Fresh Prospects: Kühlname / Rijah

Kühlname will perform as part of the Fresh Prospects series—a showcase of the best up-and-coming artists attending Berklee. Genre-bending and melodiously captivating, Sydney Ewing, known professionally as Kühlname (Kool-NAH-may), is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer from Dallas, Texas. Kühlname’s eclectic fusion of R&B and world music takes audiences on a transcendent and mesmerizing musical journey that draws upon a diverse range of influences. With angelic harmonies, smooth basslines, and driving percussion, Kühlname's music is a rich tapestry of sound that stimulates the senses and soothes the soul. Her introspective lyrics and notes of sarcasm invite listeners to connect with their inner selves and with each other, fostering a sense of empowerment, balance, and unity. Whether performing in a living room or on stage, Kühlname's artistry is an immersive experience that frees the spirit and touches the heart.
At just 21 years old, Kühlname has already achieved over 1 million views across social media platforms, and she has performed at renowned venues such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Carnegie Hall. Most recently she opened for Stavroz at the Sinclair in Cambridge and she has been booked to play at Wellesley College, Exit Galleries, and the Berklee Caf in October as she prepares her debut EP for release later this fall.

Rijah is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Jersey City, currently based in Boston. Coming from a family full of musicians and growing up in a diverse city just a train ride away from Manhattan, she has been exposed to a wide range of music and cultures from a very young age. Her music is a mix of pop, alternative R&B, and soul blended into her own unique sound. In 2022, she recorded and released her self-produced debut EP the only one i know. Since then, she's formed a band, and her unreleased song “Up” was featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf. She has worked with multiple producers and artists on various projects and has written an album of new songs that she is in the process of recording. She is so excited to share this next chapter of music.