Multi-instrumentalist RICHIE KOTZEN has surprised fans with the digital release of new single "Catch A Star", recorded in a sudden creative surge following his world tour with SMITH/KOTZEN — the acclaimed duo he shares with IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith.
"After coming off the road with SMITH/KOTZEN, I fully intended to take a long break from live performance and recharge creatively," Kotzen explained. "While going through old archives, I rediscovered 'Catch A Star' in a semi-completed form and for whatever reason, the direction suddenly became obvious to me in a way it hadn't before. Once that happens as a writer, you must trust your instincts and follow the momentum."
Kotzen plays every instrument on the recording himself — guitar, bass, and drums — layering each part individually in the studio. The result draws on his Philadelphia musical roots: soaring verses, soulful melodies, and driving rhythms.
"What I love about 'Catch A Star' is how direct it is," he said. "The chorus arrives immediately, the arrangement stays intentionally simple, and the focus is really on the melody, lyric, and atmosphere. In the past, I probably would have held onto a song like this until I had enough material for a full album, but these days I feel more inspired by releasing music in real time."
RICHIE KOTZEN has been one of hard rock and heavy metal's most prolific figures since signing with Shrapnel Records in 1988 as a guitar prodigy. Over a career of more than 20 solo albums, he has also been a member of POISON, MR. BIG, and THE WINERY DOGS, in addition to his ongoing partnership with Adrian Smith in SMITH/KOTZEN.