UNMUTE CREW
BREAKING BARRIERS. CREATING TOGETHER.
UNMUTE is more than my first single and music video. It is a project built with heart, dedication and people who believed in my vision.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who became part of the UNMUTE CREW. Without a professional production budget, we brought this project to life through voluntary collaboration, shared creativity, hard work and the willingness to support one another.
Together, we challenged communication barriers, explored new possibilities and created space for Deaf artists and creatives, both behind and in front of the camera. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, grow and discover new ways of working together.
Seeing my first single, UNMUTE, and its official music video come to life has been an emotional milestone for me. I am deeply touched by the time, energy and commitment everyone has contributed to making this possible.
My hope is that UNMUTE continues to grow, reaches more people and creates new opportunities for our crew and future collaborations.
To everyone who stood beside me, shared their skills and believed in this project: thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Different roles. Different perspectives. One vision.
RIONA
UNMUTE CREW
UNMUTE is built through collaboration.
Behind the visuals, performances and productions are people who bring their own experience, perspective and creative work into the project.
Part of this work is made possible through voluntary collaboration, shared time and mutual support. Deaf creatives play an important role in UNMUTE, both behind and in front of the camera.
EYK KAULY
Director of Photography / Camera · Sign Language Coach / Mentor
Eyk Kauly, born in 1987 in Dippoldiswalde, Germany, is a Deaf performer, actor and sign language artist. His work spans theatre, performance, poetry translation and sign language art. He works with German Sign Language (DGS), sign-supported German (LBG) and International Sign.
Since 2023, Eyk has served as Artistic Director of the German Deaf Theatre.
RIONA and Eyk have known each other for many years. Their artistic collaboration became especially meaningful as Eyk began accompanying and supporting RIONA’s performance work.
In 2025, their collaboration continued around RIONA’s performances at DEGETH, including the development of her artistic expression through DGS.
For UNMUTE, Eyk works behind the camera and supports RIONA as a Sign Language Coach and Mentor.
Camera · Set Photography
Steve Stymest, born in 1991 in Nuremberg, Germany, is a Deaf Art Director, model, photographer and runway coach based in Berlin. German Sign Language is his first language.
Alongside his work in photography and fashion, Steve is the founder and Head Photographer of Next Deaf Model.
RIONA’s connection to Steve goes back many years. Growing up, she followed Next Deaf Model and dreamed of becoming part of that world herself.
Years later, that connection developed into a creative collaboration.
RIONA invited Steve to photograph her album artwork and later to become part of the visual work behind UNMUTE. bringing together a connection from her younger years with where she stands as an artist today.
For UNMUTE, Steve contributes his perspective through photography, camera work and visual storytelling.
LARRY 7R
Director of Photography / Camera
Larry 7R, born in 1994 in heide, Germany, is a Deaf creative and part of the visual team behind UNMUTE.
Through his work behind the camera, Larry brings his own perspective and visual instinct into the project.
His contribution is part of the collaborative visual language that surrounds RIONA and UNMUTE.
Hair · Masterstylist
Christoph Sponer is a Deaf Masterstylist and professional hairstylist based in Aalen, Germany.
Becoming a hairstylist was a childhood dream that he pursued despite the communication barriers he experienced throughout his training.
At the end of 2022, Christoph opened his own studio in Aalen. Today, he works with both Deaf and hearing clients, creating a space where communication can happen naturally through German Sign Language as well as spoken communication.
For UNMUTE, ChriSpo brings his professional craft into the visual production and is responsible for Hair.
WHO ARE WECAST & CREATIVE SUPPORT
Cast · Additional Support
Julia Gámez Martin, born in 1986 in Berlin, is a German actress, singer and songwriter. She studied musical theatre at Berlin University of the Arts and has performed on stages across Germany.
Together with Ariane Müller, she is part of the music-comedy duo Suchtpotenzial.
RIONA and Julia’s connection also grew through performance.
In October 2025, RIONA was invited to perform for Julia’s “I’ll Fight For You.” Their collaboration continued in November 2025 at BKA Theater Berlin, where RIONA performed again alongside Julia — including performances of “2 Finger an den Kopf” and “Ich darf das” in front of a predominantly hearing audience.
For UNMUTE, Julia supports the project as part of the cast.
Cast · Additional Support
Nika supports UNMUTE as part of the cast and production.
LISA SCHULER
Cast · Additional Support
Lisa Schuler supports UNMUTE as part of the cast and production.
PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION
Mixing · Mastering
Jens Güttes is responsible for the mixing and mastering of UNMUTE.
His work is part of the professional audio production of the project and is separate from the voluntary collaboration behind the UNMUTE Crew.
BEHIND UNMUTE
UNMUTE is independent.
Part of the visual production is made possible through voluntary collaboration, shared time and mutual creative support.
Eyk Kauly, Larry 7R and Steve Stymest contribute not only their work as Deaf creatives, but also their own perspectives to the visual world of UNMUTE.
ChriSpo brings his professional craft into a creative environment where Deaf communication and DGS can exist naturally.
Other parts of the production — including mixing and mastering — are created through professional, paid collaboration.
UNMUTE makes these different contributions visible.
Different roles. Different perspectives. One vision.
UNMUTE.