M-Ritz is an emerging singer/songwriter who made her professional solo recording debut in 2018 with the EP Like, I Love You. That record introduced a skilled and soulful singer with an experimental alt-pop vibe and a genre-fluid sound. A native of Seattle, Washington in recent years the classically trained vocalist left the grunge Mecca for the Big Apple. There she embraced the famously eclectic NYC music scene.
Mixing elements of jazz, alt/r&b and EDM, M-Ritz creates a mesmerizing pop experience. Since her debut, the singer has worked with collaborators hOLLANDjUNGLE and Ax-Ra Films to produce a string of successful singles. She has connected with fans around the world on tracks like “So Close” and “Cool Cat.” The versatile singer attributes her eclectic sound to the influence of a wide range of legendary pop and jazz vocalists, including; Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Imelda May, Enya, Bjork, Aretha Franklin, and Eva Cassidy.
“By Now” is the brand new album from M-Ritz, released worldwide via all major streaming services on July 9, 2022. The seven-song set pairs the singer’s soulful vocals and deeply personal lyrics with a hypnotic musical vibe that floats somewhere in the space between pop, EDM and jazz. From the opening sultry modern pop interpretation of Shirley Bassey’s classic Bond theme “Diamonds are Forever” to the Spanish guitar and cinematic orchestral strings of the title track, the record is a captivating and vulnerable collection of songs.
A downtempo EDM groove beats at the heart of the album. Within that space M-Ritz drops electro-pop hooks (“Pain in my Heart”) and deep house/dark pop moods (“Skin,” “Thrive”). Jazz piano and saxophone riffs paint the edges of the mix throughout the record. All of these elements converge on the excellent “The Divide Between” as the singer delivers an impassioned plea for unity in a fractured world.
Check out the “Diamonds are Forever” video below. You can also hear that track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist and “The Divide Between” on the Deep Indie Dance, or listen to the entire album on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with M-Ritz about the new record. Check out her answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist. Get on her socials and get in the know.
8 Questions with M-Ritz
Where are you from?
From Seattle, WA. Living in New York City.
How long have you been making music?
Since 2015
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Production: hOLLANDjUNGLE Productions, Rob “Cortex” Sparks, and Debonaire (mastering).
Piano: Adam Bonomo; bassist Nate Edgar; electric guitarist Kappa; trumpeter Alex Nguyen; saxophonist Steve Reason. For “By Now (When Will This End”): oudist Michael Burdi; Conductor and Orchestra Arrangement: Martin Figueroa & Tom Vivas; Musicians:Violin – Yorman BelloViolin – Martin FigueroaViolin – Juan BorgesViola – Josue MuñozCello – Listz franz figueraCello – Styphanie floresBass – María Alejandra DíazHorns – Edgar González Timpani/percussion – Anthony Palacios
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Callas, David Gray, Aretha Franklin, Enya, Bjork, Imelda May, Lady Gaga.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Simone de Beauvoir, Emma Goldman, Angela Davis, Frantz Fanon, Edward Said, Nadine Labaki, Marjane Satrapi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amanda Palmer. Essentially women and men who have used their voices and talents to boldly defy social standards or political norms with the intention of helping lead humanity towards a stronger future.
What inspired you to create this project?
James Bond/007 was an overarching inspiration for this EP. I wanted to create something that demonstrated greater artistry and maturation as a growing singer-songwriter. I was inspired to put together some songs that reflected on romance as well as on society in a deep and meaningful way, that still leaves the listener with some hope.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I’ll be releasing two Jazzy Pop follow-up singles this year (August and October) to continue on in the style akin to my “Cool Cat” song. I intend to continue developing this sound until it is a unique, recognizable trademark for Pop and Adult Contemporary music listeners alike.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Had it not been for some special friends and gems of people I’ve met along the way, seeing this project through would not have been possible. It takes a village!
Connect with M-Ritz
YouTube
Spotify
The post M-Ritz Drops Soulful & Nuanced New Album appeared first on The Static Dive.
