Pontypool-based singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Rebecca Richards has unveiled the brand new single “Music Maker”.
Recorded in Snake Mountain Studio, Abercarn. This latest release marks a statement on Rebecca venturing into the music industry & sharing her thoughts & feelings with the world.
This song was written while attending the age-positive songwriters’ workshop “Talent Is Timeless”, led by Sasika Griffiths-Moore.
Rebecca has kindly taken the time to chat with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the release of “Music Maker” & you can find the full interview below.
Hey Rebecca, thank you for this interview. Can you start by telling readers a little bit about yourself?
Rebecca: Hi there, my name is Rebecca Richards and I’m from South Wales where I’ve lived my whole life. I’m a singer/songwriter and love playing many musical instruments.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Rebecca: I grew up in a musical family. My parents learned to play a little piano when they were young so there was always a piano in the house. I learned to play the piano from age 6 and the flute from around 9 – and much much later mandolin & Tenor guitar. When I was quite small, my older sister would get me to sing in harmony with her and we became fairly well known in our local village and across the South Wales valleys singing in various chapels. Later at school, I was in anything going – orchestra, rock band etc. I couldn’t imagine not having music in my life – it was just part of who we were as a family.
Have you always known that you wanted to pursue a career within the music industry?
Rebecca: Well, I think there’s a difference between loving and creating music and then something else to being part of “the industry. I’ve always loved music, it’s a core part of who I am as a person but to be a “professional” was something else. It’s only now, in my “later years” have I taken the plunge!
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Rebecca: A lot of people tell me they remind me of Carol King – because I mostly play the piano and sing I guess in that style. My favourite songwriters are Christine McVee (Fleetwood Mac) & Don Henley (the Eagles) but I also love a bit of country rock with Blackberry Smoke being one of my favourites. So, Country/ Blues is probably where I’ve ended up stylistically but it varies by song.
You just released the new single, “Music Maker”. How did the idea for this song come together?
Rebecca: I’ve been a member of an online songwriting forum “Talent is Timeless” for just over a year and I wrote this song at a Saturday workshop to the theme “All I really want”. In thinking about that subject I was struck that I’d done lots of things with my life but when it all boils down to the basics, I just want to be in and around music. So Music Maker is about me just wanting to do that – Make Music!
Did you always plan to release “Music Maker” as a single?
Rebecca: When I decided to go into the recording studio for the first time last summer, I had a couple of songs I wanted to try out as singles. This is the third of those and I’m pretty pleased with the result.
How would you compare the creative process behind this song to some of your earlier releases?
Rebecca: It’s been pretty similar process for most songs although there have been a few where it’s been different. On “Unluckiest of Hearts” I literally woke up singing the last line of the chorus! But generally, I find it helpful for someone to suggest a theme to me to get me going – lyrics are usually where I start and then some ideas for music float around it. When I have a really basic structure I’ll get on the piano or the guitar and start trying some different styles out, the tune usually comes last. Where it differed on Music Maker was that when I got to the studio, the guys there played drums and guitar for me and Sam Andrews on drums started playing a few different beats and I really liked what you hear on this recorded version, I hadn’t imagined it like that. For most of my songs, I can hear the arrangement in my head and usually go with that.
What does this song mean to you?
Rebecca: This song says just about everything I feel about making music, it’s pretty autobiographical. I’ve already had a full life making a living in another sector but really, all I want to do is make music!
If listeners could take something from this song, what would you like it to be?
Rebecca: Don’t be afraid to go after something you really love. I think we measure “success” in the wrong way. Success can be feeling fulfilled with something you’ve enjoyed doing not just from other people’s enjoyment or recognition. I don’t believe anyone has ever laid on their deathbed and said they were glad they didn’t try for something they really love…….
What advice would you offer to someone who was looking to pursue a career within the music industry?
Rebecca: Well, firstly it’s tough just to be seen because there are so many artists out there. But, people like Fierce & Fabulous Revolution can be a really great way to connect to wider audiences. Don’t expect everyone to love your music – it would be boring if everyone liked the same things – but I believe there are people in the world with which your music will resonate and will want to hear more, so don’t be put off by a slow start. Find your audience, the world is far more accessible than it ever was!
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Rebecca: Thank you for taking the time to read this (if you got this far!) I’d love to hear what you think of my music so please get in touch on my socials or via email on my website.
You can check out “Music Maker” on Spotify below or via further platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 