Classically trained pianist and singer songwriter from Pontypool in South Wales, Rebecca Richards is making a name for herself with her gorgeous chord progressions, melody creation and beautiful vocals. Her songs have been described as uplifting and empowering whilst maintaining a bittersweet edge. Her love of music is heavily steeped in country, blues and rock and major influences include The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Glen Campbell and Blackberry Smoke. Rebecca has been fortunate to have performed across the UK including The Camden Club, London, South Wales Country Music Festival, Newport, The Green Gathering, Chepstow and The Acoustic Cafe, Tavistock as well as playing venues across Wales and the South West. More recently she has been voted a finalist for the 2023 UKCountryRadio.com Song Award for “I Love It When You Smile” and she will be playing live at The UK Country Music Awards on 28th October 2023. Upcoming dates include the “Hidden Lyrics” songwriters round featuring artists from UK and the USA being held at Tiny Rebel, Cardiff 23/11/23.
Rebecca says her favourite part of music creation is the connection with others through her music. “It is something really special when people tell you your song has resonated with their experiences and it has moved them.”
“I Love It When You Smile” is one of the first songs Rebecca wrote, created during the pandemic as a country style song inspired by wanting to reach out to people she loved but couldn’t be with. Her signature harmonies and arrangements are beautifully on display in this uplifting and tender song. After meeting Lorraine and Michael Walklin at an open mic night, she was inspired by their story and wanted to help the charity they had set up in memory of their son, Matthew.
Having completed his journey with cancer his lasting wish was to set up “Make a Smile Foundation” to help people raise a smile whilst going through treatment across South Wales. All proceeds from sales, streams and charitable donations will go towards “bringing smiles” to people in South Wales as they undergo cancer treatment.
In October 2023, Rebecca released the single “New Yesterdays”. She knows he’s no good, she says she’s going to leave but will she? Based on her conversations with so many people, Rebecca’s exceptional song writing tells the story of a broken relationship and the dream of creating new memories. Rebecca says, “Sometimes, it comes to a point where you have to admit it can go no further, especially when it’s unhealthy. I hope the song conveys the hope that it can be better, that you can make New Yesterdays”.
Produced by First Time Flyers’ Tim Prottey-Jones, Rebecca’s signature vocals and harmonies are the perfect match in this painful yet uplifting country song that will leave you wanting to find out what happens next.
