A Dirty Dozen with S/J (Seth Jude Richard) – September 2023

According to a recent press release: “S/J (the solo project of folk/punk musician Seth Jude Richard, has released his new single “Carry On The Name.” The track is a song for the father in all men and serves as a life lesson for his oldest son on how to deal with today’s world, while showing how S/J himself was brought up. S/J, Seth Jude Richard, is a south Louisiana boy who now lives in Florida. Growing up in a French rich culture, his grandfather introduced him to Cajun French music and acoustic music at a very young age. By the time he was 9, Seth would pick up a guitar and start to dream big. At the young age of 12, he entered the world of punk rock and started on what would be a long journey of touring and many experiences. Starting his own band, Layden and the Lion, he would record with Aaron Gillespie of Underoath, who would also produce and play drums on the record, The Lucky Ones. He also played bass for Ten Foot Pole on the Escalating Quickly Tour a few years ago. After Covid, Seth decided to embark on a solo journey to release his upcoming debut album, Black Magnolias. With a hectic touring schedule and raising two boys, he sees no end in sight.” We get Seth to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This latest song, “Carry The Name,” is mainly about kind of passing down your legacy. Your everything. But that also includes the things we may inherit from our family members. Addiction, mental health etc. I think what some may not realize is it’s for my oldest son who is getting to the age where he sees my struggles and strife. It has been a hard pill to swallow for me. To help him carry the name way better then I have.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My grandfather had a huge impact on my life. I remember him from such a young age until he passed within the same month of meeting my soon to be wife. He was always cooking and listening to French music. It was always around, especially the accordion. My dad would end up giving me a compact CD player at a young age with a few CDs. One of those was Guns and Roses Appetite for Destruction. And well Slash became my idol at that time. I realized I badly wanted to play guitar. Whenever Silverchair released Frogstomp I was hooked. I stepdad got me a guitar and I never stopped playing NEVER. From there I was 12 when I started playing in bands with much older guys. In Louisiana we have an entertainment law that allows you to play in bars and clubs at any age.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

It started with Country and French music with my grandpa, then of course I would grow with the times of when I was growing up which would end up being grunge and punk rock. Going to warped tour at 12 definitely sealed that for me. Seeing Pennywise and all those great bands really opened my eyes to what and where I wanted to be as a musician. But I always had a love and admiration for someone who could stand on a stage and tell a story through song by themselves. Dashboard Confessional would open that way up for me.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Chuck Ragan without a doubt. His voice and songwriting is just beyond amazing. That man sings and I feel his emotion. The words he sings are just inspiring and heart felt. If I could ever collaborate with him I know the best music I have ever written would come out. He is just such and inspiration.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

When I am home I pretty much spend all my time with my two boys. We take a lot of trips to Universal and pools. I also love to read.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I’d say my music you basically either love or hate. My voice is for people who kind of enjoy that rough voice that’s very truthful. Id say it’s sad but true and full of emotion. My songs come from personal experiences so it’s very real. I don’t think I have ever disagreed with anyone although I do not take compliments well. Someone keeps telling me I have the voice of an angel, and I can’t help but think, Do angels smoke and drink? Bc that’s my voice haha.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well we have many different cooks id say so that hard. I like to think I’m a good cook but a friend of mine is usually the cook when we ALL get together, his name is also Seth. The drinks come from everyone, were are very big drinkers lol. And I honestly don’t ever break out the guitars but someone is always bringing me one so it ends up being me playing.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I honestly never approach any of my favorite stars. I always feel like I am a bother. But working with my now friend Aaron Gillespie for the first time was pretty speechless. It took me a while to get over the fact that he’s just a badass musician who loves what he does and I can talk to him haha. Also ate dinner with Joey Cape once bc I was hanging out with Seth Anderson in Montreal. I said maybe two words the whole fucking time. I mean what was I supposed to say. I still thank Seth for that one, so THANKS CANADIAN SETH.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Best part is playing for others. I love writing and recording but playing out on tour or to your friends and seeing reactions is what I absolutely love. I actually teach as well. So id like to eventually cuddle up in a northern town with he family and teach English to young minds.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Hmmm I have never thought of that. No one ever asks me where I want to live lol. I live in Florida right now and I just don’t like it. I don’t want to be in the heat or the sand. My dream is to be in the north within the next two years and to play in Montreal at least once a month lol. Love that city. I have never had a question I didn’t want to answer or am tired of YET.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would not trust people in this business as much. You would not believe how much money, time and lies are tied into starting a music career. I am still struggling with that. I trust people with my whole heart and when they say they want to help and do these things I believe that. Then they disappear and some how it’s my fault. Huge struggle for me.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Fleetwood Mac, Rumours. Holy shit what a record and a time to be alive. To be with this group writing such an amazing record with all the struggles and crazy shit that was going on would just be insane. Like I could only imagine what it was like to record that record and how it was done.

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Category: Interviews