Richard Tichelman
Photo Supplied by Eric Alper PR

Richard Tichelman shares “Never Be the Same” (Interview)

Richard Tichelman Releases Heartfelt Anthem ‘Never Be The Same’ from Anticipated Debut Album In & Out of Love

Singer-songwriter Richard Tichelman is excited to announce the release of his brand new single “Never Be The Same,” out now, off of his eagerly awaited full-length debut album, In & Out of Love, set to be released in June 2024.

Drawing on personal heartbreak, his latest track marks a new beginning for the artist and a new song for the playlists of pop fans everywhere, just in time for summer.

Written in Nashville, TN, in close collaboration with the renowned songwriting duo Jimmy Thow (Blake Shelton, Joe Nichols, Shawn Hook) and Jamie Floyd (Ronnie Dunn, Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert) and produced by Ovi Bistriceanu (Mia Martina, Massari, French Montana), “Never Be The Same” showcases Tichelman’s growth and versatility as an artist who has matured as a lyricist, vocalist, musician, and songwriter.

“Never Be The Same” offers an upbeat, unapologetic, yet poignant reflection on the pain of heartbreak and the path to moving on. With lyrics like, “You don’t get to change your mind once you bury love alive,” Tichelman turns a profoundly personal song encapsulating raw emotion into a feel-good anthem for closure and healing.

Tichelman credits the collaborative magic with Thow, Floyd, and Bistriceanu for extracting these emotions and helping to convey them through song. 

“Being some of the most beautiful souls I’ve met, I felt immediately able to open up the emotional content of my life,” says Tichelman, who believes “Never Be The Same” is one of the best songs he’s ever written.

The unwavering support of his burgeoning fanbase has not gone unnoticed.

I feel grateful that a core group of people who know this song already can sing it back to me,” says Tichelman. “Something about this song sticks, and I’m blessed to see it move others.”

Following on the success of his previous hit single, “Hands,” which earned Tichelman a spotlight at CMW’s featured Artist Showcase and grand prize at the Jim Beam Bourbon Virtual National Talent Search, “Never Be The Same” and the new album marks Tichelman’s first project under the XOXO Entertainment Corp.

Hi Richard, care to introduce yourself?

I would love to introduce myself! 

I’m born and raised right by the border just south of Vancouver, brought up between White Rock and South Surrey. And it was right out here where music became what it means to me today. A lot of my local opportunities came from connections and community planted and growing in the same field as I was. 

Tell us about the process of recording “’Never Be The Same’”?

Recording Never Be The Same has to be one of the most memorable sessions of my life. Prior to recording, I had taken 3 days off to go camping out of town with some friends to celebrate some July birthdays. Early Monday morning I packed up my motorcycle and rode the three hours home and literally just as I was about to take off to make my way downtown. I had some major mechanical failure with my belt tearing and leaving me stranded on the side of the road. I manage to walk the 900lb bike home and take my dad’s bike downtown. I felt so cluttered rolling into the studio, but my producer (Ovi Bistriceanu) kept my head on straight and the song on track. Ovi is a gentle human who is as strong as iron. He helped me stay sharp and tap into the necessary emotion for this song. I’m so grateful to have worked with him as I feel he brought the best out of me at the time. Ovi inspired and guided a full emotional flip from the turmoil that had taken place an hour before, to the storytelling of Never Be The Same. What a whirlwind of a day.

Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?

I remember the first time I heard Mother Mother. Immediately they were impactful and left an impression that has lasted in my life. I’m truly blown away by their musicianship and lyricism. Their performance is encapsulating and leaves you wanting more… At least I know I’ve been craving it. Once I learned that these cats were local, the world felt a little smaller, and just a hair more attainable… I thought to myself… “It is possible”.   As for a recent Canadian band that has swept me off my feet, it has to be Fionn. Twin sisters brought up in my hometown who have always been a force to be reckoned with. Strong musicianship, and infectious lyrics back up to the music, it also helps that they have fun and enticing personalities. It’s the kind of music you want on repeat and don’t mind when the playlist comes back around. I might be a bit of a fanboy. 

What’s an album that you have in your collection that would surprise people?

I listen to a lot of music, and nothing that’s quite similar or relative to each other. But if I had to pick an album that might surprise the folks around me, I would have to say “Diary of a Madman” by Ozzy Osbourne, or “Time & Space” by Turnstile. Since childhood, I’ve been an avid metalhead. Got to stick to the guns.

What are your plans for Spring and Summer?

On Mother’s Day, I was involved in a motorcycle incident where I was hit head-on by a car and flew close to 90 feet into a ditch. Right now my spring plans are to recover and heal up from my surgery and prep to release another single/album in the coming months. My goal is to come back locked and loaded ready to go, and definitely let people into the healing process. For the time being, I have to take a step down and let my body do his thing. 

Connect with Richard Tichelman:
Website
X
Instagram
TikTok