New Zealand's RIIKI REID (formerly known as RIIKI) has just released her pulsating new single, Meet U Again. If you're a fan of alternative pop music, then this is a name you're going to be hearing a lot more of in the future. The self-produced track gives her soaring vocals the space to shine, while a lush synth rings out underneath.

To celebrate the release of the track, we've put together a guide to all things RIIKI REID, so you can learn more about the Wellington-based artist. Check out Meet U Again below, and read on to learn more about RIIKI REID!

Who is RIIKI REID?

Performing music has been a constant source of enjoyment throughout RIIKI REID's life, ever since she was young. Speaking to Girl, she explains, "I was a tiny little pipsqueak when I first sung publicly, about 7 or 8 years old. It was a Westfield Mall talent quest which I entered right through my childhood."

She takes influence from her Māori, Samoan and Scottish heritage, while also weaving through nods to the '70s, '80s and '90s throughout her music. First releasing music back in 2019, singles like High Heights and Good Times caught the attention of NZ audiences and beyond, and she's performed alongside the likes of The Black Seeds, JessB, Katchafire and Dave Dobbyn. She's multi-talented too, producing all her own work. 

2021 single In The Moment was written in LA during the week before New Zealand's borders closed due to COVID. Featuring a booming drumbeat, RIIKI REID sings about getting lost in your own mind, while those around you are still present. It's a song that's highly relatable, and highlights RIIKI REID's ability to tell a personal story that people can make their own.

What does RIIKI REID's music sound like?

Speaking to Girl about her music, RIIKI describes it as a "bit of a weird blend of things, but I think this keeps it exciting and very honest. I'd say it's a bit indie, a bit pop, a bit alternative, a bit grungy or R&B at times too." She draws influence from the likes of DIIV, Radiohead and Björk, and she's always looking to explore new sounds.

Her new single, Meet U Again, captures that feeling of when you first meet someone. The track's vibrant production elevates her vocals, and you can feel the excitement of a new connection in her voice.

Speaking about the track, RIIKI explains, “I hate when things don’t feel the same, and all I want is that tingly and exciting feeling when you first met. The song is about longing for that, picturing yourself getting to meet each other all over again because it felt so good, fresh and exciting.”

It's a song that's been coming for a while, with RIIKI first writing the track back in March 2020. It encapsulates the emotions that we've all experienced over the past two years, and it couldn't be more timely. "“I wrote this song in the first lockdown back in March 2020 nearly two years ago now," RIIKI reveals.

"It was the song I wrote during that period that actually felt like an internal and emotional release. I wrote the entire song in one afternoon and then it was done, I closed my laptop lid, felt satisfied enough with the feeling of getting it all out that I left it at that, untouched with no need to do anything else with it”.

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What's next for RIIKI REID?

RIIKI REID has a lot of music in store for 2022, but before that's released, she'll be joining Budjerah for his Australian tour. It's a great chance for fans to see her in action - and much like Budjerah, she's set to be a name that you'll become very familiar with in the coming months.