Ricochet Signs With Encore Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Josh Bleidt, Spinning Plates Management; Heath Wright, Ricochet; Justin Ward, Encore Music Group. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media

Award-winning ’90s country group Ricochet has signed with Encore Music Group.

Best known for their chart-topping, Gold-selling single, “Daddy’s Money,” and Top 10 hits, “What Do I Know” and “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” the group is preparing their first new album in over a decade, Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More. Distributed by Smith Music Group, the project is slated for release on August 18 and will mark the 30th anniversary of the band’s formation in 1993.

With various tracks being produced by Robert Wright, Justin Spears, Pat McMakin and Eric Silver, the 16-track album reflects Ricochet’s past success with new renditions of their classic hits, and introduces eight new songs as well.

Ricochet original lead vocalist Heath Wright has maintained the group’s legacy and fan base through the years and is joined by current band members Chris Hempfling (vocals, drums), Rick Toops (vocals, keys), Bruce Bennett (vocals, bass) and Larry Hight (vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, steel, dobro, and saxophone) on the new project.

“This is an exciting time for Ricochet. The ’90s era of country music is hotter than ever and people are able to find our music quicker than ever, so to release our hits and new music for the first time in over 20 years is exciting,” says Wright. “I hope everyone enjoys hearing these new recordings as much as we loved recording them. We went in and gave our old hits a new shine and then recorded some long-overdue new material for the fans. It is, in my opinion, the very best of Ricochet… Then and Now!”

“We are really excited about this forthcoming recording project from the award-winning band Ricochet,” says Justin Ward, President of Encore Music Group. “They are one of the most beloved vocal groups in country music history and Heath Wright’s vocals are as strong as ever! We can’t wait to get this music out to their fans and watch a new legion of fans discover them for the first time!”

Ricochet Then & Now… The Hits & More is the second album released by Encore Music Group this year to meet the current mainstream demand for the resurgence of ’90s country—one that Spotify indicates has grown 150% since 2018 (70% among Gen Z users). The streaming service cites an estimated 89 million playlists from Gen Z users containing ’90s country tracks with as many fans between 19-24 who listen to ’90s country playlists as fans over 45.

Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More Track Listing:
Then:
What Do I Know
Daddy’s Money
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
He Left A Lot To Be Desired
What You Leave Behind
That’s Love

Now:
Keep You Lovin’ Me
No Wrong Way
It’s Gonna Be Something
The Beauty of Who You Are
Feel Like Fallin’
I Knew
I Had To Be
Sweet Tea
Freedom Isn’t Free

Lorie Hollabaugh
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