We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richard Spitalsky. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richard below.
Richard, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned how to write and record my music over years of experiences. I believe any form of being creative is a journey. There are no short cuts. The only way to get to where you want to be is to try. Put yourself in situations that will cause growth. Have experiences, be selfless and always be learning. When I was fresh out of high school I had a very small circle of musician friends who were important in my life at the time, whom I still value and love today. However, I needed to meet new people to learn from and grow as an artist. I started going to live shows by myself a few times a week in the local bar scene. I developed relationships with more experienced musicians and ended up joining their group of bands. I was exposed to a whole new vibe, a different set of ideas and I soaked up all I could. I also befriended a guy who owned a recording studio. I volunteered my time helping around the studio doing anything from painting to playing to cleaning up. I did all this with no expectations of a return. I just genuinely liked the people there and I liked being in that atmosphere. By putting myself in that situation I learned the most fundamental practice of recording: mess with it until it sounds good. I don’t think there are any obstacles standing in the way of learning more but, I think having a lack patience may seem like an obstacle to many people.
Richard, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Richard Spitalsky. I am a musician/songwriter my band is called Extra Medium Pony. I was born with the natural ability of rhythm. After a failed year of piano lessons in 5th grade I instantly clicked with guitar. I was very interested in being the greatest guitar player to ever grace the earth. Once I learned there were 1 million guitarists per square mile I focused my energy on creating song. My early songs were not good but the encouragement of friends and family kept me going. I’ve always felt and still feel that I have something inside driving me to create. I believe It’s the endless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail and vision that sets me apart from my contemporaries. Vision meaning having direction and an artistic goal, seeing what the outcome should be and finding a path there. If I had to say what Im most proud of it would be that I’ve released 10 albums in the last 16 years and never compromised my ideals or artistic integrity. I have no interest in algorithms, followers or shallow faux success. I don’t follow any trends and Im not concerned with going viral. The only artistic interest I have is creating the thing I want to create. The only thing I have to offer the general public is a ride on my nostalgic handlebars and kindness.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
My answer to this question may not be what you’re looking for but I truly believe its important. The most rewarding part hands down are the friendships I’ve made along the way. I feel like too much emphasis is put on money. So many confuse money with worth and success. Yes, we all need money but, don’t overlook the importance of having a friend.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
No. Thats what I would say to any stranger who asked but, since I know you so well and this is a private conversation i’ll indulge. I am not a smart person scholastically. I did not have a good experience in the fundamentals of learning. The only knowledge I have is that of which I learned on my own from life experiences. While that may sound cool, I’m very insecure about my lack of education. Songwriting, music creation and recording is my way to tell the world that I’m not an idiot. There are a few people in my life that I strive to impress that I have not received the feedback I would’ve liked to have, Sometimes this drives me, sometimes it just makes me sad.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://extramediumponyforsure.bandcamp.com/album/yellowed
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extramediumpony/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xmpony
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@extramediumpony165
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6owxvqHbMbGAdZEir3iGN3?si=0XR3FuizSPiTnzz5kAGlfA
