The Road of Life marks the significant debut solo record from John Richard, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the artist’s life and experiences. This collection of songs is carefully curated from the depths of personal reflection, representing a snapshot of John Richard‘s identity and journey thus far. Staying true to the principle of “write what you know,” John Richard draws directly from his own life, transforming personal moments into relatable and resonant music.
In a moment of self-awareness, John Richard recounts an experience observing his children at play, realizing the word “Observer” encapsulates his core nature. This perspective is central to understanding John Richard‘s approach to both life and songwriting. He describes himself as someone who absorbs the world around him – the people, places, and experiences that constitute a life – constantly processing and contextualizing these elements. This introspective nature, while sometimes misconstrued as aloofness, is in fact the wellspring of his creative process. John Richard clarifies that his quiet demeanor in social settings is not due to indifference, but rather deep thought and discomfort, a seeming paradox given his chosen path in music.
These ten tracks on The Road of Life serve as an autobiographical exploration, charting John Richard‘s personal evolution and current state. It’s a musical examination of the fundamental questions of existence: the who, what, where, when, how, and why of life itself. John Richard once aptly described his songwriting as “emotional journalism,” a fitting descriptor for the raw honesty and personal truth embedded within each song. Through The Road of Life, John Richard invites listeners to join him on this introspective journey, offering a genuine and heartfelt connection through music.
