Artist Name: Rebecca Richards
Hometown: Pontypool, South Wales
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Ive just finished my first EP but I’m always writing, whether its full songs or little snippets to return to. I’m already thinking about concepts for future EPs or Albums
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
The truth is, music has been my world since I was very small. My parents encouraged both me and my sister to learn to play from the age of 6 so I chose piano and flute and was classically trained in both. I was always in thick of anything musical going on, school musicals, orchestras, rock bands, choirs just anything I could get myself into. Even my family were known as the “Von Trapps of the Valleys” because we sang in all the local churches together with my Dad playing the guitar. If you asked me at the time I couldn’t ever have imagined never having it in my life. However, I had very little confidence and I didn’t think I was good enough be to be a professional. I was considering other career options when life took a twist and I ended up running away from everything, including music with a promise to myself I would return to it at some point. Then in a blink 25 years had passed. I met someone through ice skating (!) who had a beautiful voice and wanted to sing but was too scared to do anything in public and I said I’d help even though I hadn’t really played nor owned a piano in all that time. That chance meeting formed into a renewed and probably even greater passion to create music than I did when I was younger and I’m never letting go again!
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I still work full time working for the NHS which I love. Its interesting juggling two very different careers but there are a lot of people like me doing the same and loving it.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Ive got to be honest, creating music is my favourite downtime activity. That or watching a bit of Netflix with my daughter.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
My daughter introduced me to Marvel a few years ago and I have a ridiculous fascination for Loki!
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Being a proud Welsh woman I’ve got to say Wales haven’t I? – football or Rugby I support both.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Not so much a movie, but I’ve recently watched all of the series of Yellowstone including the prequels and really loved it. I was gutted when they came to an end. 1883 was especially good. Come on guys , sort it out, we need more!
What is the last album you listened to?
Probably something by Blackberry Smoke, they are my go-to, especially when I’m driving long distances from gigs at night, I connect my phone to the car and just play all their albums at random.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s a really tough one. Quite possibly the Eagles Greatest hits! I’ve seen them live I think 3 times now and they have blown me away every time. That or Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. Sorry its too hard a question…….
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Again, really tough question, but I love Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell. I’m starting to sound old now though aren’t it, so I’m also going to choose Blue by Keith Urban – I might have a little crush on him.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I’ve been down to Tavistock in Devon a couple of times in the past year. My friend Simon who I met through an online songwriting forum has invited me down to play I think 3 times now and I’ve always had a fantastic response, lovely appreciative audience which is goldust for a performer like me. I even celebrated the release of Music Maker by doing a set at the local school’s music evening!
What is your favorite meal?
Anything Italian, we’re pasta mad in our house. There’s some really gorgeous restaurants near us and we usually end up in one of them.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Well my friend who was too shy to sing on her own, we ended up forming a little duo called Ruby Rebels and just as we were about to get going the pandemic hit, so we kept ourselves busy by creating country covers to post online for family and friends – all done remotely from each other. Unfortunately, life hasn’t been great for her in recent years and she hasn’t felt able to do it, that’s why I’ve ended up doing things on my own, but occasionally we get to sing together and it always feels like magic.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Blackberry Smoke of course! I’ve seen them live twice now and think they would be great fun to tour with! I also really like Laura Evans, fellow Welsh Country / Blues singer and it would be really cool to do something with her.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To be able to continue to create, perform and release music and basically try to get even better at songwriting. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the craft and the best bit is when connections are made with listeners who tell me that my songs resonate. I’ve even had someone fall into my arms crying. That is really humbling and I aim to do more of making that connection with people.
