To call Tony Rich “multi-faceted” would be an understatement. In addition to being a Grammy Award-winning artist and producer, Rich is also a skilled painter, photographer and writer. And if you listen to him or his forthcoming Hidden Beach Recordings debut Exist long enough, you might think he's a motivational speaker as well.
Given Rich’s years in the industry, his positivity is surprisingly refreshing. He began his career as a songwriter and producer, penning songs for Elton John, Boyz II Men, TLC and Johnny Gill, before scoring Grammy gold in 1997 with his LaFace Records debut, Words. The album not only won Rich the coveted “Best R&B Album” award, it also garnered two hit records—“Nobody Knows” and “Like A Woman.” Since then, Rich released three critically praised albums: Birdseye, Resurrected and Pictures.
While each album defines a distinct moment in his career, Rich says it was his experience of releasing Pictures that really inspired his Hidden Beach debut.
“Most artists would be depressed if their project didn’t work because a lack of label support,” Rich says. “But because I had been there before, what I did was channel those frustrations and misunderstandings I had into a new record. Creativity is what brings me sanity.”
It wasn’t simply frustration that fueled Exist. Even with great success, Tony Rich never lived an excessive life as most would assume, houses, cars and all the other material possessions that come with it, but prior to the release of Pictures, Rich realized that he needed to simplify everything in his life. He let go of his car and house and rented a small apartment that served as both his home and his studio—it was in that apartment that he learned how to truly “exist.”
The result is a melodic 11-track set that blends elements of soul, jazz and funk into what can best be described as a moving masterpiece. “There was a woman who crossed my path and our interaction also inspired this album. The whole phrase [and requisite song] ‘It would be a sin,’ was inspired by the fact that I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if I had not crossed her path. Through some very chaotic moments, the most calming thing in my life was her and I was able to draw off that energy. At that point, I was accepted and appreciated for who I was, and that was very inspiring to me.”
Inspired by this newfound freedom, lead single “Part The Waves” speaks directly to the delicate courtship dance that men and women do as they become acquainted with each other. “I’ve found that most women that I’ve encountered all have a before and after response to my ways and concepts,” Rich explains. “Before they experience me, they would say that I’m cool, sweet and interesting. Then afterwards, when their emotions have been developed and inspired by our unique moments together, their view of me becomes clouded by the complexity of potent reality that tugs at their conventional ways of thinking and relating. The ‘parting of waves’ signifies the point within where we realize the definitive difference of our before and after of an experience that has obviously altered our way of thinking, our way of being.” With that kind of complex spirituality, it’s no wonder the single is currently in top 50 rotation at Mediabase.
Rich not only found acceptance in his personal life but he also found it at Hidden Beach, a label known for letting an artist be true to themselves. After reconnecting with Hidden Beach CEO and Founder Steve McKeever (“One day, I just decided to call Steve to see how he was doing—I hadn’t spoken to him in 10 years;”), Rich not only had a new label home but also a team that saw and believed in his musical vision.
“Tony Rich has come full circle since his epiphanous 1996 debut and is making music once again purely for the love of it,” says McKeever. “Not that he was doing anything but, down deep in the years in between, however it is well documented the type of pressures and distractions that can come with the type of out of the box success that Tony experienced on his first try. Playing and singing every note of his latest offering, Exist once again showcases the modern miracle of the recording process enabling one human being to become a full orchestra. Tony takes his orchestra and creates a symphony.”
From the sensual tones of “It Would Be A Sin (Without U)” to the familiar comfort of “Days,” Exist features Rich-penned songs that speak both to the heart and the mind. He was so inspired that he not only crafted an album, but also a book. Conceived as a collection short stories and poems that express his philosophies of life, love, spirituality and more, Rich used the book to influence Exist, and vice versa.
“Some artists can’t explain their songs, because most have not written those songs,” says Rich. But it is that type of creativity that makes Rich’s minimalist R&B so deep. He truly proves that a little truly goes a long way.
“Last year, I decided that I was going to do all that I can do and I am going to do it all to the best of my ability,” says Rich. And with Exist, he has done just that… and then some.
Hi The Tony Rich Project! Holidays are here!!! Once again I'm, offering my low holiday pricing. Great rates for full length CDs, mix-tapes, EPs, and singles. Get in touch if you need high-quality mastering on a budget. Hope the holidays treat you well!!! Jim Bowen Wavelength Masters
Happy Holidays to you. Be well. I've read that the holidays can be very depressing to some. If you know someone like that, share this with them :)
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Have them stand in front of a mirror...smile...bigger...no, even bigger...that's it...an honest to goodness ear 2 ear smile! Look at you...standing there...strong...powerful...nothing is impossible for you...no limitations...you are the earth...you are the sky...and they are you...now, laugh...bigger...one of those gut bursting, side hurting, deep belly laughs...that's it. :)
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new video "Christmas At The Zoo (The Flaming Lips cover)" by the guitar plus me →http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8t20lG__ts
from the Christmas mini album "CHRISTMAS GIFT CHRISTMAS GRIFT" (me against the world 01) 1. White Christmas 2. The Christmas Song 3. Christmas At The Zoo 4. Christmas Gift Christmas Grift 5. Aluminum Xmas Trees (acoustic) 6. Silent Night
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Sometimes when i look around, all i see is misery, despair, frustration and pain...
Then, i close my eyes, take a couple deep breaths, RELAX...And ask myself, "WHAT IF all I saw was what I WANTED TO SEE?" Then, I open my eyes. I see the sun, I see the blue sky, I see my girls smiling back at me, I see life...
And then, lo and behold, I see nothing but OPPORTUNITY...
Tankism #32 http://TankJones.com
Thanks for reading. And if you enjoy these little sayings I send out, take a look at my site, http://TankJones.com and take a look at my blogs. You can also see a lot of pics of events I've done, music I've made and learn about my foundation.
Hi The Tony Rich Project! Just stopping by your page to see whats good! Keep me in mind if you need any high quality/low cost mastering. All the details and samples are on my page. Feel free to get in touch with any questions. Take care!
Had a thought while driving home and I wanted to share it. Hope you don’t mind…
When we truly let go of past hurts, hang-ups and disappointments and choose to live in the moment, in the now, in the PRESENT, life truly can be a GIFT.
Hope you liked this one. :)
Also, if you like these, shoot me comments letting me know, join me on my Facebook page and when I send you a link to my website once it gets finished next week, be sure to go it and sign up and I’ll send these to you there as well. Take care
Had a thought while driving home and I wanted to share it. Hope you don’t mind…
When we truly let go of past hurts, hang-ups and disappointments and choose to live in the moment, in the now, in the PRESENT, life truly can be a GIFT.
Hope you liked this one. :)
Also, if you like these, shoot me comments letting me know, join me on my Facebook page and when I send you a link to my website once it gets finished next week, be sure to go it and sign up and I’ll send these to you there as well. Take care
