Richy Nix
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
As thousands of rock fans get ready to descend on Columbus, Ohio for one of the most anticipated festivals of the summer, Rock On The Range, stay tuned to Hardrock Haven for special preview interviews of artists performing at the event. Rock On The Range features established acts plus new artists on the rise. One artist catching the attention of the public eye is Richy Nix. He will be performing at ROTR on May 22 on the Kicker stage. So be sure to arrive early.
HRH: Richy, Congratulations on your upcoming appearance at Rock On The Range on May 22. Tell us what time and stage will you appear and about your set?
RICHY: 12 PM on the Kicker Stage. My Set will be energetic and in your face. There’s no gimmicks or themes. Just me being myself and spillin’ my guts out on stage. Be ready for a handful of heavy breakdowns and some crowd participation! It’s going to be a great time!
HRH: Rock On The Range has many different acts on the bill. Are you looking forward to representing the Hip-Hop sound? Actually, I listened to your music and you have quite the interesting sound. It reminds me of hip-hop meets metal.
RICHY: I’m really pumped to be the underdog for this event. It makes me want to prove something. Since I come from both worlds rock and hip-hop, I want everybody to realize that I am the real deal this is not falsely fabricated music. It’s real!
HRH: What other bands are you looking forward to checking out at Rock On The Range?
RICHY: Deftones, LimpBizkit, Papa Roach and Killswitch Engage to name a few.
HRH: You recently appeared at Bamboozle Festival. What were some of the highlights from that show?
RICHY: Hanging out with all the bands was awesome but during my performance I climbed up this light tower on stage and scared the shit out of all the security guys and stage techs. Def got the crowd hype!
HRH: Also, this will be the year of outdoor festivals for you. You will also be appearing at Rocklahoma on May 28.
RICHY: Hell yea man I’m enjoying every minute of it!
HRH: You hail from the Windsor, Canada area. How did you get involved in music?
RICHY: Being 5 minutes away from downtown Detroit I was heavy in the hip-hop scene. I started working as a hip-hop producer at the age of 14. Grew into writing rhymes and recording songs. Then joined a metal/screamo/alternative band than eventually fused all the elements together into the sound I have today.
HRH: Who are some of your influences? I can hear some Eminem?
RICHY: Most white rappers like myself hate that comparison and also avoid mentioning Eminem as a main influence. I say F*ck it! Lets be honest I probably wouldn’t even be rapping if it wasn’t for Eminem! He’s a huge influence. So is Tupac, Andre 3000 from Outkast, 50cent, Lil Wayne, Pharoah Monch, Mobb Deep. I can go on for days with rappers that influenced me.
HRH: Your new single “In Your Head” is receiving a great response. Tell us about the meaning behind that song.
RICHY: It’s about my life, things I’ve been through. Heartbreaks, cheaters, backstabbing friends, depression, anti depressant medication and getting in fights.
HRH: Do you write songs from your own personal experiences?
RICHY: 1000%
HRH: Any news when your new album Note To Self will be released?
RICHY: I’m working on a bunch of new material. Some of it is Heavy as hell; some of it is more pop. I’m all over the map but at the same time always remaining true to myself. Never will I do something I don’t feel is real. Sit tight will be tons of new material coming out this year!
HRH: Is there a special message behind your music?
RICHY: Life can and always will be difficult at times. Sometimes worse for others, but there’s always going to be better days as long as you continue to better yourself as a person.
HRH: I see you just performed in Hartford at the Webster. That is a great venue to see a band.
RICHY: The Webster is located in “the hood.” (Laughter) The venue is amazing and the people that come out to the shows are even more amazing love it!
HRH: Richy, Best of Luck at ROTR. Thank you for checking in with us.
RICHY: Thank you guys! Check me out www.myspace.com/richynix and Come Rock the F*CKOUT with me at ROTR!