riela Surges Forward With an Effortless Grace on "if you let me"

Bodies of water always appear to have a singular force, a consistent movement, but rarely is that the case. Spun by the globe, pushed by winds and thermal exchange, they are often a collection of competing interests, serene at one moment, fighting petulantly the next.  

riela, a Miami-born artist of Panamanian and Cuban parents, has a vocal delivery as diverse as the weather, especially on her latest single "if you let me." Switching between English and Spanish, one moment soft and delicate, the next tempestuous and confrontational, a weathering of emotion. The second single from her upcoming EP, llorar y Perrear, riela delivers her second act of a three-part narrative that features the fool, the star, then finally the magician.  

On "if you let me," riela's vocals pluck and strum, perfectly matching the jazzy guitar accompaniment in both restraint and luxuriousness of delivery. riela truly is casting the light of a star, and if you let her, I suspect there is much more magic to come from this arcane talent in the near future.

Listen to  "if you let me" below:

Related Articles

Maria Fuell Is Bringing the Sounds of the Andes to a New Generation [Q&A]

Maria Fuell Is Bringing the Sounds of the Andes to a New Generation [Q&A]

September 28, 2026 OnesToWatch chatted with Fuell to talk about her music, her roots, and her accomplishments in her career thus far.
Author: Sarah Ruiz
pop
corook x Whale Songz On the Art Of Following The Fun [Q&A]

corook x Whale Songz On the Art Of Following The Fun [Q&A]

September 28, 2026 For our 11-year anniversary, we asked OnesToWatch alumni to nominate the next wave of artists on the rise. Beloved Pittsburgh singer-songwriter corook chose Whale Songz—the musical duo of Olivia Barton and Annika Bennett.
Author: Ariana Tibi
pop
On ‘IS THIS THE END?’ Chelsea Cutler Embraces Every Era

On ‘IS THIS THE END?’ Chelsea Cutler Embraces Every Era

September 28, 2026 IS THIS THE END? Is a big-hearted, unapologetic record from an artist who sounds more comfortable in her own skin than ever.
Author: Matt Keenan
pop