In a shift towards Hyperpop, Reikko envisions a community where varied backgrounds converge in a shared musical experience. Her authenticity shines through, laying bare universal experiences and vulnerabilities. Our contributor had a chance to sit down with Reikko to talk about how Reikko turns her personal experiences into a genre-defying symphony
Danica Evani
Reikko’s Hyperpop Revolution
Your journey into music seems like a genuine adventure filled with unexpected twists. Can you share a moment that made you feel an undeniable connection to your community or audience, reinforcing your decision to pursue music professionally?
Absolutely. My musical journey has indeed been an adventure, and there's a particular moment that stands out as a turning point.
During a live show in Tokyo, I felt such a warm and welcoming energy in the room. The crowd’s response was not just about enjoying the music; it was a shared experience of emotions.
What made this experience even more special was the post-performance interaction with the audience. People approached me to tell me how much they loved my music despite the language barrier.
“The sense of community was tangible — a group of strangers brought together by just music itself. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to continue to dedicate myself to this craft professionally.”
Your musical evolution - from R&B exploration to a hyperpop project, reflects a diverse and dynamic creative spirit. How do you envision your music contributing to a sense of community, and how has your audience played a role in shaping your artistic path?
I’ve always wanted to encourage people to be whatever you want to be by taking an unorthodox approach when it comes to my music. Music has the incredible power to evoke emotions, and by diversifying my sound, I aim to reach a broader audience with different tastes. I see my music as a bridge that spans across genres, bringing together individuals from different musical backgrounds into a shared space.
My audience has played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic path. Their feedback, reactions, and engagement have been super helpful. As I experimented with different genres and sounds in the past, I paid close attention to how my audience responded. Moving into Hyperpop, I think that the music’s eclectic blend of styles has the power to resonate with a diverse audience.
I envision my music contributing to a sense of community by creating a space where people from different backgrounds can come together and find common interests and experiences.
Your debut record draws inspiration from intense emotions like indignation and rage, emotions that many of us can relate to on a personal level. How do you hope your music resonates with listeners on a deeper, more communal level, tapping into shared experiences and emotions?
The core of my debut record is indeed rooted in intense emotions like indignation and rage, as i believe these feelings are universal and connect us on a deep level. My hope is that listeners not only relate to these emotions on a personal level but also find a sense of shared experience and understanding through my music. I want my listeners to feel that they aren’t alone, and sometimes it is okay to be angry and pissed when things don’t go your way.
In addition to the sonic elements, i also want to convey these emotions through the thematic and lyrical aspects of my music. I want my lyrics to create a space for connection and understanding.
Returning to jakarta and releasing 'can't stay away' must have been a homecoming in more ways than one. How does the spirit of your hometown weave into the fabric of your music, and what aspects of your community do you carry with you in your creative process?
I wouldn’t say where i am currently (indonesia) shapes the way my music sounds since i feel more close to cultures abroad, where i actually take a lot of my inspiration from.
Your early influences include artists like kehlani and lana del rey, whose music often creates a sense of belonging for listeners. How do you cultivate that feeling of inclusivity and community within your own music, and what messages do you hope your audience takes away from it?
I draw inspiration from my own experiences, emotions, and observations. I try to create a narrative that listeners can see themselves in. Whether it's navigating love, heartbreak, or self-discovery,
I hope that my music serves as a mirror reflecting the different yet same experiences that we all go through. I’m being as vulnerable as i can be, showing that all of us have vices that we tend to succumb to sometimes.
While my influences might span different genres, I try to create a musical space that feels familiar yet innovative, providing a point of connection for listeners from various backgrounds.
“the aim is to create a musical space where people feel that, regardless of their background, they are part of a growing journey. it's about celebrating the beauty of our differences while finding common ground through music.”
Looking forward, what collaborative or community-oriented projects do you envision? how do you plan to engage with your audience in meaningful ways, and are there specific themes or initiatives that will bring you and your fans closer together in the coming months?
right now, i’m taking slow steps with my own music. i’m working very hard behind the scenes, experimenting and learning more about my sound. but once it’s ready, i will be sharing it to the world in the most “reikko” fashion.
As for collaborative projects, i'm excited to be working with fellow artists, both within and outside the hyper pop genre. i see these collaborations as opportunities to blend diverse styles and perspectives together. whether it's collaborating on singles, joint performances, or even multimedia projects, i aim to keep exploring the boundaries of creativity and i really want to offer something truly unique to my fans.
Engaging with my audience in meaningful ways is a top priority. social media platforms will and have always played a crucial role. i plan on sharing more content that is immersive and raw. in essence, my goal is to break down the traditional barriers between artist and audience. i want the people who listen to me to feel like they are active participants in my musical journey, contributing to the creation of something special.