Ricky Joseph is a veteran singer-songwriter making his solo professional recording debut in 2023. For the better part of the last two decades, he has traveled throughout the United States with guitar in hand. Along the way he immersed himself in the world of Americana music.
Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Ricky Joseph started playing the drums when he was still a toddler. It wasn’t long after that before the multi-instrumentalist picked up the guitar. In the years since he has played with musicians up and down the Eastern Seaboard, with stops in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Nashville before eventually settling back home in Jersey.
“Codeine” is the debut single from Ricky Joseph, released worldwide via all major streaming services on April 3, 2023. With a sound reminiscent of early Wilco, the track rolls on a loose mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and drums. As the organic ensemble lays down a chilled downtempo vibe, Ricky steps to the mic for an esoteric and soulful meditation on drugs, whiskey, and love.
Check out “Codeine” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Rickey Joseph about his new music. Check out his answers to our 7 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Ricky Joseph. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting new voice in Americana.
7 Questions with Ricky Joseph
Where are you from?
Northern New Jersey
How long have you been making music?
Man, I started playing drums when I was four. My parents got a blue toy kit and some Buddy Rich albums, and I fell in love. I first picked up guitar around age 9 and I’ve been rolling with that ever since. My first guitar was a purple Washburn, but the first guitar I fell in love with was another Christmas gift from my parents, a 2002 Gibson Les Paul studio that I still play regularly. I really started writing around age 18 and for the last 14 years have probably filled a thousand pages worth of music on a low end estimate, hah!
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I’ve been working with Tim Rockmore (guitar) who’s just absolutely incredible and one of the most versatile players I’ve ever encountered. He’s really helped hone my songwriting and guide me as I’ve progressed. Drums I’ve been recording with Glenn Grossman who is just an unbelievable talent with the accolades to back it up.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I would have to say Carlos Santan, SRV, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Mumford and sons, Tyler Childress, Elton John and Queen.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Matthew McConaughey, he just seems like he has it figured out and obviously an envious career.
What inspired you to create this project?
I would say it just really felt like the right time to start sharing everything I’ve written over the last decade and a half. It’s all packed with life experiences and lessons that are very personally relevant to me and I thought maybe they could resonate with someone else as well.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I’m going to be recording and releasing another 6 so ha by the end of 2023 and have a small three month tour starting September