Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich and The Money.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, CA. Born into turmoil, I struggled for purpose and definition throughout my younger years. I dealt with various forms of abuse from within my family and plenty of tough love from my friends and associates at school. I was physically and socially awkward as a young man, period. I totally enjoyed reading as a kid and discovered I had a passion and talent for writing and performing. Unfortunately, I was discouraged at almost every turn; leading to a fruitless search for meaning in work, from the shipyards to the mall to the corporate cubicle. During this time, I became a father to two amazing girls who are now teenagers approaching adulthood. I subsequently dealt with a painful and traumatizing divorce along with estrangement from my family and friends. All these experiences led me to an intense period of depression and bad habits. Around the time I sought help and began to unpack some of my issues, my good friend and local musician, Allen de la Rosa, encouraged me to pick up a guitar and consider it a paintbrush with which to realize my musical ideas. This set off a long-dormant creative yearning that became a recording and performing career. From failing spectacularly at local open mics to honing my skills at various karaoke bars around town, the stops and starts along the way have been numerous and at times comical. However, they have led me to a place where I am simultaneously transient and at home; always moving but generally at peace. Music is life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As previously detailed, I struggled with abuse and general discontent due to circumstances within my family life. I also struggled through some bad decision-making as I came into adulthood, leading to divorce, estrangement from my children and family, and intense financial distress. Furthermore, as a musician I am untrained and as a result, I spent most of my life convinced my dreams were unachievable and I still struggle with impostor syndrome when I let myself go there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, and media producer. I am known for electric live shows brimming with passionate energy, comedy, and spontaneity. I am most proud of being a father to two amazing daughters and what sets me apart from some is that I’m not afraid to be myself and embrace the differences that make me unique.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Be good. Be great! Take care of yourself and take care of each other!
Contact Info:
- Email: richandthemoney@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/richandthemoney
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/tk_cGjgsszM
