INTERVIEW: New single from Rich Kid Express

Hailing from North Carolina, Rich Kid Express is a rock music project led by the talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Rob Richardson. With a penchant for catchy rock peppered with vintage vibes, Rich Kid Express navigates the whole spectrum of the genre, flowing from pop-focused styles to metal.

A proud participant in the NWOCR Movement (New Wave Of Classic Rock), Rich Kid Express is influenced by the likes of KISS, AC/DC, The Sweet and Joan Jett, while taking a lighthearted approach and eschewing the gimmicks of modern pop production to deliver an engaging guitar-driven sound. First unveiling the project in 2020 with the debut EP Bubblegum Radio, followed by a single and full-length record later that year, he’s since shared a string of releases and now brings us his latest effort with the new single titled “Find My Way Home.”

The latest offering from Rich Kid Express is the single “Find My Way Home.” This new rock anthem instils a positive message, a heartfelt ode to the concept of coming home, diving into the idea that, in times of struggle or when faced with life’s challenges, there is always one place where solace, help, or happiness can be found — the metaphorical sanctuary of home.

In the grand tradition of classic rock, “Find My Way Home” distils the spirit of a power ballad wrapped in the aura of stadium-worthy rock. Setting up a grooving rock sound with rattling hi hats and a steady kick as intricate guitar lines snake above, the full band sound jumps at the strike of the beat.

Casting a smokey classic rock feel, rhythmic guitar riffs and punchy drums underpin rich vocal leads threading storytelling lyricism via catchy melodies. With a smooth pre-chorus of delicate vocal leads, the song launches into a bold, sing-along moment of memorable hooks and energising instrumentation.

Full of dynamic ebb and flow, slick lead instrumental flourishes, vibrant organ tones and superb vocal performance, “Find My Way Home” sees Rich Kid Express continue to go from strength to strength with another slice of his enduring rock sound. We caught up with Rich Kid Express to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Find My Way Home” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Rich Kid Express below.

Hey Rich Kid Express, how’s things?

Things are going well, thanks for asking. Just got finished up with the new single, “Find My Way Home” and it really took off for me. So no complaints there. This has probably been the fastest out of the gate, music thing I’ve released and the response has been very favourable. I’m currently working on material for a late Spring/early Summer release as we speak. Definitely an EP’s worth of music, but if I can get another two or three songs ready, I may have a full LP to put out.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

When I was about twelve, I wrote my first song. I had an acoustic guitar and had no idea how to play it. But I piddled with it and was able to figure out some various chords and wrote some lyrics down. I had a old snare drum my Aunt’s boyfriend gave me. I would beat around on that and it formed the basis of a song. It was called “You Hit Rock Bottom” (the title probably came from the old KISS song, Rock Bottom) but I had no idea back then what I was doing.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Elvis was my first dive into music, because I had a friend that liked him – but then when I discovered KISS thanks to my cousins, there was no looking back! My goodness, it was like Halloween and 4th Of July all rolled into one! Make-up, costumes and fireworks! What more could you ask for at nine years old? I was set on a path to discover all the seventies and eighties glam and hard rock bands I could find.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

As mentioned, KISS is my biggest influence, but I follow that up with Sweet, W.A.S.P, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Joan Jett. I like Slade and T-Rex. Anything that ruled MTV from about ’82 to ’91. I have a big interest in late 60’s early 70’s bubblegum music, and I try to combine that with harder edged 80’s hard rock and metal type stuff. Believe it or not Spinal Tap has had a giant influence on me as well. Not to mention I’ve seen that movie like 25 times!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

By not listening to anything currently popular. (ha-ha!) Seriously, I don’t pay much attention to trendy Pop music or what rules the airwaves today. I have a niche fanbase and I tend to write and record what I like to hear. It’s hard to break through with younger kids or younger age groups because a lot of them don’t like rock music. They want their programmed beats and raps and autotuned songs. I’m writing for the older crowd that still believes rock will return to the forefront one day. I just get inspired by older song ideas or thinking about how older artists put their music together. I tend to look backwards more so than forward for song ideas.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

I would say the release and reaction of the EP “Under The Purple Lights” that was released in Sept. ’23. I gained a lot of followers and fans and it just seemed to come about at the right time for me. My writing is slowly getting better and my production skills are improving. So that musically speaking, was the highlight for me. On a personal note, my son making his JV middle school basketball team and my daughter, swimming and playing lacrosse for her high school team as a freshman makes me MOST PROUD.

