Riiki Reid

Building on the momentum of a huge year in 2022, New Zealand artist RIIKI REID shows no sign of slowing down with the release of her brand-new ballad "Home With Me". Listen HERE.

2022 saw a powerful reintroduction for the artist as RIIKI REID with the release of her mini-EPs: alt leaning "NEWER OXYGEN", and pop dance fueled "CRASH & COLLIDE".

After a year of showcasing many different facets of RIIKI REID as producer, dancer, video director, single "Home With Me" turns inwards to unveil a new sound, one that will complete her introduction as RIIKI REID and what she's capable of. An unstoppable artist with many talents. It's raw, vulnerable, and showcases RIIKI's stellar vocals.

Off on a 6-week trip overseas by herself for the first time, RIIKI's insecurities crept in. After saying goodbye to her partner at the airport, she found herself crying in the bathroom thinking about the unknowns around the corner, and how she was to do this without her support person. ​ Following this experience, "Home With Me" was created.

"At the time, the song was about missing the person you love and thinking 'What if I never got to see that person again, do they really know how much I care for them?'" she explains.

"Home isn't the location or the amazing house with your dream decor in your dream country, it is where your people are. Today when I think about the meaning of the song – it's a happy song because it reminds me of my love for the people around me. It also helps me to remember to enjoy the moment and soon enough I will be home soon again in the arms of my loved one". says RIIKI of the song.
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​Following her debut headline show in Wollongong earlier this month, RIIKI will be showcasing at BIGSOUND in September before also showcasing at SXSW Sydney in October.

Stay tuned for more to come from RIIKI REID in 2023.

ABOUT RIIKI REID

Launching her new project RIIKI REID at the start of the year 2022 marked an exciting new chapter for artist Raquel Abolins-Reid.  The multifaceted artist's knowledge in both music and movement has allowed her to create catchy and intriguing music influenced by a range of genres – which is brightly highlighted in her new and upcoming releases.  Her first project RIIKI was released in 2019, where listeners were quickly hooked on her sugary, indie-pop sound and her single "High Heights" racked up over 3.3 million streams. 2022 and 2023 has seen RIIKI REID join Lorde on her NZ national Solar Power tour, Budjerah on his Australian tour, as well as opening for international acts Ashe and Benson Boone. At home in NZ she has brought her commanding live show around the country, performing in sold-out arenas with some of NZ's biggest names - L.A.B, JessB, Katchafire, The Black Seeds and Dave Dobbyn.

Despite the challenges that the global pandemic brought, RIIKI says it turned into a beneficial time of discovery and growth – of herself and her music, resulting in RIIKI REID – an electrifying furthering of craft by the young artist. Throughout all creative elements of the new era - fashion, font, video, and music - there are contemporary glimpses of the 70s/80s and 90s, all brought together by a talented artist who continues to surprise. Visual elements of RIIKI's music are a nod to her Māori, Samoan, Latvian and Scottish heritage - with weaving font and a colour palette of blacks, reds, and whites. From a young age, the accomplished singer-songwriter-producer and dancer-choreographer, knew she wanted to be a performer, so would position herself in the spotlight. The new phase of RIIKI REID is here and there is much more to come - RIIKI REID is one to watch.