Lush blends of RnB, hip hop, soul, and indie-pop come together, creating a laid-back vibe that reflects Reiki’s Raglan roots. The Message showcases Reiki’s undeniable songwriting talent, positioning him as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new artists.
“The Message brings a blend of my recent style, along with a discovery of new talents,” says Reiki.
“It explores the soothing melodies I’m used to creating, while also venturing into new genres like pop. On the other side is the sing-rap style I’ve been experimenting with – something I’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance.”
“The Message is like a voice memo from a year’s worth of experiences, crafted into different styles that tell unique stories.”
The EP brings together an array of talented creatives, including Grammy-nominated artist Jordan Rakei and award-winning Aotearoa producer Joel Jones (known for work with Balu Brigada, Alayna). The lead single, Love No Other, was co-written with hit songwriter and fellow Whaingaroa artist Muroki, making the collaboration “really special.”
“I wrote Love No Other with one of my best mates, Muroki Pearsall, and Jacob Brown,” says Reiki. “It reminded me of when we first started jamming and writing together back in the old days.”
The singles released in the lead-up to today gained significant traction, with All I Need charting on the RadioScope Alt, NZ, and Most Added charts for multiple weeks. The track spent three weeks on the Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, peaking at #9. Subsequent singles In Time and Take It Slow also garnered media attention, with features in Rolling Stone AU/NZ, The Listener, Sniffers, and Hype Medium, along with radio support from Mai FM, ZM, TAHI, and more.
Reiki’s career began with Masaya – a collaborative project with his sister Kaea Ruawai and celebrated Aotearoa artist Muroki. Their unique fusion of indie-rock, groove, soul, and roots quickly gained a loyal fanbase, expanding from their hometown of Raglan to audiences across the Tasman, where they joined Katchafire and L.A.B on Australian tours in 2020 and 2023.
As Reiki moved into a solo career, his early releases gained rapid traction, with his second single, Express, amassing over 5 million streams on Spotify. Recently, he returned from a trip across the Tasman, where he performed at Brisbane’s Big Sound alongside some of Australasia’s brightest emerging talents.
Exploring a wide range of genres and lyrical themes, The Message is a testament to Reiki’s ability to convey sound and emotion – a reflection on his journey so far and an exciting glimpse of where his music is headed.
Listen to the single Love No Other now on all streaming plastforms.
