This week on When I Grow Up, Sienna tells her dad Ben she wants to be a singer-songwriter - just like Riiki Reid.

In 2025, Riiki has been all over the radio, streaming charts, and has just dropped her first full-length EP Drench but Sienna and Ben uncover more about the story behind one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new artists.

From growing up in Wellington with a love of dance and performing at mall talent shows, to sharing stages with Lorde, Six60, LAB, and Sir Dave Dobbyn, Riiki shares her journey from cringe first songs to radio success.

This conversation covers:

• Growing up in a creative family and finding her voice through singing at home and performing in talent quests
• Writing her first songs at an early age and how journaling fuels her creative process
• Making the leap from University to music full-time
• How connection, kindness, and enjoying the process keep her grounded in the industry full of rejection  
• Riiki’s most embarrassing on-stage moment - in front of a member of Linkin Park!
• And the Instagram message from Lorde that led to an unforgettable moment on stage

It’s an inspiring (and very funny) chat about finding your voice, chasing what you love, and never losing the fun in what you do.

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