What do you love about your local music scene?

Very minimal. The area of North Carolina I live in used to have a pretty thriving music scene. We used to have plenty of bars, clubs and places to play. That has dwindled quite a bit and is one reason I do the writing and recording on my own. A lot of places have shut down. Unless you are in a cover band or playing someone else’s music, you can’t find a lot of gigs. I just prefer to do my own thing and not worry about getting out live as much anymore. (not to say I’m done playing live… just enjoying the home life and the music creation end of things)

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

With friends, at a party, drinking beer, discovering new rock bands. (All of the above) It’s just fun music with catchy riffs and hooks. Nothing fancy, no deep thinking… just fun guitar driven rock that reminds you of old school rock from back in the day.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Yes and no… My writing has improved, my understanding of music and the recording process has improved. I’m learning how to do things better. But my ideas and influences remain the same. I like to try different things and mess with new elements now and then, but overall my mindset is always the same. If you listen to the first “Bubblegum Radio” EP, then listen to the “Under The Purple Lights” EP, you can hear it’s still totally the same style music. But the production and style has improved. That’s all I want to do, just improve what I do and keep it fun.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

My Grandfather played in a band way back in the 50’s through the 70’s, and he passed about sixteen years ago. I would like to pick his brain and write with him. Just to get his ideas and listen to what his take on music is or was. He played in a “big band” type thing and did orchestra style music. If I had to pick someone currently – it would be fun to write with Andy Scott of Sweet, or maybe Robin Zander of Cheap Trick because they are old school guys who have a good flair for music ideas.

How did you find making your new single “Find My Way Home”?

It was an idea I’ve sat around on for about a year and a half. It was partially finished and I just need to record a couple bass parts and get the vocals down. I wanted to get a stop gap project in between releasing “Under The Purple Lights” in Sept. ’23 and the new bigger release slated for this late Spring/early Summer ’24. So I figured, let’s get a single out with a b-side… and it’ll hold over until the next release is ready. Lucky for me, the song has done well.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Simply… no matter what troubles you have, no matter how bad you find your situation, no matter where you may go in your life – there is always one place you can come back to when you need it. HOME.
Whether it’s a town, or your family, or you just need a hug from Mom & Dad, HOME will always be HOME and it’s always there for you.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Funny you ask… I’ve been listening to a few older acts like, Krokus, INXS, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister and Slade. But as far as newer stuff, I like Rock City Machine Co., David Barker, The Bites, Amber Wild and Drive Hunt. Also Cassidy Paris from Australia, she’s got a great new album out. Reminds me of a modern day Pat Benetar.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Just don’t take it seriously. Listen to have fun and just enjoy it for what it is. Simple rock with a fun attitude!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Well, RICH KID EXPRESS hasn’t played live yet. This has all been just a big rock recording project at the moment. One day I may put together a full band and go out and do some shows. But for now, it’s just studio writing and recording. I play all the instruments on the records with a guest appearance sometimes by a friend or buddy to do a guitar lead here or there.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

I’ll put a switch on this and answer it this way. If I could go back in time to see a show, I would love to see 1984 WASP open for 1974 Sweet open for 1977 KISS. That would be fun!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Write, record and play what YOU like and do it for YOURSELF. Don’t worry about trends or getting signed or being the biggest social media influencer or TikTok user. Have fun with it and find a group of people who like what you do. Music isn’t what it used to be and the future is more unsure than ever. Just believe in your own creativity.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

Finishing up a new release this Spring and enjoying the Summer with my family. Working on new ideas and just continuing to get inspired by new ideas.

Listen to Find My Way Home below