2015 Recap

Friday, September 30, 2016
2015 Recap

It’s crazy to think that 2015 is drawing to an end… Where did the year go!?

It has definitely been a ride for me, both personally & professionally.

2015 was supposed to be a milestone year. I was excited to finally release my debut album….an album that I poured my heart and soul into writing & recording. I was putting together plans on the drawing board for the first single to release to radio, the game plan for shooting my first official music video, a radio tour, Summer shows and so on. By the end of January…these plans were all set in motion. My first single was officially released, everything was booked for me to fly to Texas mid February to shoot the music video…things were looking really good…I was super excited for the future!

On February 9th/15, everything changed. My Dad, who was also my best friend and mentor, passed away unexpectedly. The man who kept me strong and grounded ... the reason behind my love for music and songwriting…was gone. Suddenly, where there was once so much joy and anticipation for my future, there was now a void…a dark, depressive hole that I just wanted to sink into, and stay there.

However….my Father didn’t spend a lifetime raising me to be a strong, independent and driven woman, for me to fall apart now.

I’m so proud to be my Fathers daughter ... and I was going to continue the amazing legacy he worked so hard to build.

Although still in a fog, I continued to put one foot in front of the other. I allowed my passion for music to guide me.

I travelled across Ontario on a radio tour, played a bunch of awesome festivals and shows, and although it was delayed, I ended up flying to Texas to shoot my music video after all. (You can watch the video here »)

I released a second single “Beautiful Thing” to radio (Check out the lyric video here »)

I was a final nominee for the Rising Star Award at the CMAO (Country Music Association of Ontario) Awards in May. I got an endorsement deal with Texas based Lane Boots.

I had the opportunity to play a number of showcases and live streaming events during Country Music Week in Halifax, Nova Scotia. And in November…I FINALLY released my debut album at a sold out CD release party! (Check out the full album on iTunes »)

One week later, I flew to Dallas, Texas where I played an incredible live audience/global streaming show at ‘The Guitar Sanctuary’.

Looking back on 2015, I have a sense of pride just knowing how proud my Dad would be. I could have fallen apart (God knows I wanted to) Instead, I chose to keep moving forward. In doing so, I had the opportunity to meet some pretty incredible people. The folks at radio, new fans, fellow artists, festival organizers…the list goes on.. These new relationships brought so much positivity, light & love into my life.

For that I am so grateful.

As 2015 comes to a close, I want to thank you for being a part of my journey. I mean it when I say that I TRULY value each & every one of you!

With lots of planning going on behind the scenes for 2016, I’m excited to see what the future holds! :)

Wishing you an abundance of health & happiness in the New Year!

Love, Riki!

Tags for this article
2015, CMAO, Dad, Music Single

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