Brian Ritchie, Musician, The Break
Light a fire, put on some Hindustani vocal music and do yoga in front of the flames ...
For Brian Ritchie, former bass guitarist of the Violent Femmes, the search for a more tranquil lifestyle led him to the shores of Tasmania in 2008. While Brian’s new lifestyle now moves at a slightly slower pace than that of his early rock days, he is still engaged in a number of projects that nourish his creative streak – most recently lending his talents to Australian Chamber Orchestra’s production of The Reef and recording the second album of his surf rock band, The Break. The Break’s new album Space Farm is being released on March 22, ahead of the band’s performances at Bluesfest that will see the lads play a solo show on March 29 and also appear onstage with Rodriguez. The Weekend Edition caught up with Brian to discover his weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I light a fire, put on some Hindustani vocal music and do yoga in front of the flames.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I head over to the Mona Market at MoMa and hang with the stallholders and musicians.
How do you like to unwind?
A long bike ride is essential for regaining composure after a stressful week.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Getting together with friends and cooking up some abalone, mussels, rabbit or whatever.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I would like to golf at Ratho Golf Links in Bothwell – the oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere. I am a member there, but haven’t actually played it yet due to excess workload.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I like to smoke a fat Cuban cigar, drink Tasmanian Heartwood Single Malt Whisky and listen to musique concrete from Pierre Henry.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Playing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, that’s always a good time. I thump on a bass while they scrape their fiddles. I’ll also be jamming with The Break, which means I thump while they thrash. Either way, I’ll thump.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading a graphic novel called My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf about a mass murderer from Milwaukee who used to come to the Violent Femmes gigs. It’s a good slice of life from the 1970s Midwest USA wasteland I grew up in.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who do stuff rather than just talk about it.
What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to be a politician and then that idea faded, but now I am almost one by default anyway.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Staying happily married to Dr Varuni Kulasekera for 15 years.
What is success to you?
Success is doing what you want, having fun with it and getting paid.
What are your words of wisdom?
Party ad infinitum.
Only a local would know … where and when to find slippery jack mushrooms in season.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Snorkelling in Opossum Bay.
Relax … Yoga on Manly Beach.
Dine … Billy Kwong.
Indulge … The Wine Library.
Shop … Kinokuniya Bookstore.
Catch-up … MONA.
Be inspired … I carry that around with me in my head; that’s anywhere.
