Owen Rivera In Conversation With FAULT Magazine
Dive into the world of 16-year-old musical sensation Owen Rivera. From his special connection to the classic Christmas hit “Feliz Navidad” to the anticipation of releasing his first original songs in 2024, Owen takes us on a journey through his influences, aspirations, and his FAULTs.
There are so many classic Christmas hits, what is it about Feliz Navidad specifically that inspired you to cover it?
Owen Rivera: To me, it is very special because this song has always been a tradition to kick off the holiday season with my Puerto Rican family. I have many fond memories through the years of this song playing while celebrating, singing, dancing, and cooking during the holidays with my Latin family and friends.
Given your dual cultural background (American and Puerto Rican), how do you strive to bring both cultures together in your personal music?
Owen Rivera: Hard question. To me, it’s not about a specific structure, technique, or strategy in songwriting or production; it’s much more about the feeling I get when creating a song… the passion, the love, that feeling of connecting with my Latin roots while tapping into my classic rock and singer-songwriter influences… when it just feels right. Of course, Jose Feliciano is one of the artists who has influenced me the most on this topic. I love watching all of Jose Feliciano’s live “Feliz Navidad” performances, and there is a specific moment from one of his shows that spoke to me. He said, “And when I wrote it I wrote it to bring both cultures together…the American culture and the Latin culture”. Being from both cultures myself, I do strive to do the same with my music and I am grateful for artists like Jose Feliciano who inspire me to do so.
Can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from your upcoming original material set to be released in 2024?
Owen Rivera: My first original music releases are coming in 2024! I am beyond excited to share my sound and music with everyone! I would say get ready for me to throw it back to an old school vibe with a modern touch… some rock… some singer/songwriter vibes with lots of emotion and passion… some Latin flavor and some of my favorite classic covers all coming your way!
You’re 16 years old and already so accomplished, do you feel added pressure to live up to the hype you’ve received at such a young age?
Owen Rivera: Nah… just excitement for the moments to come. You know… When I was a kid first starting out I learned that feeling pressure brings you down, and makes you feel like something is gonna go wrong… so I learned to turn it into excitement, to enjoy it and just be in the moment.
What are you most excited for next year?
Owen Rivera: Definitely the release of my first original songs… I can’t wait! Also, creating new material. I have so many ideas for new tracks and collabs with artists and projects stuck in my head I cannot wait to get back into the studio after the holidays and get back to work on the creative process… much more to come, stay tuned…
What’s something few people know but you feel is very important to understanding who you are as an artist?
Owen Rivera: That I am still very young and that my music will continue to evolve with experience and grow as I grow as a person and an artist. But even though I am young, I am an old soul who has worked with and been mentored and influenced by legendary artists and musicians.
What was the last song you heard that made you cry?
Owen Rivera: Ooh man… it’s hard for me to even discuss this without crying. It never fails to make me emotional when I listen to it. “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon. My Pops would sing this to me at night when I was real young before I went to bed. The first verse gets me so choked up right away. “Close your eyes… Have no fear… The monsters gone… He’s on the run… And your daddy’s here… Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful… Beautiful boy” …whew gets me every time… love you Pops.
What’s something you want to achieve in 2024?
Owen Rivera: I just want to keep creating, keep making music and keep performing. It’s who I am and all I know. Where this journey takes me who knows but I can’t wait to find out and I will make sure I enjoy the ride.
What is your FAULT?
Owen Rivera: I have many but one that stands out to me and that I’m focusing on is overthinking. It’s a bad habit, to say the least, and can be crippling for creation, development, and recording. So don’t overthink… just do.