The name's a German import, came over with my great-grandfather.

I've been playing live since I was a teenager, and I've always loved it. It's something I'd have a hard time giving up. Right now I'm based west of San Antonio, and so most gigs are in that area. The special moment: I was playing at a bar called "Trees" in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas, had a bit too much to drink, fell off the stage and hit my head on the concrete floor, and was knocked out cold. And it just so happened that there was a newspaper reporter in the crowd, so I ended up getting a little press off the deal. I've still got the newspaper clipping. And I don't drink very much at gigs anymore.

The internet & mp3's have allowed me to hear music I might not have ever been exposed to, and have allowed me to share my music with a much wider group of people. We used to pass tapes around of the various bands in the underground scene, this is so much better. If it hurts the record companies, I can't say I have much sympathy for them. It's a great thing for the independent artist.

I'd have a hard time giving up control of what I do. I'd rather make a decent living without a contract than be rich & miserable.

I'm into the classic songwriters: Neil Young, Bob Marley, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty - but there's a lot of new stuff I really like, too. My favorite player of all time is Jimi Hendrix. There are too many influences to narrow down to a short list, but a few would be, other than those already mentioned: Pink Floyd, The Velvet Underground, Credence Clearwater Revival, Elvis, Slayer (I've seen 'em live twice), Stevie Ray Vaughn.

The West Texas desert on my Sportster.

A Gibson Les Paul through a Line 6 PodXT live into the back end of a Fender Hotrod Deluxe. For vocals it's an SM57 only, I don't really like any other microphone.

Visit my web page if you get a chance, www.rawlynwilliamrichteriii.com, and let me know what you think about the music. I'd love to hear from you.