Norwegian singer-songwriter Rikke brings 2026 to a quietly powerful close with ‘Unafraid / Være Trygg’, an intimate double single that places emotional honesty and human connection at the heart of her songwriting, and we premiere it here at LOCK.
Pairing an acoustic reworking of her 2023 track ‘Unafraid’ with a newly translated Norwegian version, the release offers two perspectives on vulnerability, exploring both the deeply personal experience of learning to feel secure within yourself and the wider importance of creating a world where others can feel safe.
There is an understated confidence to Rikke’s approach here. Stripping ‘Unafraid’ back to its acoustic foundations allows the strength of its original songwriting to take centre stage, with a more exposed vocal performance bringing renewed emotional weight to its exploration of self-doubt, insecurity and the fear of not being loved. Originally written alongside Matthew Attard and April Bender, the song feels particularly personal in this new setting, trading production scale for intimacy and allowing its central message to connect without distraction. It is a reminder that sometimes the most affecting performances are those that leave the greatest amount of space for the listener.
The accompanying ‘Være Trygg’ takes that emotional foundation somewhere broader. Translating the song into Norwegian, Rikke redirects its message towards children growing up surrounded by conflict, instability and uncertainty, expressing a simple but deeply affecting wish for every child to experience the freedom and security of an ordinary childhood. It is an important distinction between the two recordings: where ‘Unafraid’ considers the internal barriers that prevent us from feeling loved and accepted, ‘Være Trygg’ addresses the external circumstances that can deny people even the most fundamental sense of safety. Together, they create a thoughtful double release that connects individual healing with collective compassion.
That sense of purpose has become increasingly central to Rikke’s artistic identity. As she explains, her relationship with music has never been driven by the pursuit of attention, but by the opportunity to give a voice to experiences that might otherwise go unheard. It is a perspective that gives the release an authenticity beyond its immediate musical appeal, positioning songwriting as a means of offering reassurance, recognition and solidarity rather than simply personal expression.
Following 2025’s ‘Not Even Air Can Come Btwn Us Now’, Rikke is now entering another significant chapter. Signed to London-based publisher Cooking Vinyl, she is preparing a new EP produced by Matty Benbrook, whose previous credits include Paolo Nutini, Dido and Jack Savoretti, alongside plans for a double album and the forthcoming Norwegian-language project ‘Bare Rikke’. These developments point towards an artist continuing to expand her creative reach while remaining closely connected to the songwriting principles that have defined her career.
With ‘Unafraid / Være Trygg’, Rikke delivers a release that feels less concerned with making a grand statement than with making a meaningful difference. Its two recordings demonstrate how a song can evolve beyond its original context, finding new relevance through language, perspective and intention. In an industry increasingly preoccupied with visibility and scale, Rikke offers something more enduring: music that places empathy before ego, and reminds listeners that feeling understood can be a powerful thing.