RISSA is a name worth remembering.
Drawing inspiration from her Polynesian heritage and community, the Sydney/Eora-based R&B artist is emerging as a distinctive voice in the Australian music scene.
Her latest EP WHERE LOVE ONCE WAS maps a love story in four chapters, narrating the aches of modern love from start to finish. In it, RISSA exudes equal parts charm and vulnerability, backed-up by tingling harmonies and cosy soundscapes.
RISSA’s trajectory is already underpinned by a growing body of work, including her 2023 debut EP Made to Feel and recent singles such as “love me right” and “Cinematic Feels”. Her more recent singles “FALL OUT” and “FOREVER” have garnered support from stations like triple j, Double J and Nova, and she has over 20 million Spotify streams on her most popular hit, “Doubt”.
We caught up with the rising star following her EP release as part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, hearing about her blossoming career, succeeding in a tough industry, and future goals.
RISSA’s WHERE LOVE ONCE WAS EP is out now.
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Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How much did music influence you in your early life?
RISSA: Born and raised in Campbelltown by a strong Tongan/Rotuman woman, my family and community in Western Sydney has influenced my art and sound I carry with me today. From singing in church settings to family functions to school playground jam sessions, I was very much surrounded by various groups of people both family and friends who would also sing and/or play instruments.
Because of this, music became more than just singing lyrics and melodies, but connecting with others around me and have a strong sense of belonging in music and like so many other people, when things around me were tough, music was my safe space to ground me again.
What artists influenced you growing up?
So many! As cliché as it is, Beyoncé is probably the longest-lasting influence, starting from Destiny’s Child days to now — as a strong female lead in the industry who lasts the test of time, maintains and builds on her branding and sound.
But also discovering Erykah Badu and D’Angelo at 20 years old was pivotal for me as an artist, discovering pioneers of neo-soul and the freedom of expression they both hold was amazing to see.
What are some career highlights so far?
My debut EP Made to Feel has gained over 25 million streams online and 200+ vinyl copies sold nationally and internationally since 2023. I’ve released collaborations with the likes of ONEFOUR, Urthboy, Kayps, and Yawdoesitall.
I’ve had radio support from Triple J, Nova, 2DayFM, FBi Radio, BBC 1xtra, CADA and more community radios around Australia, UK and US, and playlist wins on Spotify (New Music Friday AU & NZ, R&B Connect, R&B Feels, Fresh Finds R&B) and Apple Music (New in R&B, New Music Daily, ALT R&B, Brown Sugar). I also toured across Australia & New Zealand with US soul artist Allen Stone in 2023/2024, and showcased at BIGSOUND in 2023.
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
WHERE LOVE ONCE WAS is an expression of my emotions through hope, heartbreak and healing revolving around a relationship — I wanted to make sure that this project was intentional as it was real and raw for me but at the same time knew that so many other people experience the same feelings and situations.
So with the help of New Zealand producer Edy Liu and New Zealand artist/songwriter Sam V, we spent three days crafting the chapters of a love story in chronological order, the writing, arrangement and production combined all pour out emotions moving through the newfound interest, to honeymoon feels, heartbreak moments and empowered acceptance.
Sonically, I know my influences and love for R&B is heard through the writing and performance with a balance of nostalgic R&B sounds in “FOREVER” and “ALL I NEED”, to more new wave, jazz/soul-blended R&B in “FALL OUT” and “STRANGERS AGAIN”.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
Honesty, openness and respect goes a long way in general but specifically in the music industry — I feel it helps balance out ego and is just good to maintain solid relationships with both audience and creatives. Personality traits, I’d say definitely having a good work ethic is necessary as well as the practice of staying grounded/genuine in your individuality.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
My sound is rooted in the essence of R&B/soul music that will have you singing and grooving along with floating melodies and stacked harmony sections — full of yearning, connection and empowerment. Think feel-good music (even if it’s sad)!
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
The rest of 2025 will be spent rolling out the project and connecting with the world on it now that it belongs to everyone! 2026 and beyond will be an exciting time of furthering my connection to my audience by travelling nationally and internationally to play shows, write and release more music — maybe even win some awards along the way too?
