Passion. It’s that fire that gets us out of bed each day to pursue our dreams. For the four members of LA rock band, Rival Tides, passion is something to chase, to praise, to almost deify.

In March 2019, Rival Tides released their first full-length album, “My God Is Fire,” produced by Beau Burchell (Saosin, The Bronx, Senses Fail). It is well received by an ever-growing audience, including a devoted mass of Indiegogo supporters whose pledges helped fund the recording of the 10-track record. “It’s that link between the fiber of your being and the sound pouring through your speakers or headphones that make you feel as though you weren’t fully alive before that piece of music reached your ears. It’s what Rival Tides demonstrates with every song they release” (Substream, February 2019)

“My God Is Fire” touches on a variety of topics, from the nuanced relationships we share with friends and family, to the challenges of the world and society around us. Each track is delivered with full sincerity and created by a passionate group of musicians. Rival Tides is an “accomplished band, with an arsenal of strong material and uncommonly good vocals that merge hard rock and pop in a sophisticated and radio-ready package.” (Music Connection, June 2021) The band’s sound is often compared to acts such as Hands Like Houses, YouMeAtSix, and Young Guns, while pulling influences from artists such as Thrice, Anberlin, and Saosin.

Since their inception in late 2012, the LA-based rock band continues to be driven by their shared love of creating music, performing, and connecting with others. The group, consisting of Robyn August, Spencer Kent, Jason Friday, and Greg Fulleman, also has two independently released EPs under their belt, both produced by Erik Ron (Godsmack, New Years Day, Set It Off).

After previously spending too much time worrying about the ever-changing sounds of the music scenes of LA, the band decided to rethink their approach in 2018 to create an album full of songs they would love to hear themselves and have fun performing. They determined that music without passion to back it is not worth creating.

With that release of “My God is Fire,” the band hopes their music’s message serves as a directive to listeners to hold strong to their passions and don’t let life’s burdens get in the way.