Courtesy of Richard Schmieg
Richard Schmieg, a State Fullerton alumnus, is an acoustic indie/alternative singer and songwriter who released his debut EP, No Ordinary Life.
If you are a fan of The Rocket Summer, Death Cab for Cutie, Sigur Rós or Copeland, Schmieg has the sound for you offering sweet chords and hopeful lyrics.
No Ordinary Life is Schmieg’s personal introduction to the world and he has plenty in store for listeners in the future.
The 23-year-old has been in love with music since his youth, writing his first song when he was 15. His first EP release was in 2010 with his alternative pop rock band, Goodbye Luna, titled Love So Deep.
He graduated from CSUF in May 2011 with a B.A. in comparative religion and a minor in Christian studies. Schmieg then moved to Los Angeles.
His musical influences include Thrice, The Rocket Summer and Relient K.
“They write songs with real meaning that speaks to me,” said Schmieg.
Schmieg wrote his most beloved song, “Passerby,” on a train ride to San Luis Obispo.
“‘Passerby’ was a vow to myself and a message to others out there that you were made to pursue your passions,” Schmieg said.
He admits to taking every opportunity to do what he is most passionate about and what he believes he was meant to do.
“Passerby” was a song so meaningful to Schmieg that it was soon followed by the release of No Ordinary Life on Sept. 4.
Although Schmieg’s experience and love for religion plays an important role in his songwriting, he enjoys writing music that is accessible and relatable to everyone.
Out of his three-track EP, “Passerby” is his favorite song because of the impact the song has in life. Inspiring him to chase his deepest aspirations of being a singer/songwriter.
Schmieg said it’s a song about using one’s gifts to the fullest and not letting them go to waste. Having one try to make a difference and making a promise to make sure life won’t pass you by.
This is a message that is universal to all of the dreamers in the world.
“Running Wild” was another favorite of Schmieg’s because of the catchy guitar riff during the high energy of the trumpet and saxophone, which added to the spirit of the song.
“I really had fun with the song once I came up with this guitar riff and I really wanted to put some lyrics to it,” Schmieg said.
Schmieg is taking time to play weekend shows in different areas throughout Southern California to make his first impressions as a performer, introducing himself to the world.
If given the chance, Schmieg mentioned that one day he would love to open for Bryce Avary and perhaps perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
Still, as a solo artist, Schmieg wants to put his focus and energy in his greatest passion, songwriting.
As of now, he is working on pitching a written song for Rome. Schmieg plans to continue his work as a writer with the hope of releasing more music for his listeners with a full-length album.
He also plans on working with his band, Goodbye Luna, to finish recording and releasing another song.
Schmieg is also working on a project to get fans to record themselves singing along to the song “Running Wild” to create a special fan-made video of the song.
Schmieg leaves readers with this final message:
“There’s a lot of ways to get to where you want to go; you just have to choose a way. Believe you’ve got something to offer, and don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Remember, it’s not an ordinary life,” he said.
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