Home - Richard Schroder

About

For the last decade, Richard Schroder has been honing his craft as a songwriter and musician, carving out for himself and his fans a steadfast and satisfying path of musical discovery. During that time, he’s figured out a lot about what works and what doesn’t, and it’s landed him in a great place. He’s found his voice, both literally and figuratively. He’s developed an authentic writing style with a focus on the things that really matter. And he performs those songs with heart and soul.

Music has been Richard’s passion from way back, when he and a few friends traveled around bashing out alt rock in dive bars. So much has changed since then. Today he works with an incredible team of A-list producers, arrangers, musicians, and songwriters who all know just what to do when they’re together in the studio. That’s when the magic happens.

“I’m in a place now where I feel deeply proud of my work," he says. “I just kept at it. It sure hasn’t been linear, with lots of ups and downs. But when I look back over time, I can see the growth, and the traction is really starting to show.”

It has helped that Richard’s spent some time since those early days actually living a little. He’s found his special someone, had kids, and worked hard. And rather than shying away from the prospect of all that adulthood, he’s used it as inspiration. Today, his songs reflect the joy, the growth, and the emotional challenges that come along with his experience. His growing fanbase sees itself in Richard’s lyrics, and hear the details of their own lives in his. Many have found solace in his stories, and see him as a kindred soul.

“I’m blown away that so many have made a connection with my music,” he says. “I guess I’m surprised because I’ve just been writing songs about my life, you know? It proves that there’s a lot that we as a community share and we can share it through music.”

Richard credits a big part of this success to his team. Steve Seskin, a Nashville hit songwriter (Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney), is his collaborator and right-hand man. “Steve has been my friend, mentor, and co-writer for almost a decade now. And I can honestly say that no one has had a greater impact on my writing and overall musicianship than Steve.”

Nashville-based Matt McClure (Lee Brice, Blake Shelton) has produced most of Richard’s albums, accompanied by top-notch Nashville musicians. “Matt does a great job of putting together the right musicians for my material. He really gets me and there’s nothing like being in the studio with him and a bunch of world-class musicians.”

What began as a labor of love has turned into an impressive body of work, with eight albums so far: Drive (2017), Skyline (2019), The Stillness (2021), Allegory (2022), Storyteller (2023), Rainy Day Instrumentals (2024), Nashville Drive (2024), and Nothin’ Like Christmas Eve (2024). All comprise the foundation upon which his musical legacy is built.

By today’s measure, the numbers don’t lie: Schroder is among the top 2% of all streaming artists on Spotify; impressive for an independent artist with 70 songs on the streaming platform. His YouTube page features over 100 videos of all kinds, including lyric videos and fun, behind-the-scenes stuff.

On TikTok another story is happening, which no one expected. One of his tracks, “Don’t You Grow Up on Me Now,” from his Skyline album has gone viral. The song, about how his daughter’s grown up so fast, has so far spawned over 10,000 different videos (TikTok / Instagram). Every day, fans upload dozens of videos and photos of their own kids underscored by Richard’s classic soundtrack.

“I never in a million years would have thought that this song would catch on like it has,” he says. “When I wrote it, it was strictly a personal song for my daughter. But once it started catching on, I’d see a bunch of new videos every day.”

As both his catalog and his exposure have grown, so has his confidence. He feels he’s earned the right to explore. He no longer second guesses his ideas. When he feels something’s worth developing—a song, lyric, or project—he trusts his instincts. Removing that hesitation has led to a surge of productivity. So, in addition to his country pop and rock, you’ll hear acoustic tracks, dance mixes, Christmas songs, and big band arrangements, and who knows what else? “I really feel liberated, like it’s time for me to think outside the box,” he says. “I’ve given myself the right to paint with different colors, dabble in different genres, which is very satisfying.”

Richard also knows how satisfying it is to ring in the season with holiday music. He recently released his first full-length Christmas album, Nothin’ Like Christmas Eve. “I love the holidays and I love holiday music,” he says. “I really feel like it plays such an important part of the season and, I have to say, writing and performing these holiday songs is pure joy for me.”

Schroder’s plan to ride his growing catalog and beyond is picking up momentum. He’s got a new album on the way, along with two acoustic records, as well as a new children’s album and a trio of children’s books.

“I love doing this. I love the creative process.” He pauses. “Am I going to be a star? Everyone knows it’s hard to make it in this business. But I’ve been working hard and rubbing two sticks together for some time now and finally I’m starting to see a little smoke and some fire. People are enjoying my songs and that makes me happy. It makes all of this work truly worthwhile.”

Nashville Drive

Album (2024)

Nothin' Like Christmas Eve

Album (2024)

Acoustic Christmas

EP (2024)

Rainy Day Instrumentals

Album (2024)

Storyteller

Album (2023)

Allegory

Album (2022)

The Stillness

EP (2021)

Skyline

EP (2019)

Drive

Album (2017)

About

Richard Schroder has been refining his craft as a songwriter for a decade. In that time, he’s found his voice and developed an authentic style that includes country, rock, folk and holiday music. “I’m deeply proud of the work I’ve made.”

Richard’s team includes Steve Seskin, a Nashville hit songwriter (Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney). “No one’s had a greater impact on me than Steve.” Nashville producer Matt McClure (Lee Brice, Blake Shelton) oversees Richard’s work. “There’s nothing like making music with Matt and world-class musicians.”

Schroder’s made eight albums: Drive (2017), Skyline (2019), The Stillness (2021), Allegory (2022), Storyteller (2023), Rainy Day Instrumentals (2024), Nashville Drive (2024), and Nothin’ Like Christmas Eve (2024).

He’s had songs featured on popular TV and is among the top 2% of artists on Spotify. One of his songs, “Don’t You Grow Up on Me Now,” has over 10,000 fan-created videos on TikTok / Instagram.