Meet Faith Richards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Faith Richards.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Faith. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
It’s a little strange because I can never really tell people my “hometown.” I moved so much growing up, which is probably the reason why I was so comfortable moving to Los Angeles alone at 18.

I consider Junction City, KS to be my hometown as well as Nottingham, England, those are the two main cities I grew up in. I always had a passion for singing and acting growing up. I’d sing at church talent shows (I’d be super still and emotionless to tame my nerves), and I was a part of the Television Workshop in England for four years (they let me join on a bursary), which completely built my confidence in acting and being on stage.

I grew up without my father in the picture, it’s weird because I used to go through stages of pitying myself or feeling hurt for having a father who didn’t want to have a relationship with me, but now, at 21, I’m so incredibly grateful for my upbringing. My mom is pretty damn amazing. She was a single mom of five kids at 24. Like what?! Who even does that?

We all turned out sane – bonus points to her! She has always been extremely supportive of any creative ambition of mine. Although she was unable to financially support my dreams, her emotional support was enough. I auditioned for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Oklahoma, got accepted and received the full need-based scholarship as well as a merit scholarship and various high school scholarships. I took out a huuuuge private loan, sold my car, hopped on a plane and ended up creating the most amazing life for myself in Hollywood. In a lot of happy debt but no regrets. 🙂

Throughout acting school, my teachers always encouraged me to sing. I had one teacher, Adam Chambers, who actually made me sing in front of the class every week or so to get rid of my stage fright. He believed in me so much. I’ll never forget him for that. I had a few other teachers that praised my singing, and it really got me thinking… what if I could also pursue singing? Fast forward to my AADA graduation, where I won the most-improved student award at the Dolby Theater ceremony, because the teachers were shocked at my growth in confidence and coming out of my shell, and received my Associate of Arts in Acting.

When I say I used to be extremely self-conscious and shy, I am noooot kidding. Los Angeles whipped me into this self-loving shape real quick! It wasn’t until the summer of 2018 that I started actively pursuing music as a career. I had my first live bar show in June 2018 for Writers Block LA.

I played piano and sang a few dark indie-pop original songs. After this show, Lucas Flood, the guy who runs the event and is a part of Inflight Music Group, asked me to write for a movie-score project his company was producing. So my first ever show got me my first music connections as well as my first recording gig. From this day on, I knew without a doubt that music was the right path for me. This was the day I 100% believed I had a shot in this industry. I messaged this AMAZING drummer that I had been following on Instagram for a few months, Jesse Farmer.

After sending Jesse a few unfinished tracks, he said he was down to meet up and bring a long a few of his musician friends. I rented out a rehearsal space weekly for us, and we created a groovy, smooth & feel-good 5-track R&B EP. It will be released within the next couple of months. I am beyond pumped! Walter Wax and Daniel Porras, my pianist and bassist are also so insanely talented and humble. I cannot wait for us to blow up together. They all deserve so much.

After having the tracks down with the band, I reached out to Danny Garcia on Instagram because he engineers for one of my favorite artists at APG. I initially just asked him to mix/master my tracks but instead, after coming to one of my solo live shows, and to band rehearsal, he brought up the idea of co-producing. He gave so much of his time and energy to my EP. I can’t wait to share it. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m eternally grateful for Jesse and Danny for believing in me right away.

Currently, I’m still working on the finishing touches to my EP, and I’m working with a few different producers for some SoundCloud releases to come for my one-song-a-month SoundCloud series. It’s the struggle pursuing anything artsy, but I love it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. As long as I get to sing every day, whether that be in the studio or sitting at my piano, I am content.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would be surprised if any artist would say the road had been easy going for them. It has most definitely been the struggle, but as J Cole says, “there’s beauty in the struggle.” It’s hard being in Los Angeles alone, but luckily I’ve always been very self-motivated and driven. I don’t like to be still – I am always writing music, making videos, reaching out to people.

I think one of the biggest challenges I had in the beginning of pursuing music was hearing all of these other AMAZING artists and wondering why they hadn’t made it yet. Also, I found myself comparing my music or the way I performed to others who I admired. That’s the worst thing you can do. DO NOT COMPARE – instead, be inspired.

Now I make it a point to always celebrate other peoples successes – there is enough room for me AND them. Another struggle is money, of course. I will never let money stop me from doing anything. I always find a way. I always hustle. I’ve started to treat money like a friend, and somehow it’s had my back since being in Los Angeles. Sometimes it’s an annoying friend, but still a friend. 🙂

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m most proud of my upcoming EP. The title is still in the works, but I think it will be called “chapter one – EP.” I’ve never been more excited about releasing music. Finally, I’ve created a project (that wasn’t cheap!) that I want to jam to every day. Best believe I’m gonna be vibing to my own album all the time when it’s released. No shame.

I’m proud that I put together a band and saved 3k on my own to fund this project. It’s so worth it. Although I’m inspired by newer artists like Sabrina Claudio, Banks & Billie Eilish, my unique songwriting and tone sets me apart as if I’m creating my own genre of music.

I also just want to be a good person. I’m always working on improving myself before my music. I want my honesty and vulnerability to come across in my music, and I always want to be someone that someone WANTS to work with and be around. I’d hate to be a great artist and a shitty person.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
So far, probably recording with Inflight Music Group for their upcoming movie-score project. Matt Salazar, the producer, has worked with huge artists and bands as well as several of his productions having deals with Warner Bros. Records, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music.

Jörg Hüttner, the composer, has contributed to the scores on many films, including “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Independence Day: Resurgence” and “Girl on a Train.” I don’t know how little small-town girl Faith, so new to the music world, ended up in a recording studio with them, but I am not complaining!

It was an awesome, humbling experience writing and recording alongside these guys. They taught me so much. I can’t wait to work with them again in the near future. This project is currently still in the works.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.faithrichards.com
• Phone: 7853071539
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
@__sherrie Sherrie Garcia, @tyleriacona – Tyler Iacona, Valerie – @ambitionv, @vivalaforker – Will Forker, @sarakeefephoto

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