Artist Uncovered: Coffee Date
The Weaver of Strings and Beats
Behold the triumphant return of Artist Uncovered, the series where I seek to discover the deep lore behind the world’s greatest chill artists and producers.
In today's episode, we have the privilege of uncovering the mysteries of the legendary Coffee Date.
🎶 dramatic intro music 🎶
Coffee Date (real name Evelyn Rivera) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer with a unique organic and orchestral approach to lofi and VGM. Her expert use of real instruments and her voice give each track a personal feel, elevating her music to a realm where it almost feels reductive to call it "lofi".
She is also a member of the premiere VGM record label GameChops. If you're a regular patron of the video game music world you've likely heard her work on the Hyrule Cafe or Stardew & Chill series of albums. Or maybe her contribution to the GameChops Poketape series - holding down the 4th entry. But if you haven't heard any of those yet, now is the perfect time to amend that! Links after the interview.
Q: How did you come up with the name Coffee Date? Is there a story behind it?
Evelyn: For a little background context, Coffee Date began as a duo between myself and an ex-partner. The name "Coffee Date" was something we came up with together, inspired by the virtual coffee dates we would go on when we lived far apart. Unfortunately, it was an extremely abusive relationship, and when we separated, I took over the project, and he told me that I'd never be able to manage it on my own. So I started taking myself out on coffee dates every Friday morning as an act of self-love and to keep myself grounded—no matter how turbulent and difficult things were, I still made the time for myself to remind myself that I was still worthy. Through this, I reclaimed the name for myself, and felt the overall essence of the project shift from being uncertain to being confident, determined, and hopeful.
Q: How did you first get into making music?
Evelyn: I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember! I started writing my own songs when I was 5, and then started self-teaching keyboard when I was 12. When I was 13, I discovered Lindsey Stirling and thought the use of violin in an EDM/non-classical setting was the coolest thing ever, and I begged my mom for a violin for Christmas. Money was really tight and we couldn't afford lessons, but she still took a chance on me. I self-taught and practiced every day, saved up to buy FL Studio 11, and have been producing music and picking up new instruments ever since.
Q: What inspired you to start doing video game covers/ remixes?
Evelyn: I always loved game music—especially when I was younger, it helped me get through a lot of hard times and sparked my interest in composing music and using music as a storytelling medium. Around that time, I discovered covers and remixes on YouTube and it completely blew my mind. A few years later, I discovered the GameChops label and knew it was something I definitely wanted to get involved in.
Q: What video game franchise is your favourite to cover music from?
Evelyn: It's gotta be The Legend of Zelda! There's so much great music in that series, with such a wide range of moods and styles. I feel like I always learn something when I break down the music and see how it all comes together to portray such distinct settings, characters, and scenarios. A second favorite though is Octopath Traveler—it's such an incredible soundtrack that definitely deserves more love.
Q: Do you have any specific goals for the Coffee Date project?
Evelyn: Musically, one of my goals is to enhance or bring something new to the narrative of the music—whether that's through stripping it down, emphasizing different nuances of the piece, or reworking the style entirely! For Coffee Date as a project though, my vision is to continue reaching people with music that creates a space of comfort and positivity. The times we're living in have been so turbulent, so being able to connect with people in this way feels so rewarding and fulfilling. If what I do can make just one person's day a little better, then that's a success in my book.
Q: Do you have any specific music goal beyond Coffee Date?
Evelyn: Yes! I love composing original music in my spare time. I recently scored part of a short film, and I'm currently developing some other visual projects that I'm really excited to write music for. I'd also like to release an album of original music at some point, and maybe one day compose for a videogame.
Q: Do you have any big projects or releases coming up that you’d like to tell us about?
Evelyn: My third Zelda-inspired album, Hyrule Café 3 is in production and looking to release this fall! I've gotten to work with some wonderful collaborators (including Humble Beats' own Lofi Cody!) and I feel it's made this album so special. I hope you'll all look forward to it!
Yay! Coffee Date is a wonderful human being can’t wait to hear her next project