Riah’s “Lestat” is the kind of music video that makes you want to watch it twice because the story changes once you realise who is actually doing the hunting.
Out now, the Denver dark-pop artist’s latest video, featuring Cadiel, drops us into a decadent vampire den through one continuous shot. Directed by Riah and Luke Ostermiller, the video initially presents Riah as an innocent outsider searching for a mysterious man among beautiful monsters. Then the twist lands: she was never lost. She is the Queen.
That reversal gives “Lestat” its bite. The song itself balances cold-skinned verses with a chorus repeating “They call you parasite”, while Cadiel’s verse brings the temptation even closer. It feels like a summer anthem filtered through gothic theatre, where desire, danger and power are constantly changing places.
The one-shot concept is especially effective. The camera never gets a chance to blink or hide, following Riah as the den slowly reveals who was hunting whom. The ensemble cast includes diverse performers, LGBTQ and non-binary characters celebrating Pride, and members of Denver’s vampire scene, giving the world a playful, campy energy without losing its darker edge.
“Lestat” also feels bigger than a standalone release. It is part of Riah’s forthcoming album, Insurrection, which she plans to pair with an immersive scripted show with DejaView Productions, Medusa’s Curse.
With her mix of vulnerability, power and villain energy, Riah makes it clear that she is not just starring in this world. She is building it.
