Introducing: IAmTheLiving – Vancouver-based R&B Singer, Songwriter, Producer
August 18, 2023 BY Jason Currell
Magnetic energy surges through the music of IAMTHELIVING. The London-born and Vancouver-based singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, aka Rian Peters, infuses alternative R&B with mystique, emotion, soul, and spirit in equal on his new single “Can’t Be Replaced,” out now.
“It’s important how we describe ourselves, and IAMTHELIVING goes with my lifestyle, energy, and positivity,” he states. “Life is here to be enjoyed and embraced because we never know when our time is up. Music enables me to tap into the frequencies of life and love. IAMTHELIVING is who I am.”
“Can’t Be Replaced” captivates listeners with a warm acoustic guitar that wraps around a head-nodding beat as he candidly wrangles with questions of confidence.
“It reflects on self-doubt,” says IAMTHELIVING. “At the same time, you’re realizing what you have to offer the world ‘Can’t be replaced’. You must believe and trust in that.”
He continues, “For me, ‘Can’t Be Replaced’ is a conversation between oneself and one’s higher self. Neglecting the higher self – compromising authenticity – due to the pressures to fit the mold of what others think you should be.”
Before IAMTHELIVING was born, Rian launched his career not as a singer but as a professional backing dancer. Eventually, he explored his love of songwriting, singing, and producing. In 2018, he cut his teeth in songwriting sessions in London and Los Angeles before settling in Vancouver.
In 2019, he introduced himself as IAMTHELIVING with the independent debut, In This Thing Called Life EP. Catching fire, it notably garnered a 2021 JUNO Award nomination in the category of “Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.” Meanwhile, he received nods for “R&B Artist of the Year” at the Western Canadian Music Awards in 2020 and 2021, appearing on numerous national television shows in Canada. He also joined forces with Teon Gibbs on the JNGL EP and 2023 saw him ink a deal with Nettwerk Music Group. Now, IAMTHELIVING projects life and light through every song.
“I want my music to offer light,” he affirms. “I want to pull listeners out of dark places and bring them along on my journey. It’s my goal to use music to elevate, and I’m trying to inspire and influence others in the most positive way possible.”
