The Homecoming of RINI

Reflecting on RINI’s success after our interview, I realise there’s a third, demonstrable component to the answer of ‘why him’: tenacity. It wasn’t something he offered when he answered my question about this. Perhaps it didn’t occur to him in the moment, or maybe he thought it sounded too clichéd or even—given his humble temperament—too conceited. He did, however, speak to his grit when he answered my question about what he’s most proud of, given all he’s achieved in the last few years. “I’m just happy I was able to get through the pandemic—that was one of the toughest times in my life and I had so many moments where I didn’t think I was going to make it as an artist,” he tells me. 

He continues, “Looking back at it now—I could’ve given up a long time ago and just gone home and said, ‘Screw it, I don’t even want to pursue this anymore.’ Because I was having those thoughts. I’m just really proud of myself for not giving up, and of going back to America to pursue this, because things are so much better now.”  

Indeed, things are much better. To date, his album Constellations boasts 149 million streams and counting, and he’s been able to tour it around the world.  

The last few years, in particular, have produced a vanguard of Australian acts who are redefining what Australian R&B looks and sounds like: Dylan Atlantis, PANIA, A.Girl, Billymaree, Boy Soda, GLO, Budjerah, Gia Vorne, Chanel Loren, JKING, CD and others. RINI is a reminder that their success can be more than a reverie—it’s for the taking.