Stylistically, you could say that singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Will Richards has covered a lot of ground since the days of thrashing out Hendrix covers in an old band mate’s conservatory. Indeed it’s been a long musical journey that has led Will into discovering his unique voice and distinctive style of urbane and heartfelt quirky folk pop. Influenced by artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Ed Harcourt, Tom Waits and Neil Diamond, Will was inspired to go it alone after years of playing sax, drums and percussion in a wide range of bands of varying styles. By the time 5 piece retro, Britpop act, ‘Minus The Russian’ fell apart in 2006, Will had begun to find his way around the acoustic guitar and found the notion of the singer songwriter a romantic and alluring concept. Inspired by his new found creative freedom he began to write and so set off on a new path of discovery in finding his own musical identity as a solo artist.
“Being a solo artist is hard on your resolve at times and it can feel a bit like the World’s on your shoulders...on the other hand however, you can get a lot done!” - WR
A willing academic, Will took a couple of song writing courses at prestigious Leeds College of Music which concluded with his first taste of performing live as a solo artist at the BBC studios next door. Having finished the ‘Travel Sick’ EP’ he got stuck into his debut album, ‘Ready to Talk Now’, and now collaborating once more with other musicians, it was through this record that he had really begun to find his sound; rather more grandiose and distinguished than earlier acoustic efforts.
“To compare this album to Ed Harcourt, Richard Ashcroft and Jeff Buckley all thrown in a blender would not do justice to this earnest, stylish collection of well thought-out songs....an excellently produced, flawlessly performed and marvellously written record.” - SANDMAN
Looking to promote the new material Will spent a couple of years gigging all over the UK, starting out with open mic nights and small music bars but increasingly beginning to include larger venues and outdoor festivals. He also gained more exposure as featured artist on the BBC’s Raw Talent show and had some airplay on local radio. Meanwhile he began work on the next album.
“More than just your run-of-the-mill singer/songwriter...this guy is definitely worth keeping an eye on” - SCENESLUT
‘One More Chance’ is the latest and perhaps most ambitious release, in which Will aimed to capture more of an organic sounding record than before with even closer attention paid to melody and arrangement. Now equipped with a piano in his kitchen there is also definitely evidence of Will’s exploration into this most recent addition to his arsenal. Keen to develop his career within the DIY ethic, Will releases all of his material via his own label, ‘Orange Dog Records’ and continues to enjoy playing live to an ever increasing fan base both as a solo performer and with his live band. Indifferent to industry hype and popular trends he looks forward to making more music independently, reaching new people and collaborating more with great musicians.
“Will Richards is definitely an artist to be looking out for in the near future” - DIE SHELLSUIT DIE
“Being a solo artist is hard on your resolve at times and it can feel a bit like the World’s on your shoulders...on the other hand however, you can get a lot done!” - WR
A willing academic, Will took a couple of song writing courses at prestigious Leeds College of Music which concluded with his first taste of performing live as a solo artist at the BBC studios next door. Having finished the ‘Travel Sick’ EP’ he got stuck into his debut album, ‘Ready to Talk Now’, and now collaborating once more with other musicians, it was through this record that he had really begun to find his sound; rather more grandiose and distinguished than earlier acoustic efforts.
“To compare this album to Ed Harcourt, Richard Ashcroft and Jeff Buckley all thrown in a blender would not do justice to this earnest, stylish collection of well thought-out songs....an excellently produced, flawlessly performed and marvellously written record.” - SANDMAN
Looking to promote the new material Will spent a couple of years gigging all over the UK, starting out with open mic nights and small music bars but increasingly beginning to include larger venues and outdoor festivals. He also gained more exposure as featured artist on the BBC’s Raw Talent show and had some airplay on local radio. Meanwhile he began work on the next album.
“More than just your run-of-the-mill singer/songwriter...this guy is definitely worth keeping an eye on” - SCENESLUT
‘One More Chance’ is the latest and perhaps most ambitious release, in which Will aimed to capture more of an organic sounding record than before with even closer attention paid to melody and arrangement. Now equipped with a piano in his kitchen there is also definitely evidence of Will’s exploration into this most recent addition to his arsenal. Keen to develop his career within the DIY ethic, Will releases all of his material via his own label, ‘Orange Dog Records’ and continues to enjoy playing live to an ever increasing fan base both as a solo performer and with his live band. Indifferent to industry hype and popular trends he looks forward to making more music independently, reaching new people and collaborating more with great musicians.
“Will Richards is definitely an artist to be looking out for in the near future” - DIE SHELLSUIT DIE