Q&A's

 

Richard Lynch has been proudly waving the traditional country music flag for over three decades, and he continues to do so on his latest album My Guitar Drips Country. We recently had the chance to check in with Richard and chat with him about the album, the importance for him to write the songs he performs and what it takes for him to record a song from an outside writer, his “Keepin’ It Country” farm, his Love Tattoo Foundation and support of our US Veterans, and much more!

www.richardlynchband.com

1. You released your latest album My Guitar Drips Country earlier this year. For those who haven’t heard the album yet, what can they expect to hear when they hit play?

My Guitar Drips Country is a modern sounding version of pure, traditional country music. The country music that is often overlooked by today's mainstream country outlets. It’s my brand of country, influenced by the music of Hank, Merle, and George...Jones AND Strait!

2. “Rodeo Town” is one of the most recent single released from the album. What about this song makes it a perfect representation of the album as a whole if it’s the first song that someone listens to from it? 

The song makes reference to a real-life love story and gives a traditional flair of country guitar, piano, steel guitar with a south-of-the-border type of feel. It’s a great representation, because it paints a picture, tells a story, and is just good listening.

3. You pay tribute to one of the traditional country legends, Doug Supernaw, on the track aptly titled “Supernaw.” What does he mean to you and your career personally?

Doug was an inspiration to me. He kept his music country and traditional. He never strayed from what he was:  a traditional country Texan. We grew close later in years, and I had the pleasure of performing with him, and watching him perform...just a great artist gone too soon.

4. You wrote (or co-wrote) each of the songs on the album. How important is it to you that you write the songs you perform so that they carry the right weight of emotions necessary to uphold the value of the lyrics?

It is very important to me to have my music uphold the traditional country values, but if someone else writes a great traditional country song, I would record it. It is all about what the song will bring to the album, while upholding those values. I have come to learn to be more confident in my writing and my ability to express my emotions in my songs.

5. If you had to pick one song as your personal favorite from the album, which song would it be and why?

That is pretty hard to answer - I am really proud of all the songs on the album. I do have to say I was very pleased and impressed with how “Rodeo Town” turned out once we heard the final mix from the studio.  My latest single, “Hurtin Cheatin Lyin Country Song” is also one of my favorites on the album.

6. You also produced the album yourself. In what ways do you feel that by producing the album yourself, you can bring out the exact sound you’re going for that an outside producer might miss?

Sometimes producers don't hear and feel the traditional sound I want to achieve. It’s not that they aren’t good producers, it’s just that they’re not a good fit for me, personally. I have a distinct sound that I try to strive for, and sometimes, it’s best to just take the reins and go after what you want.

7. You’ve been flying the traditional country music flag for the past 3 decades. Why is it so important to uphold the roots and traditions of country music and keep them alive as the modern trends are constantly moving further away from them?

If you were a country music fan in the 60s, 70s, 80s and even the 90s, you are wondering where your country music went. It is so important to me to keep the traditional country elements alive for all the folks seeking the music and for the future generations to appreciate. My dad instilled in me, a great love for the traditional country sound. So, I’m also paying tribute to him...

8. You’re the owner of the Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, OH. Tell us a little bit about the farm and how people can find out more about it.

It is a working farm, raising hay and horses. We built a barn as an event center, and we hold 5-6 concerts a year in support of our Love Tattoo Foundation (supporting veterans). We film the shows and love having fans and friends of Country music enjoy our farm.

9. Speaking of the wonderful Love Tattoo Foundation. Tell our readers more about that foundation and how it benefits our amazing veterans.

The foundation was named for my song “Love Tattoo” that speaks of our soldiers’ scars they got defending our country. As far as I am concerned, we cannot do enough to support our military veterans and current members.  We support our veterans by bringing awareness to their sacrifices and support a facility, the Wilwin Lodge, which provides a place of respite for them.

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

Surround yourself with people who believe and support what you are doing.  And write from your heart.

 

Learn more about Richard Lynch by visiting his official website at: https://richardlynchband.com/

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