SPOTLIGHT: RINI K

Meet Rini K and tune into her newest singles “Silver Lining” & “Burning.”

The stripped-down demo of “Silver Lining” really amplifies the rawness of the lyrics. What made you decide to share that version with the world?

When Ryan and I first wrote Silver Lining, we felt an instant spark the moment we played back the demo. I left that session knowing that this specific version had to be shared, no matter what. There was something so raw and honest about the emotion captured in my vocals that day, paired with the dark, stripped-down piano. It reveals a side of the song that I’ve always wanted people to hear since the moment we wrote it.

“Burning” and “Silver Lining” both feel like emotional snapshots. What was going on in your life when you wrote them, and how do they speak to the themes of Manufactured Sunshine?

When Melissa Menago and I wrote Burning, I was on the verge of moving to LA. I was filled with the most excitement I’d ever felt, but also a quiet, looming anxiety I couldn’t quite explain. That song became a reflection of that strange in-between space—the mix of anticipation and fear—and marked the beginning of my journey into self-discovery as a young adult.

Silver Lining was written about six months after I made the move, and in many ways, it feels like a follow-up to Burning. It captures my new perspective after living on my own, experiencing college life, and navigating the hustle of being an artist in LA. It’s the heart of Manufactured Sunshine, tying into the central theme that optimism isn’t something we’re handed—it’s something we choose, even when it’s hard.

The title Manufactured Sunshine suggests both hope and struggle. What does that phrase mean to you in the context of your own coming-of-age journey?

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the only thing we can truly control is our mindset. So much of what happens around us is out of our hands, which is why it’s so important to actively choose hope and optimism—essentially manufacturing our own sunshine.

You’ve said this project is about the “in-between years.” How have your views on growing up shifted since starting the EP, and how do those shifts show up in your lyrics?

I’d say my lyrics have become much more self-aware and nuanced. Silver Lining, for example, explores both the beauty and the fears that come with how our outlook on life evolves as we grow older. Working on this EP has taught me so much about how my relationships—with others and with my career—deeply impact the way I relate to myself. That realization has been truly profound.

You talk a lot about “forward failing.” Can you share a moment where failing forward led to something you’re proud of, whether musically or personally?

I fail forward all the time—creatively, professionally, and personally. I’ve learned to embrace the fact that I’m an ever-evolving person, and that growth requires the boldness to make mistakes. A great example of this is my first album, 6n7. Looking back, there are definitely things I would do differently knowing what I know now, but I’m ultimately grateful for that project. It gave me the space to explore, experiment, and discover who I am as a songwriter and artist.

You sing about growing pains, but there’s always a thread of hope or strength beneath the surface. How do you balance the heaviness of real emotions with the light you want to leave your listeners with?

The balance I strive for in my music reflects the balance I’ve learned to cultivate in my personal life. Growing up in the entertainment industry can either leave you feeling completely burnt out or teach you how to navigate the emotional highs and lows—both creatively and professionally. I was fortunate to find that balance in my later teens, and it’s deeply influenced the way I approach songwriting and the overall perspective within my music.

What has surprised you most about the transition from teenage years to your 20s, and how has that surprise shaped the way you write music?

I’d say the most surprising change has been my ability to compartmentalize my emotions. These days, I can experience something intense that, a few years ago, might have completely overwhelmed me. Now, I’m better at stepping back, breaking down the feeling, and reminding myself that it might not be as deep or permanent as it feels at the moment. It’s been a huge shift in how I process and respond to challenges, and has made the songwriting process much more direct. 

You often embody the phrase “hot girls cry proudly.” What does that mantra mean to you, and how did it originate?

I often encourage my fans to embrace their vulnerability, because when you live truthfully and authentically, you become much more liberated and empowered. My friends and I joke about how I cry at their birthday parties because I get overwhelmed with how much they mean to me and how lucky I feel to be a part of their lives. This is a side of myself I embrace, and have since coined into a slogan for riniacland: “hot girls cry proudly.” Crying is beautiful, and should be embraced! 

How do you want people to feel after they’ve listened to one of your songs alone in their room? What moment are you hoping to soundtrack in someone else’s life?

I want people to feel understood. I want to soundtrack the long car rides where you’re deep in thought. The song you listen to when you’re taking your makeup off and reflecting after a long day. I am here to be my fan’s comfort artist.

Your connection with your fans feels very genuine. How do you maintain that closeness while still protecting your own peace?

It’s been an ongoing journey learning how to find that balance. I truly adore my fans with every fiber of my being, but I’ve also learned that parasocial relationships can become unhealthy without clear boundaries. I’ve set personal limits on how often I check messages, notifications, and comments—which helps me stay meaningfully connected with my audience while maintaining a healthy relationship with social media.

Mental health is a recurring theme in your music and online presence. How do you personally stay grounded while writing from such emotionally intense places?

Songwriting is how I process my emotions and work through whatever I might be going through. It’s a deeply therapeutic experience that helps me find clarity and peace in the midst of emotional chaos—no matter how intense the subject matter. While many songs never leave the writing room, the ones that do often come from those raw, honest moments of healing. 

You’ve carved out your own corner of the internet for authenticity. What advice would you give to someone trying to do the same, especially when social media often rewards perfection over honesty?

I always say—post like you already have your own little corner of the internet. Building community is the key to creating a meaningful platform around your art. When you choose to show up consistently for that community, day in and day out, that’s what truly makes the difference.

Your acting often mirrors the same emotional terrain as your music. How does your songwriting inform your acting and vice versa?

I’ve absolutely loved merging my passions for music and acting. When preparing for roles, I often write songs from the perspective of my character—it’s a powerful way to explore their emotional world. On the flip side, I use my acting skills in songwriting when I want to find inspiration beyond my own experiences. Sometimes I step into the shoes of a character I admire, or even channel someone from real life, to bring a fresh, layered perspective to my writing.

Listen to “Silver Lining” & “Burning” here.