"I always knew I would be a musician. I didn't know how and I didn't know when, but I knew that music made me the person I am today." - RHI
Moving from her home of Lamma, Hong Kong when she was 8 years old offered quite a culture change for Rhi (also known as Kate Davies), given the quiet and close knit community of the island where she grew up. Her dad's work led her and her family to England where she moved around before settling in New Malden when she was 10. Music was one thing that Rhi admits helped her when missing the place where she grew up, and the community she called family. "It's hard for anyone when they have to leave behind things they care about," she recalls, "especially the Filipino culture that was so prevalent there. Even after moving I would still sing the songs that were popular over there because it made me feel more at home." During a talent show when she was doing just this, a 16 year old Kate was approached by a talent agent who offered her a place on an up-and-coming music programme. It was there that Rhi was born, and after several successful auditions she was signed by Orion Records in 2015 at age 17. Her first demo was released the same year.
GALLERY
ABOUT RHI
DECEMBER PHOTOSHOOT
Had so much fun on this photoshoot despite the freezing December chill! Some great stuff happens when collaborating with the best
BRIGHTON
I haven't been to Brighton in so long, it's no wonder the filming ended up being a couple of hours behind schedule because of us checking out the scene!
LOCATIONS
Location scouting for my new video and ended up looking around the sights in London for the perfect places to film, we've got a good list so far
DECEMBER PHOTOSHOOT
All the outfits I wore on this photoshoot were from second hand stores- it's important to support the independent and local stores in the community
PREPARATIONS
The first time I met Sarah (who plays Alycia in my new video) and the chemistry test went so well that we couldn't wait to start filming!
DECEMBER PHOTOSHOOT
Promo shoots always get me pumped because it's a sign that a tour is coming up! I've been captured in the calm before the storm that I can't wait to be in
Overwhelmingly positive reviews from some of the top music magazines meant that Rhi's single "Home" from her proceeding self-titled debut album charted on the Billboard Top 100 Hits Of The Summer list. Her career skyrocketed and she booked her first tour in 2016, making sure to go back to Hong Kong for one of her shows and pay tribute to the influence for the single that launched her success. "It's been a rollercoaster." she said on one such concert since. "But you can't forget what's important and what matters to you." This attitude and dedication to giving back has meant that Rhi is an outspoken advocate for racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights, a well as many other causes and charities that she donates to regularly. She also hosts many non-profit, all for charity concerts to raise awareness for social issues and encouraging young people to get involved in such movements.
Rhi's latest album Roman Holiday tackles contemporary topics such as prejudice, the media, and being an outcast, as well as having that personal flair and emotional connection that is distinctly her own. The album is available now for download and in stores worldwide.