Phil Ritchie has sacrificed a lot for his music. He dropped out of college during his sophomore year as a chemistry major to pursue a career in music. He admits that he does whatever it takes to further his band’s career, including taking four months off work to tour the United States. It looks like the sacrifices are finally paying off. The Ocean City, Md., native has spent the past few weeks in Los Angeles competing on the CBS music reality show "Rock Star: Supernova." More than 25,000 musicians in over eight countries auditioned for the right to showcase their talent on prime-time television on one of America’s top broadcasting companies. Ritchie and 14 others made the final cut and are competing to front an all-star recording and touring project featuring Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Jason Newstead (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns ‘n’ Roses). Newstead jammed with Ritchie on the Jefferson Airplane classic "White Rabbit" during Tuesday’s episode.Ritchie and his Delmarva rock group, Lennex, have been performing at area nightclubs such as Arena’s in Rehoboth Beach and the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach for the past 10 years. They were originally called Kiss Me Kate.Ritchie said he started playing music at a young age, and has progressed from instrumental lessons he received in elementary school. "I’ve been playing music since I was nine years old, when the elementary school came around and asked who wanted to be in the school band," he said. "I didn’t pick up on the saxophone too well, but I picked up on the trumpet in sixth grade. I played in the marching band in high school, and I was drum major my senior year." The school band was where Ritchie would end up meeting his future bandmates.
Ritchie’s manager called him up a few months ago about an opportunity to audition for "Rock Star: Supernova." Because it was through an industry invite, Ritchie didn’t have to go through the cattle call auditions and was able to perform some of the songs he had written himself. He said one of the drawbacks of the show is that he only performs covers of songs. "It’s definitely weird from playing my original music for years. We played covers back in the day but we’ve been strictly original for four years now," Ritchie said. "I hate playing covers, but this whole show is mostly covers. I’ve done it for years though, and I’m not worried about it." Ritchie said his primary goal for competing is to gain exposure for his band. "I mean, really I just hope to gain exposure. I love my band and I love the music," he said. "I’m not stoked about the music Supernova’s popping out."
He said he knows if he wins the competition he’s obligated to tour with the band, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take. "I may have taken a risk. I love my boys back home, but you know I still have to look out for myself in this world," he said. "I’ve got to create opportunities for myself, and this is too huge an opportunity to say no to."
Ritchie said the competition is stiff, and he’s in amazing company when it comes to talent. "I’ve heard a lot of peoples’ music and everybody here is unbelievably talented," he said. "I can’t believe I’m one of these people. The odds of me being here are incredibly slim."
DelmarvaNow
Bet you a K-Fed penny he is out tonight.
