The multinational rock band’s new album drops August 21 via Vampire Blues
Summer is in its twilight days, but the warmth of the music has not stopped. From rooftop celebrations and lounging by the pool, tunes live to serve season to season. Collaborations during these times are not uncommon. Just take a look at Riviera Gaz made up of musicians Gustavo Riviera, Paulo Kishimoto and Steve Shelley. The trio has been steadily releasing singles leading up to their upcoming album, Catacroma, on August 21st. Their latest track, “Must Be”, guides listeners right into their sound with an odd ease.
Its calm flow leads the listener into a pace that is refreshing. A steady thump and whirring of sounds drip and collect. At the one minute mark, the guitars ramp up into an enhanced build that bubbles. Fans of rock sounds from the ’90s will gravitate to this tune and its comfortable familiarity. The trio, based out of both Brazil and USA, are clearly well in sync with their instrumentals that offer a blend of grunge, psych, and rock. With every listen, new notes and sounds seep on through that listeners did not know were there before. It is a track that evolves as it is heard. That in itself is a rare gem.
Gustavo gave his quick two cents on their work to date:
What themes aided you in this new body of work? Was there a historical, cultural, or emotional element that helped you?
I think we’re living in a moment where so much makes no sense and lacks purpose; we feel that our countries’ leaders are even more aimless than the populations themselves, and that completely reflects this lack of direction. The media, the way it operates today—on such a massive scale (that’s what it looks like, generally speaking)—seems entirely focused on producing results based on numbers. That’s why this album goes against the grain; we create the music without that intention.The band always intended to bring elements and cultures together, and to draw a little something from each of us. We come from different generations, tastes, and musical backgrounds; that’s what makes the creative process—and the result—so interesting. That’s what we’re doing.
What memorable moment from producing this work do you cherish and why?
The three of us don’t spend much time together because we live in different cities. Our get-togethers, our conversations, and—above all—our meals together are moments for us to truly enjoy each other’s company; and regarding this album in particular, we created the record together and had a great time doing it.
What hope do you have for 2026 that you think is needed in the music space? If so, please share what and why.
The strategies of large corporations are always harmful to artists and the creation of new ones. I hope that those who produce original work manage to survive.
Is there an ideal band or artist you would love to collaborate with in the future, and why?
It really depends on our paths crossing, but I’m already doing it with the guys in Riviera Gaz and it’s going wonderfully.
What advice would you give musicians just entering the space that you wish you had known prior?
Keep having fun!
