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J.R. Richards



Last Updated: 11/26/2009

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Status: Single
City: SANTA BARBARA
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 4/18/2006

Who Gives Kudos:


Wednesday, June 03, 2009 

Hello all- now that the new album is here, we're resurrecting the Q & A- a chance to ask J.R. a question or two about the new album, tour, recording process, or whatever you're curious about. From time to time, J.R. will stop in and post an answer or two. 

For the sake of space, please limit your questions to 1 or 2 per person. Enjoy!

-ian, for J.R. Richards | www.myspace.com/vocaltrix
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⊱ G!NA ⊰

 
1. How many songs (if any) did not make it onto the new CD? 
    Greedy G.    
 
Posted by ⊱ G!NA ⊰ on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:25 PM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
4 songs never made it on the record. 2 were original songs ''Where's the Laughter'' (which is a working title) and "let the lost". Both of which I hope to finish this summer and release individually. The other 2 songs were cover ideas I had. Still not sure about doing those :)
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 10:23 PM
[Reply to this
⊱ G!NA ⊰

 
That was a timely response, NICE!
JR....You release it, I will buy it. Always. :)

 
Posted by ⊱ G!NA ⊰ on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:15 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
awesome
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:39 PM
[Reply to this
Eric

 
JR - Since we missed you in Redondo - and can't make it to Ventura - when will you be playing in Santa Barbara?  Eric and Ruth
 
Posted by Eric on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 1:29 AM
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J.R. Richards

 
So sorry that I missed you guys in Redondo - The Show start times can be quite deceiving. The venue had a 7pm show time listed but the first act didn't start until 8:15 or so. Which meant that we didn't go on til 10:45 or so - a long nite for the folks that got there early - Anyway, I will be performing in SB this summer...... Not sure when exactly but I hope to have it posted soon - JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 10:26 PM
[Reply to this
Kathi

 
J.R....you are amazingly talented. I woke up early morning on the day of your new release and IMMEDIATELY downloaded the whole album from iTunes. It is beautiful. Thank you. Are you planning on coming to the live music capital of the world, also known as AUSTIN, TEXAS???
 
Posted by Kathi on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 4:00 AM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
I am planning on getting to TX (along with the rest of the states) - So I hope to have some show dates posted soon - Thanks JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 10:28 PM
[Reply to this
Hilda

 
Yaaayyy Texas!!
>^..^<
 
Posted by Hilda on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 6:12 PM
[Reply to this
matt

 
Is there any chance at you reuniting with the boys of dishwalla and putting out a new cd or ever touring together again?

 
Posted by matt on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 4:15 AM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
Hard to say at this point while I'm working on this new record - definitely possible though. 
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 10:29 PM
[Reply to this
Antonella

 
J.R: Would you consider to perform a Queen..s song for one of your shows? I think your voice and Freddie..s are the best of all time!!!
 
Posted by Antonella on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 12:09 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
I don't know...... it would be hard to do him justice :) He may the greatest rock singer of all time. 
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 10:30 PM
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~G.N~

 
Hey J.R,
I was wondering what happened to the original plan of releasing a standard record with about 11-12 songs and also having an extended version with 13-15 songs made available, and why none of the cover songs (ie. U2, CCR, and Dylan) made it onto the record?
Thx!
-Gina

 
Posted by ~G.N~ on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 1:10 PM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
I'm hoping to finish some of the songs that didn't make it on the record and release them individually. But I never really had a specific plan for what would be on "ABE". I just went in with a lot of song ideas in hopes that the record would sort itself out :)
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:31 PM
[Reply to this
Stacy

 
hey JR, your new music is fantastic! This is probably the question you are tired of answering, but whats up with you and Dish? I am trying to recruit the new BF, and would love to see you live! (Northwest Oregon).  I've seen you all live 3x's now its time to share the wealth...
 
Posted by Stacy on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 1:23 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
Hard to say when/if DW will make another record :) But I do plan on making it to Oregon in the next year. I hope that works - 

 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:36 PM
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Tim

 
JR, It has been said that within the next 5 years, CD's will be history. Do you think that the concept of an album will be gone also? Do you think that Artist like yourself will be sort of forced to only have downloadable singles?
 
Posted by Tim on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 3:59 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
I hope to always release records - I'm too used to that idea - But I will be releasing a song or two between record cycles for the first time. Best of both worlds - 
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:38 PM
[Reply to this
sp81

 
Will you come to Europe?
 
Posted by sp81 on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 8:31 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
I hope so my man :)
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:38 PM
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mtryp

 
Hey JR,

Just have a few questions about your voice.
When you're performing live, when does your voice begin to feel strained, if at all? (like how many songs in)
How long did it take to control the raspy edge in your vocals?  It's an awesome technique and you seamlessly turn it on and off.  I mean, you'll be singing clear one minute, and then bam!
Also, do you still meet with a vocal trainer?

Thanks man,
Matt


 
Posted by mtryp on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 4:24 AM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
Hey Matt - There are nights that I do feel tired and have to rest as much as I can between shows. Especially when I have had to do many interviews and haven't had much sleep and am singing a show every night. Like any muscle it gets tired. I studied an opera technique called 'Bel Canto' under Ron Anderson for 9 years starting at age 18. And it is the only reason that I have never cancelled a show because of my voice. He taught me how to sing correctly both edgy and clean. I teach voice myself now - occasionally - but still see Ron when I get the chance. Thanks JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:28 PM
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Eric

 
Hi J.R., I have two questions: 

1.  If you could pick a favorite song from each of the four Dishwalla albums plus your new solo album, what would those five songs be?

2.  Do you think you'll be doing any shows in the Central Florida / Orlando area in support of your new solo album?

Thanks for all the wonderful music throughout the years!
 
Posted by Eric on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 7:57 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
PYF - Give / AYTYKWLA - Until I Wake Up / Opaline - Every Little Thing / GFTFS - Moisture / Dishwalla - Ease the Moment - 
I am planning to get to Florida this year - I hope to see you then - JR

 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:34 PM
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edgar
edgar M Q

 
Hi J.R. Richards, Will you come to Mexico? i enjoy to hear Dishwalla's albums and you new album.
Hi from Mexico City...

 
Posted by edgar on Saturday, June 06, 2009 - 5:45 AM
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J.R. Richards

 
I'd love to come to Mexico City....... I've only played in Puerto Vallarta so far but had a blast. Hope to see you there sometime soon. JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:36 PM
[Reply to this
edgar
edgar M Q

 
I hope see you soon in Puerto Vallarta or in any place to Mexico, really i want to hear your voice, and please distributed your new cd here, thanks....
 
Posted by edgar on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:44 PM
[Reply to this
BuddhaLove

 
Hey JR,
Missed the more recent shows because I've been sick. BUT, had a question for ya.
With any new CD I get, I go straight for the lyrics in the insert.
Do you come up with the words first and follow with the music? Or, because you're so musically inclined, does the tune come with the words while you write?
I'm always amazed by your words and how well it translates in your voice.
Thanks for doing what you do


Marissa
 
Posted by BuddhaLove on Saturday, June 06, 2009 - 5:45 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
It seems that the words come both before and after the melodies do. I have a journal that I write in but sometimes lyrical ideas come as the melodies do. So I guess that I don't really have any one way of writing a song :) I'm glad its translating though. Cheers
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:41 PM
[Reply to this
Nick

 
Hi J.R.
I'm planning on making the trip to Chicago on the 16th to see you live. I was wondering if there will be a chance to meet up and talk/hang with you either before or after the show? All the best man..the new music is wicked good!

 
Posted by Nick on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 6:46 AM
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J.R. Richards

 
Hey Man - I'm not sure how it will go after the show but I always try and say hello after a show if I can. Depends on how much rest I need to get that night. See you there - JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:44 PM
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Debbie ♥
Debbie Hagerman

 
First off....AMAZING debut solo effort. I bought 3 copies for birthday gifts already and everyone on my Christmas list is getting one!  You need to come back to New York.  Is there any plan to add a message board to your new website.  I miss interacting with all your great fans like we did back in the Dish days.  They are pretty easy to set up...I'm sure Ian could handle it ;)  I just don't like this forum particularly for checking out new pictures, videos and news.

Keep making great music....we'll keep supporting you!  

Debbie
 
Posted by Debbie ♥ on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 9:30 PM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
Hey Debbie - At this point there is no plan for a message board ........ but that could change in the future. BTW - Thank you for the kind words. - JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:47 PM
[Reply to this
Debbie ♥
Debbie Hagerman

 
Thanks for the response JR.  If you do change your mind and feel like tackling a message board I would be happy to help.  I added one to my website and it's not much work and lots of fun :)
 
Posted by Debbie ♥ on Friday, June 12, 2009 - 2:41 AM
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J Michael Raber

 
I miss the Dishwalla message board

 
Posted by J Michael Raber on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 1:07 AM
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JunesBecomeJuly

 
Ha, so do I!

I've been out of the loop for so long, but that is definitely going to be changing.

what are the plans for July? my fiance and I have decided to head somewhere warmer than the UK for a couple of weeks and the poor lamb hasnt had that much of a chance to appreciate your band stuff or your solo stuff.
 
Posted by JunesBecomeJuly on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 7:32 AM
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J.R. Richards

 
Hey Holly - Good to see you :) I am working on adding tour dates in July so hopefully you might be able to catch a show if you make it this way. Keep posted - Cheers - JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 4:50 PM
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JunesBecomeJuly

 
awesome, thats what we're hoping for

 
Posted by JunesBecomeJuly on Friday, June 12, 2009 - 2:02 PM
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Hilda

 
Hi JR, this question is on behalf of my son, Alex Jr. He's been curious about your recording process with Opaline especially but also with this new record...but I guess he would have to ask you himself at some point about the particulars. What I would like to ask though, again on his behalf, is what equipment you would recommend for a young person starting out writing, playing and recording his own music. Earlier this year he bought himself a new computer and ordered some compatible equipment for recording onto it (its pretty cool! he was demonstrating it to me recently and I just sat there with my mouth dropped open , this technology is just so cool!!!), but being new at this as he is, I just wondered if there are some basic ideas you can share with him about equipment and techniques, etc. Gracias so very much JR!

>^..^<
P.S. Yep, I miss having a forum as well and look forward to the time when you'll add one onto your new website!

 
Posted by Hilda on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 - 4:33 PM
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J.R. Richards

 
Hey Hilda - If he has a mac it comes with a program called garage band that is a cool way to start learning how Digital Studios work. However if not I would definitely recommend (now that he has the computer) to go the Pro Tools route. Its made by a company called digidesign (digidesign.com) and is used in 95% of the studios out there. They have a version called Pro Tools LE that comes with a small Analog to Digital to Analog Converter (the box you plug your mic and guitar etc. into as well as what you plug your speakers and/or headphones into). Its called an MBOX and comes with the software. They are around $300-$500 if you check on ebay or sweetwater.com for a new one. This cheap version is completely compatible with the Pro tools HD version used in any studio. The only real difference between the 2 is how many tracks you can record at one time.  Anyway what this means is all you have to do is bring your hard drive with you to what ever studio you might be working in. I'm basically pushing this onto him because it is THE software for writing and recording right now. And though they make many other great programs this is one you'll find most people are using. It can be a pain to have to transfer your work from one program to another. Anyway, sorry for the novel I'm just really into this stuff and have been using it myself since 1991 when it was called Soundtools. Hope this helps - JR
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 5:21 PM
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Hilda

 
Wow JR, thank you so much! Its so great of you to share your knowledge and love with someone who is just starting out. I showed this to Alex last night and he was so stoked that you'd offer up all this info for him...very cool! He's looking into the websites today...very excited! Thanks again JR...you are a gem!

>^..^<
P.S. Not to worry about writing a 'novel', LOL!
 
Posted by Hilda on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 3:13 PM
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Bruno

 
Hello JR.. two questions from Quebec, Canada :)

First, your new album is awesome. It Took my breath away! It's been a long time I've waited for this.

My friends and I are big fans of Dishwalla and you since at least 10 years. We're in a band in Quebec and start touring across the province and we were wandering if there's any plans for you to come in Quebec someday to promote your new solo album?

Last question, which song from Dishwalla or your solo project represents who you are as an artist?

Thanks !

