Kick Arse Country - Ricks Bio

We asked Rick a few questions about his music career, here's what he said.

Q. Where were you born. ?

Rick:

I was born in Dandenong in Victoria, and spent most of my childhood living in rural victoria as I was growing up.

Q. When did you become interested in becoming a musician. ?

Rick:

Its funny how thing's work out, when I was growing up I was always exposed to music, but I never ever thought or desired to be a musician.

I had a work mate who needed an emergency partner for a duo, I could strum a couple of chords on the guitar and I do mean a couple and that was back in 2004 and the rest is now history. I was a fairly late commer to the music scene.

Q. When did you start playing instruments and what type was it ?

Rick:

My very first instrument was an Acoustic Guitar, I believe I was probably 6 to 8 years of age. I learned a few chords and basics at school but that was probably about the extent of my guitar experience. In my late teens was the beginning of my exposure to the keyboard, drums and more guitar as I jammed with my brother inlaw who was a drummer in a band. After that there was a good 12 yeaars in between me picking up an instrument again until I filled the emergency duo situation.

Q. When was your first gig and how did it go ?

Rick:

My first gig was at Rooty Hill RSL where I played with my mates in the Duo as a bit of a learning excersise before filling the position. I was petrefied, as I'd never done anything like this in my life before then. Some how I got roped into singing a song which was Pink Floyd Brick in the wall, which I really didn't know let alone ever sang except on the car radio, then after I finished the venue was silent except for those who had to clap, I was mortified and probably scarred for life. the rest of the gig was fine but that moment on taught me to not perform anything unless you can nail it and I've lived by that ever since.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career as a musician ?

Rick:

For me I enjoy meeting other musicians and playing large events that gives you the oportunity to experience the thrill of a large audience and a big sound system, Also bringing the joy of music to people is a gift, and to see them enjoy and appreciate something that I have performed is always memorable.

Q. What type of music has influenced you, and why ?

Rick:

Growing up, my parents we older generation and played a lot of old Rock n Roll, 50's 60's and 70's and I gaind a wealth knowledge of songs from the Chuck Berry The Beatles to Tom Jones, I was a teenager in the 80's and in my opinion the golden era of music. My love for The Angels and ACDC and anything ROCK through my teen years probably has infuenced me the most and the bulk of the music I have performed has been Classic Rock and Rock n Roll and a small bit of classic country.

Q. So why country music ?

Rick:

During the mid 90's I was exposed to Australian country music scene and in the 2000's the CMC music channel on tv spurred my love for country music. Back then performing country music or even finding any musicians who liked country would have been quite a task. Today its a completeley different ball game thanks to American country music that has really become popular over the last 10 years and has a very large audience. Playing and performing Country music is vocally challenging and also not for the faint hearted when it comes to playing the guitar, country music takes a lot of practice.

Q. Who are a few of your favorite country artists ?

Rick:

Lee Kernaghan has been my country Idol since I met him when I worked at Burwood RSL many years ago as a barman, Lee and his band performed at the RSL and I was blown away by the show and he was such a nice bloke I became an instant fan. I hope to one day play along side him or at least play at the same gig as Lee. John Williamson's music also holds a strong place in my heart as he tells the stories and tales of life in the Aussie bush and John is such a strong performer and musician whos a pleasure to watch. Some of my favorite American country artists include Eric Church, Kip Moore, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith and Luke Combs. Theres way too many to name.

Q. What do you enjoy about playing with Kick Arse Country ?

Rick:

I love playing with the boys. As you will notice none of us are spring chickens but nothing beats 50+ years of being Musicians and that's what the lads bring. You don't make a 50 year career out of something if you're not good at it. The boys have a wealth of musical stories from years gone by which always makes for a fun time reminiscing. We are all critical of ourselves and each other to make sure we bring the best of our abilities to the stage. Just a great bunch of down to earth blokes.

Q. Whats your vision for the future ?

Rick:

For me, I guess my health will control my future. We are not getting younger and sometimes the body is screaming but the mind wants to keep going. I think the boys and I still have a good few years left of music in us. We may not make CMC but were going to play like we did and I hope to continue that road with the Kick Arse Country boys as we create future memories together. I also hope to do some recording of some songs in the not to distant future. Keep on kicking ass!!!