CHRIS RITTER
Songwriter
ABOUT CHRIS RITTER
Austin Songwriter with Lubbock Roots
Chris Ritter is an Austin, Texas based songwriter that grew up in Lubbock, where music was a life-raft on a sea of cotton fields punctuated by churches, bars, and the occasional pump jack. Ritter writes about existential struggles and shadowy emotional subjects. His lyrics involve suffering and shifting.
Influenced by country and folk songwriters from West Texas and beyond--as well as by his struggles with alcohol, depression, and grief--his vulnerable style stems from a philosophy that music is a therapy which helps us to heal by releasing the darkness that accumulates in the "shadow self."
Ritter's debut album, Dual Diagnosis, was released on May 12, 2024 and is now on all streaming platforms along with being available on this site. The album explores the darkness and pain of addiction and depression. Ritter has been in recovery since 2010 and lost his wife Rachelle to breast cancer in 2019. The album is dedicated to her and includes keyboards and vocals by his and Rachelle's daughter Maddie Ritter.
CHRIS RITTER'S DEBUT ALBUM IS "PROFOUND"
Americana Highways reviewed Chris Ritter's debut album and said that "it is thoughtful, profound, and heartwarming." Ritter "showcases the emotional connection that [he] makes seem so effortless." Read the review here:
CLICK HERE to read Americana Highways Review of Dual Diagnosis
ALBUM CREDITS:
Chris Ritter: songwriting, production, editing, vocals, and rhythm guitar; bass on tracks 6 and 7
Maddie Ritter: organ; vocals and songwriting on track 8
Lloyd Maines: steel guitar and dobro; rhythm and lead guitar on tracks 1, 3, 4, and 5
Pat Manske at the Zone Recording Studio: mixing and mastering
Chris Haigh: fiddle
Andy Warner: rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and bass on tracks 3, 8, and 9, piano on track 8
Ian Hernan: mandolin
All contributions by Chris Ritter and Maddie Ritter were recorded by Chris Ritter at his home studio and by the listed instrumental artists in their own studios.
SHOWS
Chris Ritter has performed at a number of music venues in the past several years in Austin, Texas including the Cactus Cafe, New World Deli, Threadgill's, Carousel Lounge, Continental Club Gallery, the Tigress Pub, the Irie Bean, Genuine Jo's Coffee, Strangebrew (now Captain Quackenbush's), the Lemon Lounge, KOOP 91.7 FM, Love Goat, and more (scroll the Facebook page by clicking the button below for all shows and for sample videos).
