Hello Starling

Ritter’s talent as a prolific songwriter was immediately recognized when he emerged in 2002 with the self released Golden Age of Radio earning him a loyal following with fans and critics alike both at home and abroad. Soon after, Hello Starling was independently released on the small label Signature Sounds catching the attention of V2. Hello Starling was nominated for the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize by Norah Jones. Ritter’s song ‘Kathleen’ won the 2004 Boston Music Award for Song of the Year following up his win in 2003 for Best Male Singer/Songwriter. Produced by David Odlum (Gemma Hayes, The Frames), Hello Starling was recorded over a two week period at Black Box Studios (an old dairy farm) outside of Angers, France, and contains 11 tracks of original material. Ritter says, ‘The thick stone walls, high ceilings and old gear (much of it Curtis Mayfield’s old equipment) made for a record which I think sounds conversational and honest.'