Ricki Erik

Ricki’s music and lyrics have an authentic, gritty sound, it’s for good reason. This uniquely cross cultured mix of a man includes European influences (born and raised) by Native Jamaica parents his natural heritage that’s unsurprisingly different and emotionally compelling. Ricki’s music will leave you hooked and his live performance will hold you hostage, singing the words long after the song is over. Best described as “Uniquely-Crossed,” his music will appeal to fans of Tracey Chapman, Seal, Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Adams.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES Beres Hammond, Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.
GENRE-ALITY

Ricki Erik’s fourth album Genre-Ality breaks all the norms of traditional music albums. Written and Co-Produced by Erik himself along great friend and legendary producer Paul Fakhourie, this brand new album screams individuality with its captivating 10 song track list. Erik, who is known for branching out onto the riskier side of his lyric writing has compiled an album filled with unique sounds and songs that do not stick to one genre alone.

Paul Fakhourie no stranger to music, born and raised in the Parish of St. Ann, Jamaica, is a Grammy Award winning Musician, Songwriter, Producer and Arranger. Fakhourie’s work goes beyond the limits of patterns and conventions that have been established throughout his career. His accomplishments have connected him with a multitude of artists including Philip-Michael Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley and the Marley family (including Damian "Junior Gong", Ziggy, Stephen and Julian Marley) on many of their award winning albums, several of which were named “Best Reggae Album”, “Album of the Year” and more.

The first single released for the album entitled “Love Hurts” is an upbeat story about finding that astounding love again after being hurt. It asks the listener to take into consideration that the chance for getting hurt again after falling in love might be worth it if it means being with the person you love. Originally a ballad, Erik felt he needed to change the beat of the song and the result is a masterful rendition of soulful voice singing about loving again.

Following the catchy R&B tune is “Love So Much”, a blues song inspired by a couple who fell in love and after such a long time of being together, their genuine feelings are still very much present. Lyrics like “I’m sorry about the heartaches that came along with loving me” and “I want to know how a woman like you could love me so much” are accompanied by Erik’s effortless instrumentals.

The song “Beautiful Liar” is an R&B song that strays away from the loving theme of Erik’s previous songs. He explains that he was “blinded” by the love he was feeling for someone who turned out to be nothing but a liar. Erik’s revelation of emotions takes the album on an interesting journey.

In a change of pace “Whisper” talks about loving someone despite the judging whispers of others around you. The line, “I won't apologize, baby for loving you”, is a true indicator of how touching the song is and how it speaks to the idea that no matter what you’re facing “True love is true”.

“If I was God” touches on world peace and the actions Ricki would take if he were God. With a somber tone that pulls at the heart, Erik pieces his story together with intimate lyrics of pain and sadness to explain how he’d change the world if he were in charge of it.

The hit “Running Out of Time”, the last track on the album is belted out alongside bluesy piano and guitar riffs. Clever lyrics force the listened to focus on “Am I running out of time?” which is repeated throughout the song.

Ricki Erik’s individual music style is showcased by the talent he portrays on his album Genre-Ality which is mastered to fit its title—unapologetic and unrelated to just one genre. Recorded at Realm Music Group in Boston, MA and Circle House Records in Miami with Producer Paul Fakhourie and Engineers Gennaro Schaino, Karl Pitterson who also worked on the album as well.

ALL ABOUT “Ricki”
Ricki Erik is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, keyboardist and accomplished guitarist. Those who’ve had the opportunity to hear his music, revel in his uniquely crossed artistic structure best described by music aficionados as “Inventive, Passionate & Overwhelming”. His influences are reality, love, happiness, pain and the overall experience of being human in this thing called “Life.”
 
If Ricki’s music and lyrics have an authentic, gritty sound, it’s for good reason. This uniquely cross cultured mix of a man includes European influences (born and raised) by Native Jamaica parents his natural heritage that’s unsurprisingly different and emotionally compelling. Ricki’s music will leave you hooked and his live performance will hold you hostage, singing the words long after the song is over. Best described as “Uniquely-Crossed,” his music will appeal to fans of Tracey Chapman, Seal, Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Adams.

As a new listener to musician Ricki Erik, the first thing I can say is that his music is good. The best and most unique aspect of his ten track album Genre-Ality is that every single song has a completely different feel. By mixing up the mood of each song, there is no way to be bored with Ricki’s music. His latest album is jam packed with guitar riffs, interesting drum beats, piano, bass guitar, and vocal accompaniments that pull everything together into one enjoyable package.
Perhaps the best part of this album is how true it is to the musician. You can feel the effort, joy and pure fun in each song. With each new song comes a new story and new feeling and the lyrics are relatable. Though simple at times and straight to the point, the lyrics create a strong story.
By touching upon genres like R&B, Pop, Blues, and Alternative sounds, Erik’s album is truly a one of a kind creation. Its single “Love Hurts” is an upbeat dance song that you can’t help moving to—a truly catchy tune that stays with you after it’s over. The song “Untold Stories” strays away from the traditional upbeat tune with themes relating to poverty, war and hardships. However, within the lyrics there are instrumental sounds that complete the song, making it sound whole.
Erik’s ability to switch up his style while still remaining consistent with his instruments shows his true talent and dedication to his music. No one song sounds exactly like another. With yrics that speak directly to the listener. for example, the beginning of “Here I Come”, Erik addresses someone he’s talking to which creates the illusion that he’s talking to his listener and that technique forces you to pay attention to what he’s saying proving that he not only has the ability to hook you in with his sounds but his vocals as well.
Track number two “Love So Much” is definitely the prominent love song on the entire album. Erik’s catchy guitar and piano sounds behind his voice really push the song to its potential as a love song. The R&B blues sound ties the song together to give it a real personal feel and that theme is consistent within the entire album.
Emerging into the music world with an album that is unlike any other, Ricki Erik truly puts a staple on his title Genre-Ality, proving that you do not have to stick to one certain genre as a musician. His music is catchy and sounds good to the ear and blatantly says, “I’m not afraid to be different” and that’s what makes it all very good.