The Texas Country and Red Dirt Music genre is full of artists and bands who pride themselves on doing “their own thing”. Most aren’t marching to the beat of an overbearing label’s insistence and direction in sticking to a certain “image” or a specific “sound”. Many pride themselves in touring relentlessly and “boot-strapping it” to build their own following. And like it or not, there’s usually a “Texas” theme or reference in at least one song from every artist’s catalog of music. (The writer of this blog post is guilty as charged)
While the Texas “beer-drinking, hell raisin’, home-state pride” type of songs have done wonders for the careers of many in the scene, Rich O’Toole has consciously tried to expand his music past this regionality; a decision that some have hated on him for…
Rich O’Toole doesn’t hide who he is. He pisses some people off with his approach and attitude and other people piss him off with theirs. Love him or hate him, it’s hard not to respect the way he’s molded his career into what he wants it to be.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Rich came onto the scene in 2007 with his debut album, “Seventeen”. Since then he’s released five more records, some on a big label, and has called everywhere from New York City to Los Angeles home. Fact is, on the day this podcast episode was being recorded Rich was packing his stuff for the move from L.A. to his new home of Nashville, TN.
Rich is definitely an open book in this interview and isn’t afraid to share his opinion on many levels. Following our interview with Rich, I’m definitely a bigger fan of his now that I’ve gotten to know him a little more and come to understand what makes him tick and do the things he does.
Rich understands that some people just aren’t going to agree with everything he does, or even like it; but he’s cool with that….and if it bothers you, rest assured, it ain’t bothering him.
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