Interview with Rick Recht

I had the chance to interview Rick Recht today about his music career and his influence on Jewish Camps.

Esther: How long have you been playing music?

Rick: Since I was 8.

Esther: Do you have any advice for people who want to follow your career choice?

Rick: For pursuing a career in Jewish music, working really hard at your instrument, whether it's a guitar or your voice. Also studying judaism, going to Jewish camp, and working at a religous school or camp are all great ways to succeed in the career.

Esther: How were you discovered?

Rick: Well I was never really "discovered," but I started writing eleven years ago for a day camp in St. Louis, and there I recorded my first CD called "Tov." From there I went on a Summer tour where I played at 50 different summer camps, adding up to about 40,000 kids. By word of mouth from the campers I started getting hired at Jewish Synagogues.

Esther: Could you see yourself doing any other career choice?

Rick: Well I actually consider myself a Jewish educator, and music just happens to be my method of teaching. I could see myself teaching in other ways.

Esther: What is your favorite song that you have written?

Rick: Although I don't have a specific favorite song, I do have a favorite moment. That moment is when people that hear me preform get excited and feel like a community. When people put their arms around each other or jump up and down, that's my favorite song (and it's usually a different song every time.) At Ramah it seems like every song is like that. My goal is really to create a sense of community and Jewish pride, and music just happens to be a really powerful way to do it.

Esther: Will your kids Tal and Kobi follow in your footsteps?

Rick: As long as my children Kobi (9) and Tal (6 1/2) are happy, I don't really care what they do. Although I have a feeling they both want to be rockstars.

Esther: How much gel do you use in your hair?

Rick: It's more like a molding mud, and most people use a dime sized amount but I used a quarter size. My hair can get pretty big so I do whatever it takes to keep from looking like a clown. :)

Esther with Jewish singer Rick Recht