By Nicholas Jason Lopez
San Diego-based singer-songwriter Ricky Schmidt (Hey, Chels, Western Settings) recently debuted his latest solo single and first of 2021 called “Miss You.”
The song chronicles the feeling of missing friends and loved ones during the quarantined months of 2020, something that everyone can relate to, surely.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Schmidt about “Miss You” and more.
Music Bugle – What directly inspired your solo single “Miss You”?
Ricky Schmidt – I guess just missing everything and everyone and feeling disconnected from the world we all knew before things got all messy and lonely the way they are now.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Ricky Schmidt – Ummm… I suppose it’s a way to share your stuff with people. In that way, it’s definitely beneficial. Sometimes, it sucks when that’s the only way you get to connect with anyone.
Music Bugle – How would you describe your solo style compared to that of your work with Hey, Chels and Western Settings?
Ricky Schmidt – It’s a little weirder, I suppose. A little more poppy, a little more rock n’ rolly, a little more personal to just me.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ricky Schmidt – Well, we haven’t been able to play shows and hangout with everyone. I guess it’s affected me the same way it has affected everyone. I worked in bars before this all started. That changed. I used to be on the road a lot throughout the year. That’s also changed.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Ricky Schmidt – A lot of Beach Boys radio. That’s kind of been the main thing I’ve been listening to since the pandemic started.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need an escape?
Ricky Schmidt – I went camping a few times this year. Other than that, just my room.
Music Bugle – What are three of your favorite all-time albums?
Ricky Schmidt – This is a tough one. I feel like it changes as time goes on. Off the top of my head, Joe Jackson’s ‘I’m The Man,’ The Arrivals’ ‘Volatile Molotov’ and The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ are all up there. There are plenty of others, though.
Music Bugle – What’s something that you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Ricky Schmidt – It would be cool to see more and more Women and LGBTQ+ bands doing stuff. There are a ton of rad bands already out there. I feel like a lot of folks in those communities have a lot to say and that music is a great platform to do so. The more, the better.
Music Bugle – If you had to pick your own theme song, what would it be?
Ricky Schmidt – I have no idea.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for from the rest of 2021?
Ricky Schmidt – I hope everyone gets vaccinated and things return to some kind of norm. It would be nice to hang in large groups again and play shows with friends.
