cast of Lestat reflects Riah’s preferred world. Cast members are diverse and include queer and nonbinary artisans and performers. Many are active members of Denver’s vampire community. The cast works together to create authentic and vivid scenes of nightlife and gothic fantasy. 

“I love stories that subvert expectations,” says Riah. “You think you’re watching a woman searching for a man, but really she’s hunting.”

Lestat is part of Riah’s forthcoming album titled Insurrection and the beginning of a larger theatrical project. Riah is also working on a new scripted immersive production in partnership with DejaView Productions and titled Medusa’s Curse. 

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