RIOPY is living proof that the power of music transcends language. Since his solo debut in 2018, the self-taught French pianist has conveyed powerful feelings of love and sorrow through precisely composed instrumental piano albums.
"Sometimes I can't find the words to express myself, whether that's in French or English," he told Classic FM earlier this year. "But music is the deepest connection to emotions — it's how I'm able to express an emotion that I can't with words."
In this episode of Global Spin, RIOPY offers a riveting eight-minute performance of "Drive," a track from his self-titled breakthrough album. He performs the song in front of a live audience at a church, adding three extra minutes of improvisation.
On April 14, RIOPY released his fourth studio album, THRIVE. According to a press statement, THRIVE "evokes the inner strength that guides us to fulfill our goals."
RIOPY will embark on a tour through North America and Europe to celebrate the album, beginning April 26 in Stockholm, Sweden, and concluding December 8 in Saint-grégoire, France.
Press play on the video above to watch RIOPY's awe-inspiring performance of "Drive," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.
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