Skegness musician releases first album to show 'anything is possible'

Lewis Ritchie says he hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams when they listen to his songs, which tell his story.

Born in Grimsby, he moved to Skegness six years ago and worked as a carer and a trainee counsellor before finally taking the leap of faith into music.

"I started out writing poems at the age of seven and then began turning them into lyrics when I reached 16," he said. "Now at 27 I’m finally chasing my dream.

"I have been working on an album which is on track to be completed by 2021.

"My first single was released via all streaming platforms worldwide on October 12. The album is electronic/pop with some ballad songs also.

"I’ve really been crafting this album to tell a story and have people dancing, feel emotion, and have a sound to enjoy.

"Each track is a part of what I’ve experienced growing up and I can’t wait to share my music and story with the world.

"I hope to help and inspire many others to chase their dreams, no matter their background or story."

He says his first ever song 'Jack’s Inside A Box', tells tales of a relationship he experienced when he felt controlled - being told to stay in his room, with friends and family wondering why he never came out.

"Eventually this took a toll on me and my only way of expressing what I was feeling, was writing," he recalled. "So I began writing out the chorus, 'Jack’s inside a box, inside a box where’d he go, no one knows, you’re heart makes me blow oh oh oh, and within three minutes I had written 'Jack’s Inside A Box'.

"I then carried on writing and each song from the album showcases an experience, dream and reality of what I have gone through.

"In creating this persona, 'Jack', he made me feel safe, he took control of my life, with good and bad decisions.

"A risk taker, he gambles life to want success, to be seen and recognised and be desired.

"Sounds crazy, but the majority of the time I’ll be trying to sleep and have voices telling me to get up and write.

"Jack (my persona) is the one that creates this new world for everyone to be themselves, feel free and desire who they truly feel they are - to experiment with themselves, to open their mind to anything that is possible."

He describes the 'Dangerous Man' Album as a blast of genres, including pop, electronic, dance and ballad. "There will be happiness, confidence, feeling sexy, vulnerability, sadness and heartbreak," he says. "The album ends on a song of knowing self-worth, encouragement, the state of mind with mental health. The song is called 'Dancing Soul', which will be released in December for everyone to hear.

"Drag Catwalk is the first single lifted from the album and is out everywhere now. I admire drag artists and wanted to write a song for them. They showcase so much confidence, fierceness and show how to hone who you are without fearing judgment.

"I began writing this song with watching an Instagram video of a drag artist walking down a catwalk.

"I’m super excited and somewhat nervous sharing the rest of my music. I know it’s worth it, the music and vision is incredible on this album. I’m really excited for the world to hear what I have to offer."

Currently Lewis is in talks with the music video regarding a music video to be shot and filmed in Skegness. He said: "I have risked a lot for making this music and I have no regrets. I’ve put this off for so long so now my full concentration is music and getting it out there."