Jeff Ritz
Jeff Ritz | |
|---|---|
| File:Jeff Ritz Music.jpg Jeff Ritz 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jeff Ritz |
| Born | January 4, 1993 Ashland, Ohio, United States |
| Genres | Acoustic, Folk, Pop Rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Labels | Sub-Low Records (2009) Watch Your Step (2011-2012) |
| Associated acts | Ever Else, Striped Bananas |
| Website | JeffRitzMusic.com |
Jeff Ritz, better known by his former stage and recording name Damage Shift (2013 - 2014) as well as the Jeff Ritz Band (2009 - 2013), is an American punk/rock singer-songwriter that brings the punk attitude to the rock/alt world. Ritz writes songs with meaning, counteracting with a jam band style twist. He has a combination of socially applauded lyrics and skillful knowledge of music from the past and present, since Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin rambled their way into the hearts of a transforming generation. Ritz focuses solely on the artistry of the music and putting out good sounding and well written songs to capture the attention of the audience. He was recently coined: The Bob Dylan of Ashland, Ohio.
Early Life & Musical Beginnings
Born Jeffery Todd Ritz, in Ashland, Ohio, the eldest child of Jeff Sr. and Tammy Ritz. Ritz found a passion in music from an early age of 8. At the age of 12, Ritz had formed a punk band with his brother Alec Ritz and longtime friends, Joe Carmichael and Thomas Draper. The four performed under the name Ever Else while the band honed their talents for 4 years. Ever Else has since broken up, but was later revived as a side project in 2010.
Solo Career
Ritz decided to start writing and performing on a more professional level and in November 2009 Ritz launched his music career. Ritz brings the punk attitude to the folk/acoustic world, writing songs with meaning, counteracting with a jam band style twist. His first exposure came through playing shows he put on around his home town of Ashland before issuing Love Crazy EP on June 8, 2009, self recorded with the help of Sub-Low Records.
On January 4, 2010, Ritz released his second EP, Over These Hills EP, claiming that he wasn't ready to release a full length album yet. This EP gained him more publicity than he had expected. After the release of the EP, he inked a merchandise design and distribution deal with long-time friend Devon Brabenec and his printing & fulfillment company GDC Industries.
Ritz released his first full length album This Fantasy on October 1, 2010, only 8 months after his second EP. Sales soared compared to his post full length releases. This Fantasy was recorded by local Ashland producer Dan Ditlevson.
Discography
Albums
| Year | Studio Albums | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | This Fantasy | |
| 2011 | The Spree | |
| 2012 | Not Even Time Waits |
EPs
| Year | EPs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Love Crazy | |
| 2010 | Over These Hills | |
| 2014 | Winter '14 | |
| 2015 | (Untitled) | Currently Recording |
Singles
- "We Could Go (New York)" (July, 2011)
- "Who Are We Now" (March, 2013)
- "I'll Be Gone" ft. Madison Shilliday (April, 2014)
- "Dreaming of This Girl (June, 2014)
- "Déjà Vu (February, 2015)
- "Seventeen (April, 2015)
Current Members
Ritz sings and plays guitar, piano & harmonica in recordings and at live performances.
Previous Members
- Josh Pickerel - Guitar
- Danton Bee - Rhythm Guitar
- Thomas Draper - Bass Guitar
- Alec Ritz - Drums
References
[1] Richland Source. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
External links
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