FREAK OWLS

With a voice light as air, Freak Owls singer Josh Ricchio will carry you away to wherever it is you need to be; like feathers on the wings of a well…. bird of course or maybe even an owl for that matter. Originally from Philadelphia and now residing in the creative center that is Brooklyn New York, Josh spends his time snacking on organic goodies, rubbing elbows with Bobby Flay and creating amazing music that is not at all reminiscent of Miley Cyrus, ok well one of those may not be the whole truth but you have to read the interview to understand. Oh and of course he’s always busy trying to create music that people love. Personally I think he’s well on his way! Josh reminds me of a mix between Jason Mraz who he refers to as “the singer with the hat” and Maroon 5. He combines beautiful melodies with smooth lyrics and if you close your eyes you can almost see them mesh together to create well….amazing-ness. If your wondering about this new comers history we must make it clear he’s no armature to the game prior to the release of his solo CD Taxidermy this past March Josh had toured for 12 years with various out bands across America. So what’s next for Josh you ask PROMOTION AND MARKETING and making sure everyone and their mom hear his music. If you have not yet I suggest you check out “Paper people”, “Seaquid” or any of the songs off of Taxidermy and sink your teeth into your first bite of Freak owls; it’s sure to be juicy!!

Oh and if all of this didn’t convince you would it help if I said he’s remarkably and refreshingly witty with a good sense of humor and his favorite TV show is “Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia” what else could you ask for!?

DC- I read that you had a “desire to lock yourself in a room and write catchiness incarnate”. I’m sure every artist has their own method but did you really lock yourself in a room?

JR- When I was touring with Pela last year, I had a ton of time to myself. It was the first time in forever where I could just kind of sit back and do my own thing.  I’d been focused on other bands I was in for so long, that I had no time to just write my own songs.  I did actually record the entire record in my living room.  I had some great help with the beats from Kolby Wade, and Eric Sanderson from Pela helped with the overall sonics.

DC-So what is the process like? You know of creating greatness that is lol

JR- Basically, I’ll write and record as much as I can for a song.  If I feel it can use some more love, I’ll send it off to Kolby to lay down whatever he wants (beats, bells, etc.), and hopefully that’ll give me some more ideas for different arrangements or parts.  As much as I like writing myself, songs never sound better than when someone else is involved.  It gives it more feeling.

DC-How has networking been for you seeing as how this band of yours is new? Did you work off of old connections or start from the ground up?

JR-I do have connections I’ve kept over the years, but since this is my first foray into this genre, I’ve really had work hard at reaching out and connecting with the pop crowd and industry.  It’s what I’ve done for years, so I’m used to it.

DC-I read that you said some of your songs have Gnarls Barkley-like danceable beats. Are you a fan of them?

JR- I LOVE Danger Mouse.  The guy’s a genius when it comes to catchy beats and melodies.  He really knows what appeals to wide audiences. And Cee-Lo has such an interesting voice and feel for how a song moves.  His solo stuff is phenomenal, as well as being a legend from Goodie Mob.  Plus, their live shows are great and well thought out, with costumes, dancers, etc.

DC-How do you feel about the music industry?

JR- I’ve always stayed just outside the industry, since I’ve never relied on it to do anything for me.  I’m pretty self-reliant, and don’t mind doing all of the work myself.  The industry has been in a huge shift the past few years with the growth of the internet.  It’s easier than ever for DIY musicians to get their music heard and their band seen through sites like Myspace, Youtube, Twitter, etc.  Now, if you want to sign to a label, I believe the standard is a 360 deal.  In the past, the artist was able to make most of their money through touring and merch sales.  Now, through these 360 deals, the label gets a cut of that as well.  There are perks to being signed, TONS, you just have to find what works for you.

DC- Who is your favorite artist? Whose album would you spend your last dollar on? Or who’s in rotation in your iPod right now?

JR- Anything Mike Patton.  He’s been my main inspiration since I first heard “The Real Thing” by Faith No More.  I actually just got tickets to see them at the new Williamsburg Waterfront in Brooklyn in July.  He’s worked on so many different projects and sounds, it’s pretty incredible.  He’s constantly changing the mold and pushing the boundaries of popular music and beyond.  Plus, have you ever heard “Disco Volante” by Mr. Bungle?  Bungle are even better live.

DC-Do you write your own music?

JR- Everything except “Place to be” on Taxidermy, which was written by Nick Drake.  I couldn’t help myself and had to write an extra little instrumental section in there, though, just to make seem a bit more like my own.

