In an industry where talent is only 10% of the final package, originality is sacrificed for generic formulae, meaningful content accounts for nothing and image is everything, finding a serious recording artist is as likely as coming across a “boy” band that’s not manufactured
Not impossible, but indeed rare
Now imagine an individual with a vocal style so unique, the closest category to realistic classification is a jazz, lovers rock and R’n’B hybrid.
Imagine the same individual being not only a heavily established and experienced songwriter, but also a seasoned vocal arranger and producer.
And finally, visualise this individual oozing charisma and add striking beauty and an awesome stage presence into the equation.
There is no need to imagine...
...Debbie (Kareen) Ryvers already exists
Born to Jamaican parents, the spirit of song has been present within Debbie from a very young age. From listening to her mother’s own dulcet tones around the house to mimicking Motown period greats such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Diana Ross & the Supremes, to the reggae greats, Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis, John Holt, Bob Andy, Marcia Giffiths and Bob Marley, (to list but a few), with a broom as a microphone, music has become a second nature for Debbie.
“From a very young age, around 3 years old, I was performing for the family and my parents’ friends when they came to visit. When the doorbell rang I used to wonder ‘Who was it? Could this be an opportunity to perform and wear my latest self-designed outfit?’ My mother knew I was destined for the stage and as the years went by, my love and passion for music and performing just got greater and more intense”.
Debbie’s unique vocal style can be attributed to the wide spectrum of musical genres she was exposed to in her formative years - from the sweet, soulful harmonies of American soul artists and the technical excellence of opera singers to the intricacies of operatic prima donna’s and the reggae/sound system culture of her West Indian heritage.
These factors during her early years led to Debbie taking music seriously at the age of 13, making her debut recording at 14 and registering as a professional vocalist at 15.
The rest, as they say, is history…
The chapters of that history reads like an A-List of who’s who of reggae music; collaborating with legends such as Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, The Instigators, Carol Thompson and Jack Radics. Singing backing vocals for the late great Dennis Brown and various others. Projects produced by the likes of Jackie Mitto, Lloyd Chamers, Jah Bunny, Tapper Zukkie. Working with Sly & Robbie on her album tracks and Sir Coxone Dodds of Studio One fame, who she recorded five Studio One tracks with in New York (the only British female reggae artist to do so) - just to name a few. This resumé merely resonates Debbie’s high standards regarding her career, and the dedication involved. “I only have, and only will work with strictly professional artists and producers”.
Over the years her music career has taken a journey through Soul, Jazz, Soulful House and R’n’B. Her ability to cross over into different genres of music has shown her to be a versatile and talented artist.
As Debbie manages to maintain the balance between being a vocalist, writer, arranger and producer, she also does the same with her life outside the musical stage as a successful woman (an "Independent Woman" long before Beyonce could even "Get on the Bus" by herself!). The ability to sonically and visually communicate the aboves roles combined with her music's urban appeal and connoiseur feel and a voice comparable to no other are what separates Ms Ryvers from the current slew of female vocalists who are currently on the urban contemporary circuit.
Just as you had Jodeci, urban music now has Debbie Kareen Ryvers...
Not impossible, but indeed rare
It’s been a hot minute since Debbie’s last release. She took a step back from recording, but never stopped writing.
Now she’s back and the creative juices are definitely flowing, with a new album called ‘My Way’ due out in summer 2025. It comprises of original tracks and covers from some of her favourite artistes. It will be a delectable, eclectic listen which will delight and shows her talent in combinding different genres and sounds to show off her creativity style and talent.
Working alongside her is her all time favourite Studio Engineer and friend, Joe Richards, AKA Joe 90. He has a long history in the music industry, engineering for Easy Street Studios in London for over two decades where he worked with some of the worlds leading artistes. He’s also an accomplished all-round musician and is handling all the instrumentation as well as collaborating on some of the writing on Debbie's new album. Debbie and Joe have worked together on many different projects over the years, including some of her very first recordings and releases.
Keep this page bookmarked for further updates and...
For further information please contact Debbie via the link below
