New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Jobi Riccio, who was recently named the 2023 recipient of the
John Prine Songwriter Fellowship Award and is set to make her Newport Folk debut next month, has unveiled a new single "Sweet." The Nashville-based singer-songwriter wrote the single to address, and ultimately own, her insecurities. The swaggering song hints at the '90s twang of
Sheryl Crow and The
Chicks as Riccio cleverly details the turbulent journey to embracing her identity. She calls it "the self-love anthem I wish I'd had growing up as a young queer kid who listened religiously to top 40 country radio."
"All the guys I meet just lead to dead ends," Riccio sings. "And all the girls I've wanted never had a clue. And probably don't bat for my team even if they knew."
"Sweet is about owning the things I was deeply insecure about throughout my adolescence, and overall learning to celebrate that I don't fit the mold of a traditionally soft feminine person. I grew up in a household of opinionated and outspoken women, namely my two older sisters, and I always admired this quality in all of us, as well as the women in country music I heard on the radio growing up who echoed this. The song nods to my queerness in the first few lines which was a huge step for me when I wrote it. I've come quite a long way since then and I'm very excited to be releasing this song during Pride, which is all about celebrating who you are." - Jobi Riccio
The past few months have been full of highlights for Riccio, who just celebrated her 25th birthday, and she's not slowing down anytime soon. Last week, it was announced that Riccio will make her Newport Folk debut this summer and receive the 2nd annual
John Prine Songwriter Fellowship Award, created by the Newport Festivals Foundation in partnership with John Prine's family to honor a young songwriter that embodies John's spirit. Also next month, Riccio will join Willi Carlile for a handful of East Coast tour dates, making stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Other recent highlights include releasing a single with Erin Rae (listen to "Green Flash" here) and earning an invitation to join the Tidal Rising Program.
"We're proud to spotlight Jobi Riccio as this year's recipient of Newport Folk's
John Prine Fellowship. I remember the first time I heard 'For Me It's You' - such a well-crafted and timeless song. It's a hallmark of great songwriters that they can pack complex and messy emotions into a seemingly simple story." - Jody Whelan, Oh Boy Records
"John always loved being around other songwriters. Later in his career, he really went out of his way to spotlight and champion the next generation of writers. It's a real honor that Newport lets us continue that important part of his legacy. I can't wait to see Jobi at the Fort!" - Fiona Prine
On
September 8, 2023, Jobi Riccio will release her debut album Whiplash via Yep Roc. Like "Sweet," much of the forthcoming record is a self-portrait of a queer artist navigating the complicated transition into adulthood with grace and honesty, and sometimes a much-needed sense of humor. The 11-song-collection, co-produced by Riccio, Gar Ragland,
Jesse Timm, and
Isaiah Beard (of Baerd), effortlessly melds classic folk and country sounds with indie, atmospheric production. Last month, Riccio shared the title track "Whiplash," which she refers to as the album's "thesis." "I think most people's late teens and early 20's are a really difficult, confusing, and isolating time," she explains. " 'Whiplash,' the song and album, is a reflection on that."
For more information please visit https://www.jobiriccio.com/.
