JOSH RITCHIE
Josh Ritchie is a born performer. Ever since he could stand he's had a guitar in his hands and songs in his bones. Now a captivating performer, he commands the stage with the confidence of a seasoned front man. Ritchie describes himself as an “impressionist singer-songwriter,” likening the principles of his craft to those of the impressionist painters of the19th century. He doesn’t spoon-feed you a linear story but rather makes an impression of a feeling or a memory, creating a unique connection with each and every listener. His music is both ambitious, bold and big enough to fill a whole room but at the same time technical and refined when you take a closer look. As a young and ambitious person of colour, Ritchie quickly became fascinated with the relationship between art and activism. Growing up, he was influenced by bands and artists that weren’t afraid to make a statement with their art and he strives to do the same himself. From the minute the kid walks on stage it’s obvious he was meant to be there, serving audiences larger-than-life, stadium-rock energy at every show.
Press
"These are songs of togetherness, equality, empathy and, of course, love,” the Toronto singer-songwriter says. But there’s more to the disc than that. “With this record I opened up about more serious topics. A number of songs are directly influenced by my experience organizing and leading a Black Lives Matter event, but another theme of my writing was dealing with the fact that as a young person we are inheriting a broken and burning world and we are forced to be the generation to stand up and do something about it."
- Darryl Sterdan - Tinnitist
"You can hear the emotion and power in his voice, combined with catchy melodies, lyrical and dreamy guitar work, and sweeping drum grooves on his first album, Louder, released in 2019. Josh is a natural songwriter, creating songs that hook you and keep you wanting more. I get Hozier vibes mixed with U2, and a unique quality of rock storytelling. I can’t wait to see him perform live sometime, because you can hear the intensity in his words. I love when you can hear that someone truly means the lyrics they are singing."
-Laura Conning, Route 26 ON 2021
Past Events
Jun. 5,6
2024
Living Roots Festival, Fredricton NB
Apr. 27
2024
GAIN Fest, Guelph ON
Aug. 5
2023
Emancipation Festival,
Owen Sound ON
May 6
2023
Bar Cathedral, Toronto ON
Dec. 15
2022
The Cameron House, Toronto ON (Sold Out)
Feb. 18
2022
Winterfolk 30, Livestream
Oct. 8
2021
"Love at the End of the World" Album Release.
Lee's Palace, Toronto ON
(Sold Out)