Northern Ireland’s Ritchie Remo has built a solid career on hard work and a commitment to the craft of songwriting.

Remo was first bitten by the bug in his early teens. “I picked up the guitar around 12, and my first proper gig was at 14. I just had this love for music and performing.”

Growing up amid the bucolic beauty of the Claudy countryside southeast of Derry in Northern Ireland proved to be the perfect environment for the budding Irish country singer.

“It was a wee housing site, maybe 22 houses or so, everyone knew everyone. My dad was into music big time, and it was a huge part of our lives growing up.”

Those rural roots, a home filled with melody, and steady family support set the tone for his future on stage. “My dad was the driving force. He took me to gigs, helped buy gear, and drove the van. We used to clean windows on Saturdays to save up for more equipment.”

While that kind of dedication ultimately paid off, it also meant some sacrifices. “I didn’t get a typical teenage life. While my friends were out at nightclubs, I was gigging every weekend. For about 20 years, I didn’t have a Saturday night off. I don’t regret it, I loved it.”

Even now, decades later, his passion hasn’t faded. “When you love performing, you just keep going. It excites me every time I get on stage. It’s never about the fame or the money. It’s about that feeling when you’re on stage, connecting with a crowd.”

Thirty years and thousands of shows later, that spirit has remained steady, though the sound has evolved. “When I started, I was doing pure Irish country, but over the years, music and audiences changed. I started blending folk, pop, and American country music, creating my own fusion. That’s the beauty of music, it keeps moving, and I wanted to move with it.”

True to his word, Remo kept moving, following a schedule that reflected the often-gruelling realities of life as a musician.  “At one point, we were doing so many shows I couldn’t even go on a holiday. We just kept saying yes to bookings. The success was great, but the pace was intense.”

Yet, the hard work brought worthwhile rewards. “The memories mean everything. The buzz from the crowd and knowing people want to hear your music, that’s huge.”

Equally big were the artists and performers he was exposed to, who, while influential, merely helped him to develop his own unique sound. “Growing up, there was always a rock ‘n’ roll vibe in the house. But I never wanted to copy anyone too closely. I’ve always wanted to find my own style.” Ricky Skaggs and Don McLean were two of many to leave their mark. “I took little bits from many artists and made it my own.”

The result was a career filled with many memorable highlights. “I’ve played big festivals with thousands of people, but sometimes those intimate gigs are more powerful. When the crowd is close and you feel that connection – that’s electric…”

Remo’s turning point came at CountryFest in 2011. “Nobody really knew me then, and I stepped out in a cowboy shirt and boots, performing all the big hits like The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I’d worked so hard to be ready for it. That really launched me.”

Speaking of launch, he is now putting the finishing touches on a new album. “The new stuff reflects where I’m at musically, not just Irish country, but a mix of styles that I’ve grown into, that is also inspired by the fans.”

As Christmas approaches, Remo is working on a holiday single. “Christmas songs are fun and full of emotion and nostalgia. This one came from looking back at my own childhood memories. I sit down to write with one idea, and it turns into something totally different. That’s the creative process.”

That process, he notes, has been varied but ever-present. “Sometimes an idea hits me out of nowhere. Other times, it’s weeks of chipping away.

“It’s never been about chasing fame. It’s been about doing something I love and doing it as well as I can.”

www.ritchieremo.com
@ritchieremomusic