Ricochet - Interview

RICOCHET - Dwayne Dupuy (Keyboard/Singer for Ricochet)

I know that some members of Ricochet left, and some new members joined to create a new sound.

What can fans expect that will be different than before? Did you add more instruments, vocals, etc?

Yes, we have changed members over the years. We feel like bands have to grow with the times and that is what we are trying to do with our sound. That "new" sound for Ricochet is more modern with a much greater emphasis on playing and singing. We took away the fiddle and added more B-3 organ to give a more raw rock sound. Put our 5 part harmony on top and you get Ricochet. So far, we have had GREAT reviews from fans across the country.

What goals have you accomplished already, and what goals do you still want to accomplish with the new sound of Ricochet?

Our main goal for 2003 was to get new music recorded in the studio. We did do that. In fact, we have a 3 song project being shopped to labels in hopes of getting a new record deal. Of course, the next goal to accomplish is to get signed with a label and put a new song/video on the charts ASAP! We are also going to record a "LIVE" record in Las Vegas which has never been done before. It should be out around March of 2004. So many goals have been accomplished and many more to go.........we just keep pushing forward!

What are you guys currently working on? Have you guys been in the studio recording new material? Touring? Writing?

Well, the new material that I mentioned before is what we have been working on. It took us about 6 months of listening to songs and picking the best 3 for the band. We played on all the tracks and sang all the parts which to us is VERY important. We did not nor do we want to us "studio" players because they really cannot capture the sound we are looking for.

We are constantly writing and looking for new material. It is a never ending ball game. We all write which helps a great deal in the search. We are also touring a great deal with about a 120 dates throughout the year. We had an extensive summer tour with Exile and went to Japan with Brad Paisley. We finish the tour with 2 weeks in Las Vegas at the Stardust Casino. AS you can see, we are a busy bunch!

How does it feel to be one of the only ones who have released, and charted the National Anthem?

Our version of the National Anthem is something we are all very proud of. We support our troops 100% and we only hope this helps out just a little bit. We are asked to sing "The National Anthem" at events throughout the year. It is always a crowd pleaser and something we hope to be singing for years to come. We will a new version of The National Anthem on our Live record coming out next year.

You have had multiple chart topping hits under your belt. What is your favorite to perform live, and why?

I think we all like to perform "Seven Bridges Road" the best. It is the time when we sing with just an acoustic guitar. Most bands could never pull the harmonies off but we can! That makes it special and the people ALWAYS love the song. We get a ton of request of the song. It is AWSOME!!

I see that some of you are songwriters. For those of you who write, where do you find the ideas, and inspirations?

Well, I can only answer for myself here. I get most of my inspirations from real life situations. What ever I am feeling or been through usually comes out in a song. It is my way of communicating. I am sure that the rest of the guys will say the same thing.

What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?

The best thing about touring is the great food and all the places and people you meet. You basically see the country while having the time of your life! Of course the worst thing is when the bus breaks and you have to sit at a truck stop for hours, waiting for it to get fixed......YUCK!

In your opinion, what song or songs do you believe made you guys more established with the fans, radio, and the whole industry in particular?

I think the both Daddy's Money and Seven Bridges Road really hit the spot with radio and the fans. We get requests all of the time to perform these songs and they are both still very popular. It also showcased our vocal abilities which is what we, as a band, are most proud of!

Aside from music, what else do you want to accomplish in life?

We just want to be better people. We want to set examples for people to better themselves and be productive in this world.

When recording future records, do you plan to work with the production?

Yes, we do. We plan on playing, singing, and co producing all of the new material on the upcoming album. We want to be more involved in what goes on in the studio. We think it will make us more rounded as musicians and produce better quality music for our fans.

How would you describe the whole process of recording albums, and what is a typical day in the studio like?

The best way to describe a day in the studio is "hurry up and wait"!!! It is a long process where you put in many long hours. You can go 12 to 14 hours of recording a day. Most of the time you are sitting around waiting for your part to be put down. But, it is fun and exciting when the finished product comes out. We all LOVE playing in the studio.

What kind of songs do you look for (or write) when you go in the studio?

We like songs the will touch us in someway. It should makes us feel something.....cry, laugh, dance, get mad, etc.....just something. We think if it effects us then it will effect the fans when they listen. We also look for songs that have huge harmonies in them. We like songs with great melodies and cool chord progressions as well.

On your album, "What You Leave Behind," what is your favorite song on the album, and why?

Seven Bridges Road is our favorite because it shows off our singing. The harmonies are complex and it really lets us shine!

Who has been the biggest influence in your life with your career in country music?

That is a difficult question to answer because every member of the band grew up listening to different types of music from different bands. We have traditional country lovers in the group as well as hard core rock lovers. We have jazz lovers and funk lovers as well. So, to pick one artist is almost impossible. Let's just say that we have listened to artist's from Johnny Cash to Journey......from Restless Heart to Hank Williams.......from Metallica to Sting.......from Steve Warner to Elton John.......from Toto to Merle Haggard

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