DC-What comes first music or lyrics?

JR- Music; the music usually inspires the lyrics.

DC-So your Debut album Taxidermy came out on March 2, congratulations.

DC- I have a quote “Taxidermy’s songs make you want to curl up to them and sing along at the same time.  A very personal and uplifting half hour of smiles and moist eyes, Freak Owls wants to warm the heart and chill the spine”. I must admit this may be one of the most accurate quotes to date! From what I heard already I am in love. You have got to tell me where I can get my hands on the CD! And of course all of our readers want to know also!

JR- It’s available through iTunes, or you can link to it through www.freakowls.com where you can also stream it for free.

DC-How do you feel like life has changed post album release?

JR-Busier!  From all the marketing and promotion I’m doing, as well as long-winded interviews (haha).  I’m working harder than ever, and I haven’t even begun to put together a live act!

DC-Have things changed?

JR-Just getting older and realizing that, if I want to actually make money through music, I have to constantly be changing myself and the way I write, record, and view the industry.

DC-What image do you think your music conveys?

JR-For me, personally, it conveys change.  A change from anything and everything I conveyed in the past.  But, I think the music comes across as sounding comfortable.  I don’t want anything I put out there to seem conceived of or cliché.  I like this little pillow I find myself in.  It’s nice and comfortable.

DC-Did the album turn out the way you wanted it to be? Is there anything you would change?

JR-”Taxidermy” is what it is.  If there are any changes I would want to make, I’ll do it on the next album.

DC- What’s next for Freak owls? Are you looking into touring? Going back into the studio?

JR- Right now, my main focus is getting everyone and their mom to hear the music.  I want to see if there’s interest enough to go and tour the record.  I’ve been touring forever, and love it; can’t wait to get back out on the road.  However I don’t want to go broke doing it anymore.  It has to be right…feel right.  I’m constantly recording, and actually have half a new album written.  I’m never stopping.  I get bored pretty quickly, and am always trying to find a new way to make better songs.

DC-I listened to both Little things and Optimistic Automatic and they both have a soft bubbly feel to them sort of a Jason Mraz sound would you feel that is a good comparison to make?

JR-Jason Mraz…doesn’t he wear a hat or something?  I’m not too familiar with his music, but people can make any comparisons they like about my music, as long as it’s a good comparison to the listener.  I’d like to think I’m doing something different than other poppies out there, though.

DC-If not and you could be compared to any artist who would you want it to be?

JR-Hmmm…a modern Beach Boys, perhaps?  I know they’re legends and all, but fuck it!  Maybe Local Natives or Fleet Foxes with beats.

DC-Do you feel you have a personal motto or mantra that has helped keep you motivated?

JR-Don’t let mom down.

DC-What advice do you have for artist who are thinking about getting into the music industry?

JR-It’s harder than you think.  That said, there are so many avenues to be explored within the industry, you might find one that works for you.  Be ready to pimp yourself every musician’s nightmare.

DC-What are your goals for your music? Where is it that you want to take this?

JR-I’d eventually like to be able to support myself through the music, be it licensing, touring, whatever.  As long as I get to write and still love what I’m writing.  Sometimes money makes you forget who you are.  Shit, I totally sound like an after-school special!

DC-Finish this sentence “My definition of good music is…”

JR-…not Miley Cyrus.

DC-And this sentence “My definition of freedom is.”

JR- …free health care

DC-What do you believe the message is that you want people to get from your music? Do you feel as if you are striving for any change in the world to be brought on by your music?

JR-I want every listener to take something different away from each listen.  I don’t want anyone to hear the lyrics and say, “ok, this song is about sex, so I have to play it while I’m having sex”.  I believe in melody more than I do lyrics.  It’s the first thing you hear when you listen to a song.  The melody’s the first thing that grabs you and your emotions, and it should effect everyone differently.  I feel that music, in general, changes the world.  No matter what happens in the world, there’s always a soundtrack to it.

Oh, and I would love it if everyone actually did have sex to my music.

DC-Speaking of message is there any social cause that you feel strongly about? Or are you not into the whole social political scene?

JR-I don’t think I’m at that stage, yet, where any of my political beliefs would mean shit to anyone else.  I mean, who cares what someone in a band called “Freak Owls” thinks?  I’m just trying to create music people love.  Maybe that’s the message I’m sending…Free Love!  Hippies own the night!

DC-What would you like to tell people who have not heard of you yet?

