Grateful by Rita Richardson

 Q&A with Artist:

 How did you start in the music business?

I have been singing since I was a little girl. I had performances and auditions to go to throughout my entire childhood. I didn’t start recording or writing in studios until I became a teenager. That’s when I started sharing my form of music with the public.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My style of music is anything that feels good. I don’t limit myself to a specific genre. I write and sing what I feel. I like to think my music is relatable and evokes emotion. 

What is the current project about?

My current project is about relationships. But not just romantic relationships. It’s about relationships with spirituality, self, friends, family, and of course significant others. 
 

How do you feel it will inspire others?

The purpose of this album is to put into perspective, the importance of knowing yourself and being in the firm in what makes you who you are first and foremost. We all go into emotional cycles with others before knowing who we are at our core. It’s common for us to try to shape our identities by combining the identities of those who surround us and it is superficial. We are unique to ourselves. What I mean by that is, that there will never be another person like you… me…or him. We cannot find who we are individually by looking outward. We have to ask the hard questions, be honest with ourselves when answering, and feel the emotions that come up. They represent who we are.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process is a vibe. I sit in the studio and blast the music. I feel what it’s saying to me before I can write anything. Sometimes the lights are up; sometimes the lights are dim. Maybe incense or candles is burning in the background. Maybe there’s not. Sometimes a song takes a few minutes to write. Other times, I’ll get a hook and a verse immediately and the rest happens another day. Whatever the vibe, I just go with it.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?  

 I’d most like to collaborate with Stevie Wonder; hands down.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

If I could open a show for anyone…this is a difficult question. I would say maybe Jazmine Sullivan or H.E.R.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

 A message I would give to my fans is; that life is too short to live for anyone else but you. Be yourself as soon as you’re old enough to know better.  

What is the most useless talent you have?  

I don’t view any talent as useless. I have some weird ones, but they are used to entertain my little people at home. I’d say, maybe flipping my eyeballs backward so you can only see the whites of my eyes. I can’t see how I’d use that anywhere in music. Maybe a music video?

Do you sing in the shower? What songs? What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?  

I sing in the shower. Like whole concerts in the shower. The songs I sing range from Stevie Wonder to Jazmine Sullivan, to Steely Dan or the BeeGees. I even rap or sing country music sometimes. I love all music. Outside of my music career, I am an artist and writer. I write books and illustrate them. I have paintings and images I’ve associated with my music.  

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues?

I have performed at clubs, halls, schools, BB King’s, Count Basie Theatre, and lounges. Clubs are my least favorite. The subwoofers are always on ten and you have to scream over the music. Lounges are my favorite. They’re calm and vibe. I love when the energy isn’t super chaotic.  

Do you have any upcoming shows?

 I’m on a bit of a hiatus from performing. I wanted to take my time with this album and spend time with my family and myself. But I’ll get back out there soon.  

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet made the music business much more judgmental. It shifted the focus from talent to aesthetics. And that is a shame because there are so many talented people who can’t get their foot in, just because of their look. Some people have little to no talent, that is out there because they’re aesthetically pleasing to the general public.  

What is your favorite song to perform?

My favorite song to perform isn’t even one of my own. I love to sing All is Fair in Love, by Stevie Wonder.  

Which famous musicians do you admire?

Of my favorite musicians, I believe I made it evident, that Stevie Wonder is at the top of the list. I also love Prince, Michael, Whitney, Chaka, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan…I could go on forever. I also enjoy opera and broadway music. I am versed in both.  

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

The most trouble I’ve ever gotten into…in music or just in general? I’d have to say, I broke curfew when I was thirteen and tried to sneak back in without my mother noticing. Let’s just say, she wasn’t too happy; and neither was I when she was done with me. 

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve been given is to MIND THE BUSINESS THAT PAYS YOU. Following this advice, I get in much less trouble.  

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

 If I could change anything about the industry, it would be dishonesty. People with power can become so dishonest in a short amount of time. They will sell you a dream and tell you to ignore the truth in plain sight. It’s kind of wicked. 

What’s next?

The next step is wrapping up the finishing touches to this album, getting a few videos completed, and launching the podcast that will be connected to the album release.  

What should the world know?

The world should know I plan to remain an individual for the duration of my music career. I refuse to conform. That can either go very well or very badly, but I hope you choose to rock with me either way.