Daily Inspiration: Meet Ricky Feria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Feria.

Hi Ricky, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story in the music industry started at the end of 2014 in Columbus, OH, when I formed the rock band Conscious Pilot. My role in the band was being the lead guitarist and songwriter as well as producer. I produced our debut LP “Strange World” as well as the EP “Autopilot” and live album “In Flight Vol.1”. Conscious Pilot performed at many festivals and venues around the country with notable headliners including Umphrey’s McGee, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, STS9, Taz Neiderauer, Ghost Note, Molly Hatchet, Eric Krasno, TAUK, Big Something, Moon Hooch, Sungazer, Doug Wimbish (of Living Colour) and many more.

After being well-established in the music scene, I moved to Denver, CO where I started to focus on releasing my solo music under the name “Rix”. I had my most successful year in 2022 with 4 single releases and two EP releases (including multiple label releases) as well as over 50k streams on Spotify alone.

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?
Everything has not been smooth in this journey for me. One of the biggest and most obvious struggles I faced as a musician in the industry was Covid19. This hit when Conscious Pilot was in the middle of some big opportunities including touring in support of some national acts.

Having to deal with a complete loss of the live music industry made me have to change my priorities. I ramped up my music teaching schedule and adopted teaching online. Another big change for me was starting to focus much more on music production which was a big reason for the success I have had as Rix. During the pandemic was when I made the move to Colorado because of how lively and big the music scene is here in comparison to Columbus, OH.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a multi-instrumentalist, my specialty is playing the guitar. I am most known for my lead guitar skills which I have had the chance to showcase throughout my music career. I am very proud of some of the accomplishments I have achieved as a guitarist including being an endorsed artist.

In 2019 I signed an endorsement deal with Black Diamond Strings and also joined the Jim Dunlop family as an artist. What sets me apart from others is my unique approach to music theory and lead guitar, people always say that they can distinguish my playing and that is something that I pride myself in.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
One of the biggest resources for me is the music software Ableton> I used this to produce all of the music I have released from the band’s album to all of the singles I release as Rix.

This DAW (digital audio workstation) has also led me to opportunities in teaching lessons as well as getting work as a producer on other artists’ records.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rix-guitar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rix_guitar_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RickyFeria.Music/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-feria-865105217/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rix_Guitar_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rix4717
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rix_music

Image Credits:
Claudia Moeller & Adam Berta Photo