The creative duo behind the musical project Riviera, Dillon and Lucy, described a contrasting aesthetic sensibility that informs both their music and personal style. Dillon recalled a first impression of collaborator Chandler, noting a jarring juxtaposition of workwear and high fashion: “He sent me a photo of him on the job site with the Dalluge hammer and tool bags and Saint Laurent pants and a flannel. I thought, This guy’s insane. I can’t believe he’s ruining these clothes.”
Lucy, in turn, pointed to a similar dynamic within their own collaborative process, referencing a photograph she sent Dillon while working on an installation. “I thought we were on the same wave, but I remember when you sent me a photo installing a window. You were wearing an oversized grey t-shirt and Adidas track pants with safety glasses. You were code switching.”
Riviera’s latest album, also titled Riviera, represents a deliberate shift in approach, according to the pair. Dillon described the album as “a bit more restrained [than our previous albums],” evoking the atmosphere of the French Riviera as a symbol of escape. They extended this concept to the American coastline, “thinking about this giant coastline from Santa Barbara down to San Diego as the American Riviera and how disparate and alone everyone feels in this megalopolis.” He characterized the region as “this beacon of hope that keeps propelling us forward, even if it may not exist.”
The album’s sonic influences, while not explicitly referenced during the creative process, include artists like Kanye West and Passion Pit. Dillon acknowledged the subconscious embedding of musical influences, stating, “We’re not reference guys, but there’s definitely a litany of things that embed themselves inside of you [as a listener]. When you’re making a beat, kind of blacking out, they approach out, hopefully naturally and very subtly.”
This album marks a departure from external influence, Lucy explained. “On the last record there were a lot of people that were telling us what to do, trying to put their fingers on it. I don’t think it was nefarious. We’re exciting people to work with in their eyes. This time, we didn’t really listen to anybody. We returned to live experiences; a lot of real-life audio recordings and really spur of the moment things. We successfully captured a moment in our lives.”
The pair also discussed their fashion inspirations. Dillon cited Lou Reed, Charlotte Gainsbourg and a formative experience witnessing Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week, describing the artist’s leather blazer and Red October sneakers as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” He also referenced Zac Efron’s style in the film 17 Again as a pivotal moment in his understanding of clothing. More recently, Dillon noted a growing appreciation for everyday style, stating, “I see a grandma walking down the street and think, Wow, she really knows how to layer.”
Lucy’s early style influences included Kanye West and A$AP Rocky during their respective periods of experimentation with high fashion. She also recalled being inspired by Tom DeLonge’s aesthetic, noting, “He hit this moment where it was skin tight jeans and leather jackets and he just looked so cool all the time.” She added, “I remember being in high school and thinking, Oh, that’s how you dress when you’re tall and skinny.” Dillon also highlighted the stylistic impact of director Pier Paolo Pasolini, praising his “classic director style” as “really subtle.”
Dalluge hammers, known for their durability and precision, are utilized by professionals and tradesmen, according to Marshalltown, which plans to expand the brand’s catalog of hand tools. The Hammer Source and Hardwick & Sons both offer a range of Dalluge hammers, including titanium models with magnetic nail starters, priced between approximately $124 and $234, depending on the model and retailer. EBay listings show a variety of Dalluge hammers available, including vintage models and newer titanium options.
