15 October 2024
Riiki Reid is a Pōneke-based singer-songwriter, choreographer and producer of Samoan, Latvian, Scottish and Māori (Ngāti Porou) descent. After a string of hit singles and touring as support for local legends such as Lorde, Dave Dobbyn and L.A.B, she is joining the Fly My Pretties line-up for their upcoming Wellington Jazz Festival show, Elemental.
I caught up with Riiki to find out more about the show, how it feels to join a supergroup like Fly My Pretties and much more.
How does it feel to join an iconic ensemble like Fly My Pretties?
Fly My Pretties was a household name for me growing up, along with the Black Seeds, so to have an opportunity to not only perform alongside them, but to craft and compose music together is truly epic. I feel very grateful to have been selected for this year's cast and to work alongside some NZ icons.
What can audiences expect from this Fly My Pretties show?
I think with the cast we have, you can really expect a diverse range of music. Each feature artist is bringing in a really fresh sound to the project which I think is really diversifying the sound of Fly My Pretties this year, yet with the musical direction of Barnaby I think there will also be a real cohesiveness to shine through the steeze and style that fans have always loved about FMP.
What do you think is unique about working as an artist in Aotearoa?
What I have always admired about our music industry in New Zealand is actually how close everyone is within it. Whether that is the artists and industry or the wider audience, there is so much opportunity to really connect face to face, on the street, in intimate settings, in passing, in small rooms. Therefore, I think that the people of Aotearoa really back New Zealand music. We are such a unique place that is honestly honing some of the most incredible artists and creatives there are in the world, and people around the globe are slowly starting to look at us like we are on the map, and I feel so dedicated to making sure we are put on the map.
What does the word “Elemental” mean to you personally?
For me, elemental is the motions of life - the highs, the lows, strength, weakness. When I think of elemental, I really think about the idea of 'hot or cold' in a way that to me represents the good and the bad. It's a super visual and broad concept which I think each artist is really spinning in their own way, relating it to matters of love, heartache, self growth etc.
As a Massey graduate, does performing at the Great Hall have special meaning for you?
Anything that comes full circle has a very special meaning to me. Part of it feels really comforting to be back where I started in a place I've always felt so embraced, and part of it feels like I am paying honour to a place that really helped me develop into an artist or even decide who I was going to meet in the industry. It's sentimental! If I could play in Wellington forever I would, it's so special to me and it's home.
What have you listened to recently that’s had a big impact on you and why?
Honestly, ever since November 2023, I have been listening to the radio stations in my brother's car which I have been using the past year, and all the music is 70's-90's soft Yacht Rock music and I have truly been so inspired by the sounds of those times. Artists like Fleetwood Mac, America, Steely Dan, Dire Straits, George Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Labi Siffre, George Harrison the list goes on... It's so timeless, and I feel so inspired to make timeless music.
What’s next for you?
SO much new music, so much new creative direction. I have been orchestrating something I am very excited to share.
