Will Richards

Will Richards

Will Richards is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who develops a style described in the biography as quirky folk-pop with urban and heartfelt qualities. He begins by playing Hendrix covers in an old bandmate’s conservatory, then works through a long period of playing saxophone, drums and percussion in bands of different styles before moving into solo writing and performance.

Early musical development

Richards is influenced by Rufus Wainwright, Ed Harcourt, Tom Waits and Neil Diamond. After years of playing in other groups, he turns to acoustic guitar and starts writing on his own when 5-piece retro Britpop band Minus The Russian breaks up in 2006. That change leads him to the singer-songwriter format, which he treats as a new creative path.

He also studies songwriting at Leeds College of Music, where he performs live as a solo artist for the first time at the BBC studios next door to the college.

Recordings

Richards records the Travel Sick EP before working on his debut album, Ready to Talk Now. On that album he collaborates again with other musicians and develops a broader, more expansive sound than on his earlier acoustic material. He later follows it with One More Chance, which he aims to make more organic, with closer attention to melody and arrangement. By this stage he is also playing piano, which becomes part of his writing and recording process.

Live work and airplay

To support his material, Richards gigs across the UK for a couple of years, beginning with open mic nights and small music venues and later moving on to larger venues and outdoor festivals. He also appears as a featured artist on BBC’s Raw Talent and receives airplay on local radio.

Label and activity

He releases his music through his own label, Orange Dog Records, reflecting a DIY approach to his career. He continues to perform live both as a solo artist and with a live band, and he remains active in collaboration with other musicians.