Christina Maria Rieder, better known by her stage name Rykka is a multitalented singer and songwriter who hails from Canada but now calls Switzerland home. With The Last Of Our Kind, Rykka won over both the audience and an expert jury in the Swiss national final in February. What she said specifically to our website read here:
Hello Rykka! Congratulations on your victory! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Rykka and I will represent Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. I started singing with my brother and sister when I was very young. Our mother taught us how to sing. When I was 16, I started to write songs. Since then I’ve changed my music style a few times, and even my artist name from my real name, Christina Maria, to Rykka. I’m very ambitious and I see change as an important part of life.
How do you feel days after the final in Switzerland?
I feel great! I also find it surreal to be compared to a legend like Celine Dion, who represented Switzerland before me! It’s an absolute honour.
How did you decide to take part in the national selection?
I had just spent all year working on my new record, and I thought it would be an amazing adventure. I was right, it worked! I have a lot of new music that is all ready to go.
How do you feel about representing Switzerland at Eurovision?
It means a lot to me to represent Switzerland because Eurovision connects so many great people. It’s so amazing to meet so many amazing people who are connected to Eurovision in some way. Also, I’m so proud to represent Switzerland because it’s really in my heritage and I love it here so much.
Tell us more about your song. What is the message?
The message of The Last Of Our Kind is to always stand up for love above all. Stand up for yourself and for people and other beings who can’t stand up for themselves. Standing up for love also sometimes means to go against your own ego and really search to find the truth.
What do you want people in Europe to remember you with? What makes you different?
I want people to see me, the real me, and to see that there is a place in the world for everyone. So many different stories and so many different paths, and there is a place for everyone to follow their dreams.
Do you consider what would be your performance on the stage? Can you give us more information?
The show in Stockholm is going to be different from the one in the national preselection in Kreuzlingen. Of course there will be surprises! I’m working on a dress with LYN Lingerie, it will be a collaboration. LYN x RYKKA! I’ve had meetings with the team at the Swiss Television SRF and worked on the style and mood and what will happen on stage with them. It was really a team effort, and it was so great to be so involved, I love that stuff!
What would you like to say to your Bulgarian fans?
I want to thank everyone for their amazing support! It’s such a dream to share this crazy experience with all of you. Sending love out to everyone!
You can here "The Last Of Our Kind" Here:
Photo by Lukas Mäder