Photo Credit: The Broken Telegraph
by Ian Ebright
It’s my last day at RadioStar Studios, and a song titled ‘June Becomes July’ is on the agenda. J.R. Richards wants to re-record some backup vocals for this track, but he’s having issues and admittedly so. He is attempting to strip away the character from his voice; a struggle for a lead singer trained to impliment the very same inflections. “The best backup vocal should be really equal and flat,” Richards explains, citing U2’s The Edge as the perfect example (who sounds like Bono without the vocal signature). The giant Margarita from the night before isn’t exactly helping his vocal chords either.
Richards has cultivated this album like a scientist in a lab. With drums as the exception, he played every instrument on the song ‘Never Forgotten,’ for example. In the plus column, ‘A Beautiful End’ will be fairly inexpensive to complete- in part because Richards is doing so much of the production himself. When you consider that Dishwalla’s original release ‘Pet Your Friends’ cost three times more to finish back in 1995- the price tag on ‘End’ is particularly amazing, especially given the talent involved.
Richards has enlisted a mechanical sidekick in the form of a Yamaha CP70; an electric piano that resembles either a suitcase or a battleship depending on the angle, and sounds like it’s sending naval sonar to the Red October. The CP70 features unmistakable harmonics which is probably why bands like Keane and U2 have made good use of it. You’ll hear it on the upcoming album’s songs ‘Ghost of Sorrow,’ ‘June’s Becomes July’ and ‘Where’s the Laughter?’
‘A Beautiful End’ is becoming a gem, but despite all the effort, Richards is in some ways an inevitable spectator. “A lot of it is a pleasant surprise,” he says. “I honestly had no idea how it was going to turn out” (and still doesn’t. As of the date of this article- a few songs wait to be mastered, and there is talk of recording an additional song or two). Those ambient textures that I wrote about in the first part of this series- “subconsciously crept in,” says Richards.
This collection of songs breathes; there is something daring about the music. It has an organic composition that Dishwalla rarely discovered. It’s the result of a sincere man writing songs all by himself.
(article continues below photo):
Photo Credit: The Broken Telegraph
When ‘A Beautiful End’ arrives in stores, it’s going to be Richards’ name printed on the album cover. There will be no famous band or number-one hit single to serve as anything more than a distant reference point. Even though he was Dishwalla’s primary songwriter, Richards says he looks forward to being judged completely on his own.
As for the past, Richards misses the positive and negative feedback from his Dishwalla bandmates, but also likes the relative peace that comes with being the sole decision-maker. Perhaps more importantly, he seems to value the rocky terrain that is personal history, and appreciates those things that emerged as a result of it. Speaking of that hit single, he still loves ‘Counting Blue Cars,’ and notes: “if it wasn’t for that song, I wouldn’t be here.”
Richards hopes that, at a minimum- ‘A Beautiful End’ will help him to break even financially, if only for the chance to do it all again. As his friend, I’m excited and encouraged to see that life hasn’t smothered his creativity. And for fans, nothing could be more promising than when he says- with a smile that speaks to his determination- “I feel like I have more records in me.” It sounds like this ‘End’ is actually more of a new beginning.
**
Click here to go back to Part 2.
Click here to go back to Part 1.
Click here for J.R. Richards’ Myspace profile.
32 Comments
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 5:06 am
can’t wait, brotha…
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 9:51 am
Beautiful, Ian, thank you. JR sounds so positive and determined and I am so glad he feels like he has more records in him.
>^..^<
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I love this Dishwalla band very much, despite the fact that I don’t normally listen to American music–living in “metronatural” Seattle over the past few years has exposed me to some very wonderful songs, beginning with the phenomenal album “Pet your Friends” featuring the AWESOME song “Counting Blue Cars” of which I have NEVER gotten tired listening!!! I like this web-page you created and your writings here are very informative! I will come back to look for more!
Thank you for offering me an opportunity to address you!
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Thank you Ian for a wonderful article. It gives us real insight into the whole process that JR is going through to bring this solo project to life. Although the fans are eager to get their hands on this CD, we all know that it will be well worth the wait.
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Great article Ian. This shit gets me so pumped! Just to think, new music in my life.
Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 6:39 am
so true to form, anxious more each passing day… thanks so much for your consistency in documenting this, ian.
my best,
cw
Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 9:42 am
Wow, so ok…………..fabulous news, JR~
I am so excited to hear you say you” have more records in you” but…when do you think “Ghost” will be finally released?
Halloween would be Perfect !
I also hear you might be giving your myspace page a facelift ? That would be very cool.
All the best to you, my friend……
Hugs,
Kris
Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10:04 am
Great job once again, Ian! I’m still waiting patiently as many of us are.
I’m stoked to hear he’s adding “June Becomes July” it’s such a beautiful song!
Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Thanks again, Ian. All three articles were wonderful and very informative. I’m so glad J.R. has been enjoying the experience of finally doing a solo album. I can’t wait to hear the finished product. I’m sure it will have been worth the wait. It sounds like he’s put so much blood and sweat into this project and really made it his own.
