PopularQueer Folks

Magnus Riise’s “Earthquake” Music Video: A Deep Dive into Queer Love and Toxic Relationships

It’s Friday and we have exciting news for y’all! The indie music scene is teeming with talent, and one artist who’s been making waves recently is none other than Norwegian-American singer Magnus Riise. With his powerful voice, soaring pop sound, and unapologetic queer identity, Magnus is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. And today he shares with us the music video for his latest track, Earthquake.

We had the opportunity to check out the video before its release and let us tell you something, folks, it’s nothing short of a visual masterpiece. Directed by the talented Monika Felice Smith (2023 MTV VMA nominee), this video takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the complexities of a toxic queer relationship.

The video opens with a seemingly perfect gay couple, but beneath the surface, things aren’t as rosy as they seem. Through breathtaking underwater sequences and raw, intimate choreography, Riise and his co-star Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles) deftly portray the push-and-pull dynamics of a toxic relationship. It’s a mesmerizing exploration of love, desire, and the struggles that many in the queer community face.

But don’t take our word for it, please watch the video at the link below:

But this video isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s deeply personal for Riise, who collaborated with Jonathan Larson-winning songwriters Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne to create this song. Riise himself explains the meaning and importance of Earthquake: “It took way too many painful experiences to realize that intoxicating and toxic go hand in hand. Too many times going back to the same wrong people.”

Earthquake speaks to the universal struggle of not being able to let go of relationships that aren’t right for us. It’s a reminder that love should be unique and fulfilling, not just a checklist of societal expectations. Riise’s music is a testament to the journey of self-discovery and the resilience needed to find the love we truly deserve.

Earthquake. Image Courtesy of Magnus Riise.
Image Courtesy of Magnus Riise

But Riise isn’t just about his music; he’s about making a difference. His debut EP, Until Tomorrow, is a musical journey that celebrates diversity, challenges societal norms, and empowers others to embrace their true selves.

In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Riise is a beacon of hope, using his artistry to inspire and create a space where love, acceptance, and inclusivity reign supreme. So if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and watch not only the new Earthquake music video but also listen to Riise’s full EP. It’s not just an album; it’s an experience, a journey, and a powerful statement.

Image Courtesy of Magnus Riise

Stay tuned for more from Magnus Riise because we’re certain that this is just the beginning of an incredible musical adventure for this singer. We truly can’t wait to see where his talent will take him next!


The music video for Earthquake is available to watch on YouTube, and the song can be streamed on all major music platforms. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff!