Bob Richard's

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Interview with Bob Richard's

Published on 9/30/2005

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? From what I've been told, my grandmother had me singing you are my sunshine with her at 2 years old. I got my first guitar in April 1971 when I was 8 years old, and I always wanted to be somebody someday. When you grow up though reality sets in. It ain't as easy as you dream in your head when your that age. I guess more recently I've been thinking about it. I really miss Blue Bandana my country group, getting ready, traveling, and the performance. Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? I would say my wife and 3 daughters. They seem to be my biggest fans, and I want to make them proud. Provide well for them, my wife says I do that anyways, but to me it's not enough for them. My grandmother when I was very young, I wish she could see me now, she passed away in 1997. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? The people considered the outlaws in country, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, anyone who sings about the truth of hard times, and doesn't go with the flow of the establishment. Had a hard driving rythm to set the tone, and just grab you by the ears and make you listen to what they have to say. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? Honesty and being straightforward with everyone. I think I would drive a public relations person nuts. I believe fans really do appreciate honesty. People are getting tired of phony people these days, they want to know where they stand, and with me you get honesty. Also my music leans more toward the traditional aspect of country. Instead of Classic rock distortion, which sounds good in a rock song, I like the telecaster twang or the stratacaster clean sound in my music. Instead of bass runs up and down the scale, a simple flatt run works fine. You can hear the distinction between the instruments instead of having them all thrown into the listeners face. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? Absolutely not. Honesty, that's what fans in country music want. I want my fans to know that I am not going to sell out or change my style because of a short term fad. I'll go back to swinging a hammer before I would disapoint my family and fans. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? Artistopia is a godsend for independent artist. You have alot of resources, I am a new member and I don't quite understand all of the features, but the little I do know from about 4 days, it quite impressive. Especially the amount of exposure you recieve. I also send out demos to radio stations via the internet to try to get some airplay. If it sounds professional they'll play it. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? As far as contracts you should seek the advice of a reputable attorney. However, it doesn't hurt to ask questions of people before hand. You need to definately know the biz or someone may take advantage of you. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Record an album and start an account with artistopia, you will learn alot about the music business. Then post your web page every where get people to listen. The first day of memdbership my wife was a little upset because I spent all of my first two days over 48 hrs. setting up my profile and posting everywhere I could. Now the word has already been spread about my music and I can work on the music again for awhile. Most importantly give my wife a little time. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? March of Dimes, and Samaritan House. I believe that taking care of our children is very important. You ever hear the Ray Stevens classic, Everything is Beautiful. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



Article Credits and References

I would like to thank Artistitopia for giving me this oportunity for an interview.



Press Release Follow-up Notes and Amendments

For public reviews about Bob Richard's go to the link below. http://spaces.msn.com/members/bobscountry/PersonalSpace.aspx?_c01_blogpart=myspace&_c02_owner=1&_c=blogpart

Submitted on 9/30/2005

Music Artists

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Interview with Bob Richard's