Norwegian singer-songwriter Rikke has developed a deeply personal approach to music, combining soulful melodies, intimate storytelling and a commitment to emotional honesty. Having performed alongside artists including John Legend, Bernhoft and Madcon, she has also established an independent career rooted in creative freedom, compassion and the belief that music can offer meaningful connections between people.
Her latest release ‘Unafraid / Være Trygg’ is an intimate acoustic double single exploring vulnerability, self-acceptance and the universal need to feel safe. Reimagining her 2023 song ‘Unafraid’ alongside a Norwegian translation, Rikke connects the personal struggle to overcome fear and insecurity with a wider message of hope for children growing up amid conflict and uncertainty.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It was the piano. We had a really old upright piano in my house, inherited from my great-grandmother. I taught myself to play on it, putting small stickers on the keys to remember the order in which I wanted the notes to be played. Middle C was broken, so I always had to work around that. The sound was quite “soulful,” you could say, because it hadn’t been tuned in years. You see, no one in my family, apart from my great-grandmother, plays an instrument or sings. And because the piano was also a bit broken, it’s kind of weird that we kept it. But lucky for me, because this was the beginning of my songwriting and a way for me to express what I was feeling. I started singing because I heard songs inside that wanted out, and this moody old upright piano was my first companion and the beginning of it all.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved all kinds! Influenced by my dad’s huge record collection, I was subconsciously exposed to lots of different genres and bands. I especially remember him playing AC/DC, Peter Gabriel, and Fleetwood Mac. Growing up in London from the age of six to ten, I was also introduced to musicals. I remember watching classic Disney movies, as well as Annie and Mary Poppins, on repeat and singing along to all the songs.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first very own album was Ace of Base’s The Sign. I absolutely loved it, and I think this album, again played on repeat, made me fall in love with strong, catchy pop hooks and the Swedish songwriting tradition. We lived in Stockholm for a year when I was ten, and ever since, I’ve been a big fan of the Swedish approach to songwriting and, in general, a lover of Swedish music! Have you heard of the band Amason? They’re great.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan. It has all the elements of a perfect song, in my opinion. It’s simple without being simple, everyone can sing along to it, and every singer can make it their own. It’s vulnerable and carries an honest, universal message. It’s a song that is at its strongest in its acoustic version, which, to me, is another sign of its quality. It doesn’t need all the fuss.
There are multiple layers to discover when you listen to it, because the lyrics are suggestive but also open to interpretation, which makes the song even more powerful. This is something I draw on all the time in my own songwriting. A song might sound simple on the surface, but if you pay attention, there are always layers and a deeper meaning.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well, I think I have two. 1. It needs to work acoustically. Being quite traditional in my approach to songwriting, my songs usually come to life on a 100-year-old grand piano I have in my Oslo apartment. If a song can’t be sung on that piano, it’s not strong enough.
2. Trust the process. This is something I've learned through experience and the writing of six albums: to trust the process happening inside me. The strongest songs that need to be written, and the strongest messages that need to be expressed, will eventually come out when they're ready. When they've finished processing subconsciously. I used to record every little idea on my phone all the time, which meant I was only ever semi-present in my everyday life, as ideas and melodies came to me constantly. Now I know that trusting this internal process is enough.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m a bit unusual in that way. My listening habits are probably a little different from what you might expect. At the moment, I only listen to classical music, haha! There’s a Norwegian classical radio station that’s always playing in the background at home. I generally prefer listening to instrumental music, probably because of the constant songwriting happening inside me. But every now and then, I do get a bit hung up on particular albums or artists. Bon Iver will always be a favourite, especially the later albums. When it comes to going to concerts, I usually gravitate towards rock, punk, metal and stuff like that.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Björk. I love her theatrical and artsy approach to live shows, and in my own small-scale way, I do something similar. I like the way she combines strength and fragility in her artistic expression, and she's definitely an inspiration to me overall. I often have her in the back of my mind when performing, even when I’m playing an intimate solo show.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
All the things, places, moments of creation and unusual situations I've gotten to experience through touring and making music with other creatives. It's a playful way of life that rewards you in so many different ways and leaves you with a lot of stories!
And what is the most frustrating part?
The business and the industry can be quite a players' game, and I'm not much of a player, so I've had to approach it according to my own values and accept the outcome of that. That was a source of frustration until I eventually understood that and came to terms with it. There's no other way to make music than your own way. It's a cut-throat business, and if you don't stay true to yourself, you'll either get eaten alive or burn out.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Someone said this to me quite early on, and I’ve kept it front of mind in my work as a musician ever since: Be prepared, show up on time and be easy to work with. A positive attitude and a dash of gratitude also go a long way. This applies to life in general as well.
I now pay it forward by sharing this advice with all the young and upcoming musicians with aspirations whom I meet. Because we should all help each other rather than compete with each other.
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Rikke's new single 'Unafraid / Være Trygg' is out now. Check it out in the player below.