After following up her much-loved 2023 'New Beginnings' EP with her stunning comeback single 'Unafraid' at the start of the year, Norwegian artist Rikke is back once again with her vibrant new offering 'High Horse (be gone)'.
Honing more of that rich and emotive alt-pop aesthetic she has been crafting for herself over the years, 'High Horse (be gone)' makes for a brilliantly bold and immersive listen. With her spellbinding vocals spread across a riveting production throughout, she returns to the fold with one of her more mesmerising efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. We had an old half working one in my childhood home and I was drawn to it because I realised it could help me get the songs I heard in my head out. I am self-taught and, in the beginning, I made little stickers with numbers on, that I put on the piano to remember the order of the keys I had to press to play my songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved all sorts of music because my dad had a massive record collection. He has over 2000 vinyls which incorporate just about every genre there is. I was exposed to everything from Buena Vista Social Club, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton and lots of other country music and of course AC/DC, which became one of my favourite bands. I love how it works so well with strong hooks and lots of energy with only a few instruments. Dad and I have been to see them live together twice - it’s kind of our thing listening to them, and he plays the air guitar and jumps on one leg every time!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Ace Of Base “The Sign” was my first album. I don’t remember why though… Salt n Peppa “Very Necessary” and singles from Eternal and En Vogue followed. The first song I sang live before an audience in Norway was “Don’t Let Go” by En Vogue. As I had grown up in London and Sweden, when I came back to Norway, no-one knew I could sing - I was 14 and gonna sing this song at a school event and they all said; “is SHE gonna sing?” I still have a thing for that song today.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ooh, that’s hard, so many great tracks to choose from, and in my heart I am all about the songs. If it works well just with an acoustic piano and a voice, that’s the sign of a great song for me. Maybe “River” by Joni Mitchell or “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No, the songs just fall out themselves. I don’t know where the songs come from, they’re just there. I’m always songwriting - everywhere I go I’m constantly recording snippets of melodies in Voice memos and writing lyrics in the Notes app on my phone. I very often pretend I am casually talking to someone on the phone, when I’m actually recording an idea. But the best songs are those that write themselves fully finished in 10ish mins – they’re special.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love Florence & The Machine, Sarah Klang, MK.Gee and Griff at the moment. And Fleetwood Mac songs are always on my playlist.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Florence & The Machine! I’m drawn to the energy and artsy rawness - it feels playful and serious at the same time, which I can relate to. If I was to be someone else for a day, it would be Florence Welch! Her poise and strong female lead is something I look up to. If I had the chance to open for them one day I would hope my art, music and the whole “Rikke’s World” would be relatable to her audience, and maybe something they would like too. And maybe as a support act it would be a bit contrasting as well. I love contrasts. Anyways, if Florence & The Machine liked my stuff, even without playing support it would be like Christmas Eve for me!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The creative drive that we naturally have and the fact that I hear all these songs in my head and am able to express them with my voice.
And what is the most frustrating part?
At the moment cutting through the noise, haha;) And also that a lot of people think we earn tons of money just because it looks good on our socials. Most of us pay to play. Being a small indie artist is similar to being a start up business. You have to invest money into the product and work hard to build it without being able to take out anything for yourself. I always pay my musicians to the best of my ability because I know what it’s like being on the other side of it. I am a solo artist, but everyone needs a team, and when you feel invested in something you give more back. That’s why I always let them be part of the creative process and have “julebords” (Christmas parties) on me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Come prepared, be kind and friendly to EVERYONE you work with. You never know who they are and who they can be to you.
-
Rikke's new single 'High Horse (be gone)' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.