And I’m also happy he didn’t let “life smother his creativity”. It’s miserable when that happens. You have to take life’s experiences and turn them into something beautiful, and that’s just what J.R. does. As do you, with your writings. More power to both of you. Keep it up!
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 10:00 am
Thanks to all for the interest and for sticking with this series. I am happy to have been able to share the experience with you.
and Lisa- June Becomes July will surprise you on the album- it’s changed quite a bit from the earlier “demo” version that some heard in concert.
-ian
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 10:57 am
Ian…So excited about Ghost, but I’m saddened to learn that June Becomes July has undergone such a change
Although I never got the opportunity to hear it ‘live’, I have heard a recording of a live performance and its soooooo beautiful! I hope JR didn’t change around it too much.
I’m also glad to see you refer to JR as a ’sincere’ man. I don’t know JR personally, :/, but coming from someone who has spent a fair amount of time with him, its good to know that this is how you see him-because that’s just the type of person I’ve always thought him to be.
Thanks again Ian…
>^..^<
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:15 am
Hey Hilda- don’t be sad. Lets just say the song has been enhanced more than changed. It’s still very much the same song at its core.
And yeah- that was one of the things that has struck me about J.R. as we’ve spent time talking and hanging out. He’s very un-celebrity. Even when compared to regular folks, he’s exceedingly sincere, gracious, funny and loyal. In a profession that breeds ego-maniacs and addicts, J.R.’s character is quite remarkable.
-ian
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Beautiful article. Spain can´t wait for the “Ghost Of Sorrow”!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 2:16 pm
This article shows great insight into the process (& occasional agony) that an artist must put into a project.
Common artistic interests are best shared w/ good friends. I only hope you had the chance to partake in the “giant Margarita’s” along the way.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Lee- “Common artistic interests are best shared w/ good friends.” Great thought. I wish it happened more often.
…and the Margarita was delicious
-ian
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 9:23 am
Cant hardly wait til the album comes out. Thanks for sharing Ian. God Bless U J.R.!
I really am dying to hear some new stuff!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Been a fan of Dishwalla since forever… I hope all is well with the band, but I understand the need to express one self on a solo project. I hope the CD release is fairly soon as I am intrigued and filled with anticipation to hear something new and from the perspective of one man.
Good Luck
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 2:54 pm
What a great article…almost felt as if I were there! God, I would love to meet JR and sit with him in the studio for ONE day!! A masterpiece he is!
Looking forward to the new album!
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Thanks Howard and Sara. Glad to know you enjoyed it.
-ian
Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I’m excited about JR’s record but I am appauled at Dishwalla’s decision to continue without him. anything they do will *not* be Dishwalla to me.
after following them since 1995 I think this is a slap in the face to thei fans and a desperate grab for whatever money they can gleam from using the name, as the main talent/draw to Dishwalla is JR’s voice.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 4:57 pm
This guys voice is THE SICKEST and most underated in ROCK in the last 15 years. I am sure this album will be amazing just from his vocal delivery alone. Dishwalla never got the respect they deserved, maybe J.R. will get the mad props his vocals have deserved for years.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Jarrett- I totally agree with you.
Also- the album is amazing, and his vocals on it don’t disappoint
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 10:29 am
hmmm, all this raving about his “voice.” perhaps i’ve underestimated the market for yarling.
Monday, February 16, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Ian, I”am not a republican anymore. :Your writing is really good.
. You’ve always been a thinker, I’m empressed by how deep you think and your ability to express yourself. I think you could take this ability far. You write as good or better then any writer that publishes stuff everyday. Keep it up. Qwoap!
Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 9:31 am
JR’s voice is from heaven,and so is he….. you have a great future before you…….
Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Thanks Qwoap- that means a lot. How did you find this article?
Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 3:04 pm
So I’ve all the articles and I was wondering….
When is this album going to be released?
Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Hi Sunshine- thanks for reading the articles. Though nothing has been officially announced, I am working on the album/website design and production and can tell you that it will be soon. Once the official date is announced, it shouldn’t be more than 1-2 months max after that point. Lots of people are working hard to get this album out. Stay tuned
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 12:47 am
JR,
Hey there! Am so looking forward to this solo creation.
Don’t despair because you and rest of Dishwalla have made your mark already. This one then will be loved and treasured as much. If not more.
Take care!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Very well written, Ian! The album is everything I hoped it would be. Congrats, JR!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Glad you’re happy with the album and thanks for reading!
Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I have not heard from him for quite awhile I thought he decided to retire. Reflecting back I first saw J.R. when they were in OKA, Japan performing. It was one of the many concerts they did for the military sponsored by USO. I truly had a great time when they performed in 2004 that when they came back in 2005 I attended their concert again. Therefore, in behalf of military and their families, I would like to thank you for allowing us to enjoy your music. That was my first rock concert that I attended it was quite an unusual experience but my friends and I enjoyed the performance greatly. J.R. voice was amazingly beautiful and the lyrics of every song he sung were enunciated remarkably regardless of the accompanied sounds. He was an excellent singer songwriter and I am glad that he is pursuing his love for music. I wish him all the best.