Interview: Rick Christian

Jarod Smith

May 9, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Hearing music like Nirvana, Green Day, Jimi Hendrix, Ministry, Beastie Boys, Daft Punk and B-52's really caught me growing up. Seeing how powerful it all was I always felt I would be part of it in some way or another. If not music, I’m sure it would have been some other artform.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Everything in life is so fast and personally consuming, even reflective. I like to take time to relax and sit in silence when life allows me. It’s a calm, recharging period before an intense creative undertaking.

How long has your band been around?

I’ve always been involved and around music, I spent many years in different bands. I’ve been a solo artist for over a year.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I’m based out of Edmonton, Alberta. Living here for only a handful of years has offered lots of change, personal growth and perspective. It’s really been an intense personal journey with everything in my life changing. It inspired me to create a style of music I would have previously never attempted. I feel I’ve created something very unique.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

I’ve been fortunate to play several shows coming out of Covid, it’s been a building process. My first as a solo artist is probably the most memorable. I showed up with a very weird appearance, way too much equipment for one person, a film crew and was not at all satisfied with my performance. After the set I thought that club would never have me back in to perform again. They continue book me anytime I ask, I am grateful to them and have developed my live show greatly to say the least.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Bovine Sex Club in Toronto is one of my favorites, I have so many great memories. I’ve got this idea in my mind that playing the Sunset Strip in L.A. would be amazing, but I have no real perspective on it.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

David Bowie, Linkin Park and Daft Punk

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self? If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Be patient and play with as many different people as possible so you can learn and grow. Keep a cool head, be objective towards yourself and embrace criticism. Spend as much time as possible recording and learning as much as you can about the production side of things.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

That would have to be “Contagious”. I dove into a very personal space and the song definitely connects with people.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

“Contagious”, “The Human Race”. Everyone always loves “Holiday In Covid”. I always share a bit of the story before I perform a song so everyone in the room is connected and invested.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

My process is very isolated, calm, reflective and lengthy. I strive to achieve perfection in songwriting and production even though it’s not possible. I’m inspired by my soul, it can be like therapy. My content always provokes people and my lyrics hold nothing back.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I started off writing political and social commentaries. I put out a 7 song EP “The New Normal” that was about the pandemic, the mental effects, the change in our lives and conspiracy. Lately it’s been an exaggerated personal reflection.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I am preparing for the release of my next single “Emotionless”. I am currently working on the music video and this will be released very soon.