Indiescoveries: Interview with Richie Warwick of "House of Warwick"!

Ghost: Welcome, Richie, to Indiescoveries! We're excited to have you here and to dive into your journey as an artist. Let’s explore your creative process, influences, and what’s next for you. It’s great to have you! Can you tell us about your journey into music? How did you get started and what inspired you to become an indie artist?

Richie: My father was a drummer and ran sound for various bands. My grandmother was a pianist with a beautiful voice. My mother was not musically inclined, but she too, had a beautiful voice and sang all the time. So regardless of what side of the family I was with growing up, there was always music coming from somewhere. Around the age of 14 I started a Garage Band. I Was heavily influenced by the Ramones. As a teenager, I focused on punk rock, in my 20s I leaned more toward industrial and electronica, and then the next 24 years I played in and out of bands, primarily as the vocalist and occasionally picked up a guitar or bass, ranging from Stoner rock to surf punk. In 2017 I got tired of the politics of being in a band and dealing with venues and clubs. I was ready to hang it up and move onto something else. I had the idea to write and record one album by myself and that be that. Several years later, I’m still doing it. I realize now that I will never be able to stop writing music, even if I wanted to.

Ghost: Nice, it’s clear that music has always been woven into your life. What is the story behind your artist's name? Does it hold a special meaning for you?

Richie: My last name is Warwick; I record from my house. Go figure.

Ghost: Haha nice! Recording from home feels fitting. There’s something awesome about having total control over your creative process, free from external pressures. How would you describe your music style? What genres or artists have influenced your sound?

Richie: I guess it’s alternative. I don’t know. I’m influenced by several genres of music. Some of my favorite bands or artists are Björk, Type O Negative The Talking Heads. Tho I listen more to the Indie community more than anything nowadays.

Ghost: Nice! I love Björk. I remixed a song of hers back in the day, "All is Full of Love". Björk, Type O Negative, Talking Heads, that's a solid mix. Leaning into the indie scene these days makes sense for me; there's so much raw talent and authenticity there, undiscovered. Can you share the creative process behind your latest album/single? How do you usually go about writing and producing your songs?

Richie: I like to build the drums up first, noodle around with the guitar until I find something that works. Everything else is inspired as it goes along. I never have a vision for a song, I know if it’s going to be mellow or heavy that’s about it. In the end, it always turns out being something I didn’t really expect.

Ghost: Same! I sometimes even have plans with something in my head and when I finally get to my DAW, I try to make it and it turns out completely different than what I had in my head, but a pleasant surprise still lol. really speaks to the way music takes shape on its own terms. Not forcing it, but letting it develop naturally. The fact that each track surprises you in the end shows that you're truly immersed in the music. What challenges have you faced as an indie artist? How have you overcome them?

Richie: When I was playing in bands, the biggest challenge was trying to keep everyone on the same page, and the patience for longevity. Nowadays my biggest challenge is just having the time to sit down write. Time is my only obstacle, I’m not expecting anything out of what I do. It’s my happy place, and it’s cool to share with some people.

Ghost: Agreed 100% It's definitely a happy place, I think for a lot of us. To be able to listen to "Walking the Ghost" on YouTube is my happy place! Balancing music with life’s demands is always a challenge, though, it seems. Can you tell us who inspired your passion for music growing up?

Richie: My dad and my aunt ‘s record collection and shows like Night Flights and 120 minutes.

Ghost: Nice! Ah the late 80's and early 90's sure were magical times! That is awesome. Is there a message that you want to convey through your music? Is there a particular theme or emotion you aim to evoke in your listeners?

Richie: Being human is a complicated journey. We all go through some shit, but we don’t have to be alone with it.

Ghost: Your take on the human experience hits home deeply. We all face challenges, navigate ups and downs, but we’re never truly alone in it. That truth extends far beyond, especially with music at the core. What are your future plans? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans should look forward to?

Richie: I just wrapped up an EP of five tracks and it should be out by July maybe a little sooner. I’m calling this one “Lost in Hypnosis”. And sometime this summer I’m hoping to be collaborating with Johan from Fanskapt and Ghost of Rucker.

Ghost: Upcoming collaborations with Johan from Fanskapt and me? Well, that is definitely something to look forward to!

Richie, thanks for taking the time to be here and share your story with us. Your journey through music, your influences, process, and passion has been incredible to dive into. We appreciate you letting us into your world, and we’re looking forward to what’s next for you. Appreciate you sharing your journey, Richie. It’s a story that deserves to be heard!