JR-Stop watching American Idol.Oh, God, there’s tons.  Music is constantly changing/evolving.  I would say, listen to the new Jonsi (from Sigur Ros) record, “Go”.  It’s probably the best thing since “In Rainbows”.  There’s also Bon Iver, who was kind of my inspiration for writing “Taxidermy”.  He showed that you didn’t need a high glossy expensive sound to get you music across.  Just beautiful, true emotion-filled songs recorded in a cabin.

DC-Being a musician I’m sure you’re into the music scene. What are some of your favorite festivals or events to attend?

JR- It’s hard to beat the big ones, like Coachella and Bonnaroo, but here in NY we have CMJ and then the Siren Fest out in Coney Island in the summer.  They always have some of the best up-and-coming acts.

DC-Organic or regular?

JR-Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown, yo.

DC-“Paper People” what is that song about? Where did the inspiration for that song come from?

JR- I’m originally from the Philadelphia area.  Move to Minneapolis for five years to go to music school (not the entire five years), then wandered over to Southern California for a break from the cold.  I was there for two years before the band I had at the time (The Symphony Case) came to me and said they were sick of it and wanted to move to San Francisco.  I said, “Fuck that, why don’t we just move to New York?”  I always knew I’d end up here, so I thought it was as good a time as any.  I get bored pretty easily, and love the adventure that comes with moving.  New surroundings, new inspirations.  We all made the move out here 5 years ago touring along the way.  “Paper People” is about getting bored and needing new inspirations.  It’s about feeling stuck in the same old thing and needing to just get out.  Everyone feels that at some point.  I just feel it a lot.

DC-All musicians tend to love their own music but which song do you feel is your baby. Which are you the most proud of?

JR-As I said before, I get bored pretty easily and get sick of songs pretty quickly, but I think “Bells” is my favorite on the album, if not “Paper People”.  It just came out sounding so nice and full.  “Little Things” was written in about 10 minutes and was a last addition to the album, as was “Can You Feel It”, which I put at the end of the album to kind of show the direction the music was heading.

DC-Lets get a little more personal. Lets find out who Josh is whats your favorite tv show?

JR- Who am I?  I’m Danny DeVito on “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”! That’s a good one.  I also like “Sons Of Anarchy” because Peg Bundy is Hellboy’s old lady on it.  Let’s throw “Trueblood”, “Fringe”, and “South Park” in there for good measure, too.

DC-What was your childhood like? What click where you in in high school? What makes you tick lol?

JR- I moved to a new high school when I was a freshman, so I didn’t know anyone when I first got there.  If you’ve ever been in a situation like that, in high school, it’s pretty awesome.  And by “pretty awesome”, I mean fucking lame.  I tried too hard to be cool, and didn’t actually fit into any one crowd until the end of my sophmore year.  I’m sure you can gather what type of crowd that was after my “Flaming Puppet-Head Theatre” question.

What makes me tick?  People who make me laugh.  Creativity is nothing without humor.

DC-How does it feel to be an artist living in New York do you feel like your living the dream?

JR-The great thing about living in New York as a musician is that there’s so much diversity coming out of just Brooklyn alone.  I swear, every time I hear something new, no matter what type of music it is, I say “Let me guess, Brooklyn, right?”  Right.  It’s nice that there is no one exact scene here.  Any night of the week I can catch an amazing band at any number of venues, be it a national act or local.  Plus, I don’t feel like such a pussy for making pop music.

DC-Best music memory?

JR-Well, maybe not the best, but the most recent one was last August, opening up for Sonic Youth (in Pela) in front of 6,000 people.  Pretty nice.

DC-Whats your personal style?

JR- Is no style a style?  I’d say, freestyle.  Word.

DC-What do you do when your not doing music?

JR- Responding to thousands of interview questions.  Eating, drinking…I’m a total foodie.  Good stuff all the time.  Always on the lookout for something new.  Just went to the MOMA on Friday because it’s free!  Then ate at MESA Grill…Bobby Flay was actually there, too.  Pretty sweet.

DC-When you were a kid what where your dreams, who did you want to grow up to be?

JR-Let’s just say I expected to have more money than I do now.  Poor kid.  Doesn’t know he’s gonna be a musician.

DC-If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would you be?

JR-Riding a Unicorn through the forest in the movie “Legend”.  I’ll take it without Tom Cruise, though.

DC-If this was your last day on earth what would you be eating?

JR- How could anyone eat anything on the last day on earth?!

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