Riah’s ‘Sertraline’ Pole Dance Performance Illuminates Mental Health Struggles

I recently stumbled upon an artist who’s not afraid to bare her soul through her art. You know those moments when you come across something so raw and authentic that it stops you in your tracks? Well, that’s exactly what happened when I first watched Riah‘s music video for “Sertraline.”

A dark room, flickering candlelight, and a lone figure on a pole. It’s not your typical music video setup, but then again, Riah isn’t your typical artist. This Denver-based musician is making waves in the Bedroom Pop scene, and let me tell you, she’s bringing a whole new level of depth to the genre.

If you’re wondering, yes, the track was named after the antidepressant medication. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is just another song about mental health. Riah takes us on a journey through her personal struggles with OCD and Complex PTSD, and she does it with a vulnerability that’s both brave and beautiful.

The video opens with Riah on the pole, her movements slow and deliberate. As the music starts, you can feel the weight of her words: “The devil on my shoulder, he won’t leave. I try to drown him out in Sertraline.” It’s a powerful opening that sets the tone for what’s to come.

As the song progresses, so does Riah‘s pole routine. It’s like watching her work through her emotions in real time. The choreography becomes more expressive and more intense. You can see the determination in every move she makes; it’s a physical manifestation of her inner battle.

What really struck me about this video is how Riah manages to blend two seemingly different art forms – music and pole dancing – into one cohesive, emotionally charged performance. It’s a testament to her versatility as an artist and her commitment to authentic expression.

Sertraline” is part of Riah’s second album, “Trauma Bond,” released in September. The lyrics are a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with problem statements like “I’m no good for me” and “Are we past the point of no return?” But as the song progresses, there’s a shift. By the end, we hear a resolution: “Battle scars and metal bars, they can’t keep me.” It’s a powerful journey from despair to determination.

What I love about Riah’s approach is that she’s not just singing about her struggles; she’s actively rewriting her story through her music. It’s transformation. And let me tell you, it’s inspiring.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t Riah’s first rodeo. She made her streaming debut in June 2023 with her album “Love.Loss.Rise.” But with “Trauma Bond” and particularly “Sertraline,” she’s really hitting her stride. You can feel the growth and the increased confidence in her artistic vision.

Speaking of artistic vision, can we talk about the aesthetics of this video for a second? The dark room, the candlelight, the simplicity of it all – it’s perfect. It creates this intimate, almost confessional atmosphere that really amplifies the emotional impact of the song.

You know, it’s artists like Riah who remind me why I love music so much. It’s not just about catchy tunes or impressive vocals (though Riah has those too). It’s about connection, about seeing parts of yourself reflected in someone else’s art. It’s about feeling less alone in your struggles.

I can’t help but feel a sense of hope. Not because Riah‘s music provides any easy answers – it doesn’t. But because it reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to tell our own stories, to fight back, and to keep going.

So here’s to Riah and to all the artists out there who aren’t afraid to shine a light on the shadows. Keep creating, keep sharing, keep inspiring. Because your art? It matters. It helps. It heals. And we need more of that in this world.

Catch the latest from Riah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riahmusic