We are so excited to welcome Richie Kihlken and his band to the #TPfamily! Richie leads the band with his timeless voice, groovy piano riffs, and charismatic honest-to-goodness personality. Dedicated to being musicians of growth and evolution Richie and the band explores Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and Pop. Read on to get to know Richie and his music!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your music.
Honestly, they’re kind of intertwined. Music is inherent to how I feel and experience the world. I process and express everything I can through music. Herbie Hancock once summed up this feeling by saying, “I don't look at music from the standpoint of being a musician; I look at it from the standpoint of being a human being.” Music is somehow both my safe space and what pushes me forward. Whether that means singing in my basement or expanding my musical career. Also playing music and being involved in the Saint Louis music scene has led me to not all, but a lot of the greatest people in my life and created a community that I feel humbled to be a part of.
What else can I tell you about me...I’m currently 31. I thought I was 30, but was recently reminded I am actually 31. I was really excited when Planet Earth 2 came out on Netflix this month. I enjoy doing pretty much anything outdoors; team sports, camping, skiing (water or snow), hiking, biking, hanging in a hammock, and so on. I cook a lot and yes, I too love the Instant Pot. When I garnish with cilantro, I prefer to use excessively large piles. I love to meet new people, so introduce yourself if we ever meet.
You describe yourself as “an old soul” how does this influence you and your music?
I like to think that I am paying tribute to the styles and works of the greats before me. And while art is here to progress us as conscious beings, it helps to ground yourself in what has worked in the past, to lift the spirits so to speak.
Also, I love wearing bow ties and suspenders.
How would you describe your sound?
Purple-hued soul, rhythm and blues music with elements of indie-funk-rock .
When did you start playing music?
I had my first piano lesson at 7 years old.
What is your favorite moment of performing for a live audience?
Anytime I get people to dance. Whether it’s the kids, the couples or the older folks… I love seeing people let loose and enjoy the music I’m making.
What influences your music the most?
My friends, and the music that they are passionate about. Of course, it is easy to discover music on your own these days, but I notice that the stuff I care about most is music that was shown to me by people I love and admire.
Do you have any words to live by or life motto?
Compassion
Who would be your dream collaboration?
Dancing on stage with David Byrne from the Talking Heads, of course.
If you had to describe your music in one word it would be….
Velvet
Do you have a favorite performance that you’ve done in the past or been a part of?
I might have to say the concert from which I premiered my current band, at The Kranzberg Arts Center. My group learned and collaborated on about a dozen of my original songs in a very short time and we went out and delivered them with so much heart to an engaged sold-out crowd. It felt like the beginning of what was to be a longstanding musical bond.
If they made a documentary about you, who would be on the soundtrack?
Hopefully just Randy Newman, but I also might include Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Beach Boys, Beatles, Allman Brothers, James Brown, Neil Young, Nirvana, Blind Melon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Winehouse ... I love Amy.