Bruno
 
Posted by Bruno on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 - 10:39 PM
[Reply to this
J.R. Richards

 
Hey Bruno - sorry for the slow reply and gina's right good questions - I really hope to get to Canada with this record..... and I'd be there in a second  - its just all economics at this point - Now as far as which songs represents me best....... hmmm...... Well I have favorite songs I've written that still make me happy when I hear them back...... like 'Until I Wake Up' / Every Little Thing but from the new record..... hard to say. A Beautiful End means a lot to me as a person. As an artist though I love 'The Far End of the Black' - Not sure if this helps - you almost stumped me :) Hope to see you in CA soon - 
 
Posted by J.R. Richards on Saturday, July 11, 2009 - 6:18 PM
[Reply to this
~G.N~

 
I thought Bruno's questions were very good, I'm looking forward to reading your reply to them, JR!  

 
Posted by ~G.N~ on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 3:14 PM
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Kathryn

 
First of all, I have to gush a bit about the album before asking a biz-related question.

I LOVED the long-anticipated final product.  I have many specific reactions that I'll get into a real review somewhere, but I did have a couple reax one a matter of managing to exceed very high expectations and one that just hit my out of left field:

1) The sheer quality of the results of your perfectionist hand in full control of this blew me away.  It sounds fantastic in all details!!!  You really have an extraordinary instinct for the emotional feel of your music as well as a perfect ear for technical production details of mixing, etc.  Kudos!!

2) The sheer sexy creepiness of this recording of I Will Give You Life surprised me, even though I'd heard you do it live before.  I don't know how to explain it, but there was something about the vocals that really made you sound like a psychopath--even though I know what a gem of a person you are.  I think whatever spark of inspiration/talent allowed you to channel that in sound should also bode well if you do ever pursue acting more seriously.  Anyway, I didn't expect the feeling of the film to work quite that way, so that was rather cool.  (I really mean this as a complement as an illusion well done--but I realize having someone tell you you sound like a psycho is probably one of the weirder compliments you've ever gotten  )

OK, now my question.  Given all your sacrifice (including FOUR moves--more than I even realized you'd gone through),  I was wondering if the amount you personally net is greater for the physical CD?  I opted for that because I wanted the full physical product including the liner notes, as well as the higher quality recording.  But I was also hoping you made a bit more vs. the cut Apple takes with iTunes.  How does it work when you're not locked into a contract with a major label?

 
Posted by Kathryn on Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 2:28 AM
[Reply to this
⊱ G!NA ⊰

 
Kathryn, I don't think your comment is weird. I don't know specifics about the movie it was written for...but for me it does NOT evoke a psychopathic killer. It kind of reminded me of two things  1) gothic/ horror romance along the lines of Brams Stokers Dracula and Phantom of the Opera. 2) The lore surrounding the dark goddess Hekate.  All of these beings have aspects associated with offering vision ("new eyes"), regeneration ("give life") and yielding to some transformative power ("give no resistance"). Sometimes you have to move through the darkness to find some richer things.

So...JR... how do you feel about someone putting a positive spin on your "killer song" (pun intended ;)

 
Posted by ⊱ G!NA ⊰ on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 2:46 AM
[Reply to this
Hilda

 
Gina...I remember reading where JR said he was writing the song from the 'killer's perspective'...so I do agree with Kathryn in that he sounds deliciously (is that what she said ) psycho. The sound has a wonderfully creepy atmosphere to it. Umm, I don't have the lyrics to it so I have to use my own imagination as to what JR is actually singing throughout the song. Anyone willing to help out with this can send them to me at: hildacat@aol.com (JR, if this doesn't agree with you, please delete my email address if you'd like, I have no problem with this)....your help will be greatly appreciated!

>^..^<
 
Posted by Hilda on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 2:55 PM
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Debbie ♥
Debbie Hagerman

 
You bring up a good point Hilda...Why are there no lyrics on JR's website.  I'm sure the people that bought the album on line would like them.  I have the hard copy CD so I do have them if you still want them.
 
Posted by Debbie ♥ on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 5:26 PM
[Reply to this
⊱ G!NA ⊰

 
  I'm sure it does mean that to JR , but that does not change what the song evokes in ME. :)

 
Posted by ⊱ G!NA ⊰ on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 4:17 PM
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