Written by Jon Stojan
Riah's new music video for "Skin on Chrome" arrives like a midnight film, using neon lighting and reflective surfaces to create a focused atmosphere. Directed by Ed Kelly of Cinema King, the video positions the song as a study of desire, identity, and the experience of being seen in low light.
From the opening synth and bass pattern, "Skin on Chrome" establishes a steady mood, evoking a late-night cityscape with chrome reflections and restrained tension. The track blends dark pop and R&B elements in a way that nods to contemporary influences while keeping Riah's perspective central. The chorus line, "Just a little wrong, feel a little wrong, skin on chrome," works as both a provocation and a direct statement about performance and presence.
Choreography as Story: Movement That Speaks
Ed Kelly's direction favors clear visual themes and careful framing. The color palette centers on pink and blue neon tones set against metallic surfaces that reference the song title. Riah and featured performer Alissa Ann move through the frame with precise choreography, including floorwork, chair sequences, and pole elements that serve as both dance and narrative devices. Their interaction reads as collaborative and structured, and the movement choices support the song's themes of self-presentation and control.The cinematography balances shadow and highlight to keep details visible while preserving a nocturnal feel. Editing is measured, allowing specific sequences to hold longer so the gestures and camera composition register as discrete moments rather than a rapid montage.
Inside the Voice: Mixing that Matters
Quoc Truong's mixing and mastering present Riah's vocal with clarity and warmth, while Austin Weller's arrangement supplies a steady rhythmic foundation alongside ambient synth textures. The production creates space for the vocals to sit clearly in the mix with sustained pads, low-frequency bass, and light percussive accents. These choices make the track work equally well for intimate headphone listening and louder shared playback.Symbolism in Frame and Light
Riah's background in the Los Angeles entertainment scene and her decision to return to music on her own terms inform both the video and the single. The work reads as a personal statement rather than a constructed persona. The aesthetic choices and performance approach align with Riah's stated intent to explore self-expression through movement and visual identity.What’s Next
"Skin on Chrome" isn’t just a standalone single; it’s a statement of intent from an artist entering a new creative chapter. Riah, who honed her skills in the Los Angeles entertainment scene as both a performer and creative collaborator, is now leaning fully into her own sonic and visual storytelling. With The Fourth Wall on the horizon, she’s poised to expand her fusion of moody pop, meticulous choreography, and cinematic visuals into a cohesive body of work. Fans can expect her upcoming releases to continue exploring themes of identity, control, and vulnerability, while pushing further into high-concept, performance-driven visuals.Between Riah’s distinctive vocal tone, her commitment to intentional movement, and her knack for creating immersive worlds on screen, she is positioning herself as a multidimensional artist whose work resonates well beyond a single track or video. For those following her journey, "Skin on Chrome" feels less like a conclusion and more like the opening scene of what’s next.
