British vocalist Debbie Ryvers has spent decades developing a musical identity shaped by her Jamaican heritage, the golden era of American soul and an extraordinary career alongside some of reggae's most influential figures. From recording professionally as a teenager to working with Dennis Brown, Sly & Robbie and legendary Studio One producer Sir Coxsone Dodd, her journey has taken her through reggae, jazz, R&B and soulful house.
Her latest single ‘All My Love’ brings those influences together in a vibrant celebration of love and connection. Produced alongside longtime studio engineer Dean Richards, AKA Joe 90, the track blends disco, funk, soul and contemporary R&B, combining infectious grooves with rich vocal harmonies and Ryvers' unmistakable vocal warmth.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The Piano
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Soul music (although when I was around 3-4 years old, I had this thing for Mick Jagger & The Rolling Stones).
What was the first album you remember owning?
‘The Jones Girls’ by The Jones Girls
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘I Will Always Love you’ (Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton) (there are too many to mention).
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Two things mainly, I like to go for a long walk in the countryside, reflect on life and where I’m at, what’s going on in the world and start from there. Always carrying either pen & paper or something to record with.
A song hock line, could be a complete chorus or even a verse, pops into my head whilst I’m asleep, I then jump out of my sleep, and either write it down or record it on my dictator phone. Basically I need space and time alone to really focus on writing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jill Scott ( I love this woman), Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, and Tyler.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jill Scott.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The freedom to express yourself through music. To tell a story that only I can tell, and make it relatable to others, and also to be able to share it with the world. Watching and listening to people loving your works, now that’s the greatest gift of all.
And what is he most frustrating part?
Oh wow, where do I begin?? There are so many frustrating elements of being a musician, one being the industry itself, its unforgiving, and can be ruthless. It’s difficult in these times to actually reap the rewards of your hard work. I find the Streaming side very frustrating and I’m sure a lot of artists do too. You have to be thick skinned, and really love what you do to survive in this game.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never give up on your dream, work hard, put the time in, and never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Keep on moving forward to achieve your dream.
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Debbie Ryvers' new single 'All My Love' is out now. Check it out in the player below.