Rob Richings - Half Way Up EP

Debut EP ‘Half Way Up’ Released November 20th 2015

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“Here is a talent for startlingly sharp and perceptive lyrics, an ear for a lingering melody and the creation of memorable hooks.” – Folk Words

Rob Richings releases his debut four track EP, titled ‘Half Way Up’ in November. Rob’s carefully crafted songs epitomise the musical troubadour spirit – honesty and simplicity - one man, a guitar and the truth. He has recently received BBC Radio 2 airplay and performed live on BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Rob’s musical influences are vast. He was brought up in a household where Motown records, XTC and Simon & Garfunkel were on repeat and as an adult he admires the music of Ron Sexsmith, Damon Albarn and John Mayer – all of which have irrefutably informed his songwriting. At the heart of Rob’s songs are stories inspired by his own life experiences. With the tale-telling style of songwriting intertwined with his rich and sincere vocals the EP is reminiscent of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South.

Working with producer Simon Johnson (James Morrison) Rob has perfected four of his favourite tracks but the journey that led to the creation of ‘Half Way Up’ has been a long and tough one. In 2009 Rob faced the biggest challenge of his life – being diagnosed with a rare and severe form of Colitis. What followed was a 5 year battle with the illness, a near fatal experience that changed Rob’s perspective on life. After 3 life changing operations, he has a new lease of life and is full of positivity and ideas, and it is time for Rob to pursue his musical ambitions. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be alive” explains Rob, “there’s no doubt in my mind that my illness has spurred me on and helped me write better songs.”

After his recovery Rob was able to travel for the first time in years. He found inspiration while exploring the Amstelkring in Amsterdam, a 17th Century Clandestine church. He found it a deeply peaceful and spiritual place, and wrote the song ‘Lord In The Attic’ on the spot. The lyrics are a reference to the history of the building; Catholics would use the space to worship in secret, in order to avoid persecution. “I was able to sit and write the entire song in my head, imagining these people creeping up the stairs to worship. It was an incredible experience” comments Rob.

Rob paints vivid pictures with his lyrics. ‘Richer Man’ is a walking tour of the streets of his hometown Swindon, an account of what he saw growing up, with tales of trouble in the streets, inequality and the inescapable nature of small town life. Title track ‘Half Way Up’ focuses on the rat race and the anxiety of living without ‘a job we hate but pays a wage, a holiday each year so we can get away’.

Rob is touring with various artists throughout September and November, after which he will be focusing on writing and recording his debut album.

‘Half Way Up’ Tracklisting: