Ricochet announces first new album in over a decade

Group signs with Encore Music Group

ACM award-winning 90s country vocal group Ricochet best known for their chart-topping, gold-selling single, “Daddy’s Money,” Top 10 hits, “What Do I Know,” “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” and the Top 20 “He Left A Lot To Be Desired,” has signed with Encore Music Group to release the band’s first album in over a decade. Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More, distributed by Smith Music Group, is slated for release on August 18th and will mark the 30th anniversary of the band’s formation in 1993.

With various tracks being produced by Robert Wright, Justin Spears, Pat McMakin, and Eric Silver, the 16-track project reflects Ricochet’s past success with new renditions of their classic hits, and introduces eight new songs indicative that the group has no plans of letting up anytime soon.

Despite the change in band members throughout the years, Ricochet still possesses their trademark harmonious vocal sound and is considered one of the hardest-working bands in the business. For nearly two decades, original lead vocalist Heath Wright has maintained the group’s legacy and fan base with a hefty tour schedule. Current band members are Chris Hempfling (vocals, drums), Rick Toops (vocals, keys), Bruce Bennett (vocals, bass), and Larry Hight (vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, steel, dobro, and saxophone).

“This is an exciting time for Ricochet. The 90s era of country music is hotter than ever and people are able to find our music quicker than ever, so to release our hits and new music for the first time in over 20 years is exciting,” says frontman Heath Wright. “I hope everyone enjoys hearing these new recordings as much as we loved recording them. We went in and gave our old hits a new shine and then recorded some long-overdue new material for the fans. It is, in my opinion, the very best of Ricochet… Then and Now!”

Ricochet Then & Now… The Hits & More is the second album released by Encore Music Group this year to meet the current mainstream demand for the resurgence of ‘90s country—one that Spotify indicates has grown 150% since 2018, 70% among Gen Z users. The streaming service cites an estimated 89 million playlists from Gen Z users containing ’90s country tracks with as many fans between 19-24 who listen to ’90s country playlists as fans over 45.

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