Norwegian singer-songwriter Rikke has released ‘Unafraid / Være Trygg’, her only recording of 2026. This acoustic double single follows years of high-profile stage work with Bernhoft, Madcon, Emma Steinbakken, and John Legend, alongside her independent writing at a century-old grand piano in Oslo. Her music draws from alternative pop, soul, and classic singer-songwriter traditions. Since founding her label Rikkileaks in 2011, she has prioritized artistic autonomy and emotional clarity over short-term trends. Her 2025 album Not Even Air Can Come Btwn Us Now explored boundaries, self-respect, and personal transformation; RnR Magazine praised its “clear sense of identity and quiet confidence.” Now published by Cooking Vinyl, she is completing an EP with producer Matty Benbrook, known for his work with Paolo Nutini, Dido, and Jack Savoretti. She is also preparing a double album and the Norwegian-language project Bare Rikke.
‘Unafraid’ (2023, written by Matthew Attard, April Bender and Rikke Normann) is presented here in a pared down singer songwriter version. It’s a song about confronting your own fears and insecurities that in turn affect your relationships and your sense of self. It’s very much Rikke‘s own story of self doubt and the fear of not being loved. The acoustic version is a very straightforward vocal performance which really brings the emotion of the lyrics across. There is also ‘Være Trygg’ which is Rikke‘s own Norwegian translation of the song (Være Trygg meaning ‘to be safe’). This version is about children growing up in a world of war, of instability and of uncertainty and the hope that every child can just play, can just go out and explore and grow up without fear. The two versions are very different in their focus (one is very personal, one is very much about the collective) but they’re both about care and about being safe.
Rikke shared: “This release symbolizes one of my core values: wanting to help. Making music has never really been about wanting attention on myself, and I see that more clearly now than ever. I want my music, and especially the lyrics, to speak to those who need to be heard. I hope this double acoustic single can feel like a personal gift from me to whoever needs it. A reminder that they are not alone, that they have the power to change what they want to change within themselves, and that their struggles are seen.”
Listen to ‘Unafraid / Være Trygg’:
