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WUSA9 News

Ellen talks to singer/songwriter Rook Richards as he presents his single and "love letter to Alexandria" When You Sing on the DMV Soundcheck on WUSA9 News.

WTOP News

He may be a young “Rook,” but sometimes rooks make the smartest chess moves.

Mike “Rook” Richards, 31, recently signed a deal with Straight Shooter Music in Nashville, whose artists have had 50 songs cut by the likes of Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Gary Allan, Montgomery Gentry and The Oak Ridge Boys.

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VIP Alexandria Magazine

Around the age of 14, his friend asked for some help singing “Hotel California,” as well as having Mike play the guitar on stage with him—this was his first taste of performing for others. From there, he and his friends began busking on King Street as a way of spreading their art and making some extra money until he turned 18. This led to his life as a full time singer-songwriter and performer.

Vents Magazine

Today we are pleased to join forces with A Note Two Self for the premiere of his new single “Love Drunk,” where we see Richard’s vocals enhance the sensual tone that brings love to the forefront and complements very well with the acoustic driven love song that takes us back to the late 90s and early 00s when bands such as The Calling where reigning supreme.

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Imperfect Fifth

What starts off as a simple guitar-heavy track quickly turns to a big band, acoustic production, complete with pumping percussion and electric riffs.  The story is that of somebody who is willing to give their entire self to the person they have fallen for, and it almost resembles a worship song, one you would hear in the grandest of cathedrals.  Perhaps this is because the track is essentially that feeling of worshiping and wanting to shower your person with love.  “Love Drunk” takes you to one of the happiest places a song can go.

The Music Bugle

A Note Two Self – the musical project of native Virginian Mike Richards – recently dropped his new single “Love Drunk,” which revolves around feelings of being caught up in the moment while in unconditional love.

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Milestone Publicity

From learning music in school and joining alt-rock band, The Offset; Richards eventually found his sound within a solo career. “My guitarist quit, a mate got married and my drummer moved to New York. I started working on my own because I wanted to continue playing, and felt it has always been something I'm meant to do.” Following his instincts, Richards chose A Note Two Self to be his music’s identity. “A Note Two Self was almost a reminder to me that when I took the step toward music, that I was gonna treat it like a language and immerse myself in it in order to learn the ins and outs. I was going to sort out how I was going to turn this into my livelihood and never settle for less.” Since A Note Two Self’s creation in 2017, Richards has released multiple singles, an EP and has had many local touring opportunities. A Note Two Self’s main influence is to allow the music to speak for itself and getting to the heart of life’s matters.

Grateful Web

“A Note Two Self was almost a reminder to me that when I took the step toward music, that I was gonna treat it like a language and immerse myself in it in order to learn the ins and outs. I was going to sort out how I was going to turn this into my livelihood and never settle for less.” Since A Note Two Self’s creation in 2017, Richards has released multiple singles, an EP and has had many local touring opportunities. A Note Two Self’s main influence is to allow the music to speak for itself and getting to the heart of life’s matters. 

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