V Rich

Masterful and vibrantly fluid on keys, his voice blends unique textures and a stratum of harmonic ability into contemporary R&B. V. Rich is an artist of innate musicality equipped with an arsenal of skills as a singer/songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. With sultriness reminiscent of Maxwell and musicianship influenced by the likes of Prince and Stevie, his style meshes Neo-soul, R& B, and hip-hop energy with panache so irresistible, so catchy, it's hard to know exactly what rhythm grabs your attention first.

Born Vincent Richardson in a small Michigan town, V. Rich spent his childhood in New Haven, Connecticut where he learned the power of music and its ability to connect to the hearts and minds of its listeners. Growing up the son of a preacher, in a family of singers, musicians, and music lovers, the young V. Rich was exposed to a vast array of musical genres and quickly became fascinated by the greats: Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye and John Coltrane and the classical giants: Chopin, Debussy and Beethoven.

By thirteen he had not only begun to explore his gift of transforming simple melodies into lyrical treasures, he had also learned to convert his passion and innate love for the piano into a means of artistic communication. He recalls, "The piano was my best friend. If I were angry I would play the piano. If I were sad, I would play the piano. When I needed to relax, I would play; it became an outlet for me." With a firm but loving push from his parents, V. Rich, took every opportunity to showcase his talents. From church to school, local events to local malls, he eventually gained his first major musical performance with the legendary Pavarotti, in the celebrated opera Tosca.

By the age of 14, shortly after moving to Maryland, V. Rich studied under the world-renowned classical pianist, Dr. Raymond Jackson. Under his tutelage V. Rich would become a prized classical pianist, earning a full scholarship into the prestigious musical program at Carnegie Mellon University. He would go on to graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from Howard University and win the venerated Down Beat Student Music Award.

His fervor for music deepened in the eclectic musical hub that is Washington DC; known then as “Keys”, he founded a critically acclaimed hip-hop band Lauda and began playing and singing backup for major R&B recording artist, Amel Larrieux. The exposure gave V. Rich greater desires to one day perform at the front of the stage. But he continued to add depth to his catalog and in 2005 he scored scenes in the BET made for TV movie "Multitude of Mercies". He began to find his footing as a producer and songwriter working with a number of local and national artists including Nevasha of the underground giant "Fertile Ground", Grammy - nominated performers Wayna and Raheem Devaughn, and Grammy award winners Mya and Lauryn Hill.

The culmination of his diverse and eclectic musical journey is highlighted in his first self-contained solo project, "Addicted". A euphonious blend of his rich and soulful artistry layered over infectious tones. It bleeds prowess and vulnerability. On the edge of freshly defined tracks with the lyrical swagger of a virtuoso this tunesmith and accomplished producer bares his seasoned soul. His energy and silvery polished quality demands attention in songs like, "Lovely" and "Spontaneous", and leaves listeners wanting more. Whether through live acoustic sets, or with his five-piece band V. Rich clearly is poised to make his mark as more than just the ordinary performer. Falsetto or richly in perfect key, his innate ability to perform is manifested through his showmanship, and charisma, and forges him out of the shadows. "Addicted" is aptly named, the kind of album you play from beginning to end, dynamic in range and listenability. It will leave you wanting to hear it again and again.