A quick catch-up with RIIKI

Words by Liam Stretch and Java Katzur. Images by Kenzie Pigman and Oscar Keys.

Since we last talked to Wellington-based artist RIIKI last April, a lot has happened. Releasing a bunch of new music, performing at festivals over summer, and now headlining her first NZ tour, we decided to have a yarn to her about how things are going and her future plans. 

Since mid-last year, RIIKI has released two new singles, ‘Share Your Luv’ and ‘Good Times’. She’s become known across NZ for an indie-pop sound.

RIIKI is beaming when reflecting on her jam-packed summer, 

following the success of these tracks, she spent January and February performing at festivals such as Sound Splash, Electric Avenue, and Bay Dreams. Festivals are often an opportunity for growth and to develop relationships in the sector for a young artist. For RIIKI, it was no different, loving “meeting so many other musicians who I love and new faces too”. 

The standout moment on her summer festival whirlwind takes place at the tip of the Te Wai Pounamu. “The fondest memories the band and I had were down in Nelson for Bay Dreams, my family came, and everyone just had the absolute best time together.” 

Beyond the summer gone, she’s looking forward to her first headline tour – initially stopping in Auckland, then onto Wellington. She’s looking forward to the freedom of performing under her name alone.

“I’ve never played a show outside of Wellington that isn’t my own show; actually, I haven’t played a headline (RIIKI) show, ever. So I think I am most excited that these are my own shows, and I can kinda do whatever I want to do. “ 

Asking it feels to be headlining her own shows, RIIKI responds, “Sooooo bloody good, dude, RAH!”

“I’ve been wanting to do my own headline shows for yonkidoodles, so to be finally doing it is fun. So stoked with the team that is working behind these shows too.”

As the seasons begin to change, RIIKI’s colourful, moody pop will keep you in a sunny mind. And the good news is, you can expect to treat your little ears to a bucket load of new and ever-before-heard music in the coming months.

Of course, this is just the beginning for RIIKI, with a bigger project in the works. All top-secret, for now, so we will just have to wait and see. But for now, get out to her headline tour.