Carly Ritter portrait for her debut album announcement, featured in Music Magazine Issue No. 29. Singer-songwriter Carly Ritter, daughter of John Ritter and granddaughter of Tex Ritter, is making waves in folk and country music.
From the heart of Los Angeles, California, emerges Carly Ritter, a singer-songwriter poised to capture hearts with her unique blend of Americana and folk influences. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Hank Williams, Jackie DeShannon, and Nancy Sinatra, Carly Ritter carries a rich musical heritage, being the daughter of acclaimed actor John Ritter and the granddaughter of country music legend Tex Ritter. Her debut self-titled album, Carly Ritter, is out now and showcases her captivating artistry, available through carlyritter.com.
Growing up immersed in her parents’ rock ‘n’ roll record collection, Carly Ritter’s early musical inclinations leaned towards classical piano and harp. However, it was during her time studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland that she truly connected with her family’s musical legacy. “That was a special time for me,” Carly Ritter reflects. “I was exposed to these old ballads, and the imagery was strong, heartbreaking, haunting, and beautiful.” This period marked a turning point, igniting a passion for folk and country music that would shape her artistic path. Upon returning to the United States, Carly Ritter dedicated herself to exploring the roots of American music. “When I came back to the States, I spent my last year of college in the basement of the library scouring sheet music for all these old folk songs, spirituals, blues, and country songs,” she explains, highlighting her deep dive into the genres that now define her sound.
Carly Ritter’s self-titled debut album is a testament to her burgeoning talent and the collaborative spirit of the Los Angeles music scene. Recorded in a vintage Hollywood studio, the album benefited from the expertise of a remarkable production team. This team included the husband-and-wife duo Joachim Cooder and Juliette Commagere, alongside Joachim’s father, the legendary guitarist Ry Cooder, and Juliette’s brother, multi-instrumentalist Robert Francis. “Joachim and Juliette have such a feel for mid-’60s and ’70s music, and they’ve got this amazing sound,” Carly Ritter praises. “And of course, Ry Cooder and Robert Francis. They all know that music so well, and how to bring that feel to my songs.” This collaboration proved to be a formative experience for Carly Ritter. Securing a deal with Vanguard Records after completing a four-song demo further solidified her musical journey and deepened her collaboration with this esteemed team. “It was so humbling to be in a room with all of them, seeing how they work and communicate,” Carly Ritter shares, emphasizing the invaluable learning experience. “They speak this special language. It was so much fun to be part of that.” With her debut album now available, Carly Ritter stands ready to make her own mark on the landscape of Americana music, carrying forward a rich heritage while forging a distinctive sound that is all her own.
