Raleigh Ritchie, aka Jacob Anderson, is a defining example of being multi-talented, releasing his debut album You’re a Man Now, Boy in 2016. The singer/songwriter/rapper melds hip-hop, soul, pop and indie-alternative and all with great introspection “Been lying to myself too long. Been trying by myself too long,” which speaks of the depth and maturity of his songs. He also has a great sense of humour and style; choosing his stage name Raleigh Ritchie by marrying Bill Murray and Luke Wilson’s characters from the film; The Royal Tenenbaums. In summary, Ritchie has many sides to him. His songs just as many layers. All of which are very relatable.
Ritchie’s music is deeply moving for its open honesty; addressing depression, ideas of anxiety and a reflection of a world too hard to grow up in, all the while still being forced to do just that. Time in a Tree comments on Ritchie’s own experiences, doubts, hopes and fears, along with a desire to return to a childhood he can’t; “I wanna be 10 again, just me and Sonic. And nobody telling me I should be more than I am.” It feels true to the time, looking at the pressure and critique we can put upon ourselves. Ritchie’s lyrics and video showing a continuation of demands as he becomes surrounded by people pushing at him – to look at this, to consider that, to take the money etc. At first smiling, it all becomes too much. Is this more recent Ritchie, commenting on the pressure he has faced both in his success as an artist and as an actor? Or is that sometimes you just need time away from yourself and the world, to be free from it all, which is something Ritchie has commented on when asked about the song’s meaning.
Centred around an elevator, we watch as current day Ritchie is visited by versions of himself from different passages of his life, each marking a moment of strong emotion. And when his teenage-self pushes away an even younger Ritchie – it also becomes clear of the damage we can do to ourselves, when what we need is support. We also see Ritchie as a toddler, carried in his mother’s arms, with current day Ritchie looking back over his shoulder at them (and into the past) – could this be in search of that comfort? And away from the worries we increasingly grow up with? During these interactions to his past Ritchie tightly hugs the small bonsai tree as a sort of comfort or wish. The chorus echoing the tree’s meaning; “I just want time in a tree. I need a place just for me. Somewhere that I can be free” almost as if he’s looking for a chance to just be – and be wanted, loved, accepted. Ritchie who also directed the video, saves the most moving act for the end; giving his younger-version the love and acceptance he needed from himself. Although the song looks at how we hurt ourselves, it’s also uplifting for how we could do anything if we gave ourselves that opportunity – which from the music video could be an astronaut (which would certainly make for a faraway treehouse). I assume he meant this figuratively, but who knows, the sky’s no limit to Ritchie.
Other songs by Raleigh Ritchie we love:
- 27 Club (2020 – Andy)
- Aristocrats (2020 – Andy)
- Pressure (2020 – Andy)
- Shadow (2020 – Andy)
- STFU (2020 – Andy)
- Bloodsport ’15 (2016 – You’re a Man Now, Boy)
- Cowards (2016 – You’re a Man Now, Boy)
- The Greatest (2016 – You’re a Man Now, Boy)
Other artists you might like:
- Ady Suleiman
- Jack Garratt
- Loyle Carner
- RAY BLK
- Wretch 32
