Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen is a focused artist, renowned as a stellar guitarist, emotive singer, and dynamic live performer. However, he emphasizes the importance of songwriting. "My whole existence has been driven by songs," Kotzen admits, highlighting his early realization that songwriting is key to his future. Kotzen's vocal style blends influences from Paul Rodgers, Terence Trent D’Arby, and Rod Stewart, with songwriting inspiration from Daryl Hall and Don Henley. He describes his process as conversational and spontaneous, often waiting for inspiration to strike before creating new music.

In 2021, Kotzen collaborated with Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith on the album SMITH/KOTZEN and the EP BETTER DAYS. Their creative synergy involved exchanging ideas, resulting in tracks like "Scars," where Kotzen improvised parts of the song on the spot. Kotzen's career includes diverse collaborations, such as with the jazz-fusion supergroup Vertú, and he fronts the rock band The Winery Dogs. As a solo artist, he has released 22 albums, with 50 FOR 50, a three-disc set celebrating his 50th birthday, being a notable highlight.

After pandemic-related delays, Kotzen is returning to the stage in August 2022 with a power-trio format, showcasing his love for live performance and improvisation. Reflecting on his career, Kotzen values the connections his music creates with his fans and aims to continue expanding his artistic reach.