Review: "9th Life" - Riese

Fear can make life feel fragile, but Riese refuses to let the “what ifs” dictate her future in “9th Life.” Inspired by her battle with stage IV cancer at just 22, she reflects on how illness, trauma, and disaster can keep us confined to our rooms, doubting whether joy still exists beyond the four walls. Even when we walk through a new door, it can come with a “Cinderella” mindset, wondering how long the happiness will last before midnight strikes. Riese flips this perspective, as if she’s packed her fears into a suitcase and thrown them into the ocean. She embraces the freedom found in a time limit, singing, “Dancing like I’m never gonna forget that I’m on my 9th life.” Kick off the glass slippers and dance freely. The floor is yours.

“9th Life” shimmers and twinkles with all the right sounds to make you dance. You don’t quite shield yourself from your problems, but you charge forward with your sword—hope. Her voice is powerful, like she’s casting a protection spell or summoning armour for her fans. The beat races like a running wild horse as you learn to take the reins. The synth flows like a night breeze that sparks a rush of adrenaline and holds a promise of freedom. “9th Life” truly feels like a dance song with the arpeggio–you can expect a disco ball in this new Cinderella story.

Based in Brooklyn, Riese has been writing music since the age of seventeen and began releasing songs in 2022 with her debut single “hero complex.” Her songs include melancholic melodies with heartfelt lyricism, reflective of Riese's experiences, pouring emotion into every word. She has performed across New York at venues like JBL Soho and BMI’s Acoustic Lounge, steadily building her presence. Following the release of singles “9th Life” and “Aftermath,” Riese is preparing to share her debut EP in mid-October 2025, produced by acclaimed producer Rich Tuorto.

Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke

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