GENA - CIRCLESZ (Official Video)

Picture Credit: B+

LA based vocalist and songwriter Liv.e and Detroit drummer producer Karriem Riggins have joined forces as GENA, a new duo whose name, short for God Energy, Naturally Amazing reflects their shared spirit of musical exploration and playfulness.

The pair first met through a mutual acquaintance and quickly recognised each other as kindred spirits.  After performing a series of low key shows under the mysterious GENA moniker earlier this year, they now unveil their debut single, CIRCLESZ, out today on Lex Records.  Check out the Mackai Sharp directed video below.

Blending elements of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip hop, CIRCLESZ finds Liv.e’s smoky vocals weaving through Riggins’ warm, percussive soundscape.  The song is an ode to the intoxicating connection you can build with another person and the small moments that colour that romantic bond.

Liv.e’s artistry thrives on experimentation, from her acclaimed debut Couldn’t Wait to Tell You… to 2023’s breakout, widely praised Girl in the Half Pearl.  That same year, she made surprise appearances with Earl Sweatshirt and André 3000 at Camp Flog Gnaw, and continued expanding her sonic world with her 2024 synthwave project PAST FUTURE.e.  Liv.e is currently on Earl Sweatshirt’s Live. Laugh. Love. world tour.

Karriem Riggins is simply one of the most respected drummers and beatmakers in contemporary music, having collaborated with Common, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Madlib, Paul McCartney, and Norah Jones, while forging a lasting kinship with the late J Dilla.

Stay tuned for more from GENA — Liv.e and Karriem Riggins’ new collaboration coming soon.