Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Wynne.
Hi richard, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Uh, this is always hard for me—I’m reluctant to overshare. I started playing punk music when I was kind of a kid. I fell hard. It kept me out of trouble in school where previously I was just a volcano of ADHD. Eventually, I got into jazz and stuff, but the real meat of it has always been songwriting for me.
Anyway, I was singing and playing guitar in a band and moved to L.A. as soon as I could. I had some fun when I got there, starting with busking on the Santa Monica Pier, which led to sharing the stage with artists ranging from Fall Out Boy to Kehlani. Spending time on tour with other artists makes it easier to write together—if only because you’re around each other more—so I started to dabble in writing for others and producing.
I ended up working as an informal ghostwriter for one of the majors. It was rough having some ideas go on to be placed with big artists and not getting the credit, but I learned a lot, including just how common that is. People think artists who have put out 10 albums already have another whole batch of tunes ready for the next one, not realizing that it’s usually the result of a factory—or a team of extremely gifted people—carefully crafting thousands of ideas. That’s actually one of the reasons I like to joke around with the credits on some of my releases. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point, right?
Anyway, I decided to break off and do my own thing. I was introduced to some talented artists and was lucky enough to work with Lauren Bennett of G.R.L., Shwayze, Sky Blu of LMFAO, Cam Meekins, and Sophie Simmons, as well as land some songs in Amazon movies. But I really wasn’t sure if I was in the right place.
I moved to Nashville a little over a year ago and am still getting used to the small-town vibe. There are definitely some great songwriters here, which is something I value having in my immediate proximity. Right now, I’m doing my best to just keep releasing music. I don’t know why, but sometimes I hold on to things for so long, and it doesn’t do me any favors.
As a producer, that’s easier—perspective in general is easier when you’re not the artist. I mean, how much easier is it to look at something when you don’t have to BE it? It’s hard to see the expression on your own face.
I produce for some really talented people around town and have been digging the insurgence of alternative music in Nashville. There’s something rebellious about it—or naughty, for lack of a better word. I don’t know; I kind of like getting in trouble, so I’m here for it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My artist name is literally poor rich. Too many, but we all struggle.
My band, Carlton, ending was really rough on me. It still is. We had a pretty nightmare-level experience with the industry, and I could’ve been there for my friends instead of dwelling on how much it sucked for me. In a way, I think I keep trying to replace that relationship with every other one in my life. After the band, it was the manager; after the manager, it was the new bandmate. Right now, I’m learning to fill that gap myself. I guess.
Sometimes, it’s still such a challenge to respect my own ideas. There are days when I’m embarrassed by every note I’ve ever made; there are others when I feel like I could give a masterclass in manipulating emotion through song. It’s a never-ending walk toward an ever-moving goalpost. My theory is that if I can just learn to enjoy being outside, then it’s all good.
When I was in L.A., I would have said that I struggled with balancing what makes me money with what I love. I’m lucky to be working with some extremely talented artists in Nashville, so I haven’t had the need to compromise. I don’t know—catch me 10 years from now when I’m playing stadiums and living in the woods.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
poor rich is my artist project.
I’m just trying to keep things real and put out more music. I can’t promise my next song is my best one, but, like…I don’t know. It’s what I’ve got right now. People aren’t going to love everything you do—you can count on that—so why bother trying to predict it? I just put out what I’m digging right now and try to live life, make videos, and play shows between releases.
My last song, “Anyways,” is a pretty upbeat jam, and my next song is a bit of a downer called “Somewhere.” Oh well.
As a producer, I’m always writing for sync, which keeps the juices flowing. I produce under my real name, Richard Wynne. I may start producing under poor rich—I haven’t decided yet, and you can’t make me.
I’m also working with some very cool artists in Nashville—Ada Pasternak, Gillian Krystal, and Lauren Baracos—as well as a few friends of mine in L.A., somehow making it work long-distance!
Ada put out a new song entitled “Walk Away,” which has a pop-punk vibe and a really special intro, I think, in addition to a ripping violin solo—by Ada, of course.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Can I list music here too?
I’’m liking Louis Cole, Alexsucks, Father of Peace…and Malcolm Todd’s thing is cool.
The book I’m currently reading is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. I’d recommend that any writer or creative person read Stephen King’s On Writing—it offers detailed insight into the life of a writer.
Pricing:
- Major-label rates vary greatly depending on the scope of the project. Am I writing every song with the artist, or do we just need to track existing ones? Are we using live drums or programmed drums? Do we need a band, or am I playing all the instruments? If we do need a band, why—and who should be in it? I could go on.
- $7,500–$20,000 per song—or $5,000–$15,000 per song if it’s part of an album—plus four to five points on the back end.
- $200–$300+ per hour or $1,800–$2,500+ per day for tracking and in-studio work.
- For independent artists, it’s different—especially if it’s a really cool project. Contact poorrichmgmt@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poorrich.mp3/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@poorrich-p7t
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/787dA1tXr4OhNH6pQgsoKi?si=u-dOQZyjQgSv2_vx4zlgLw
