ÜBERFREUDE

“What happens when we give away the darkness? That question cuts to the heart of Dark Side of the Sun by Überfreude, a cinematic musical project envisioned by producer and songwriter Craig Ritchie. Based on an eponymous short story, this 15-song album draws on the contributions of 13 talented musicians to animate its journey through themes of obsession, nostalgia, betrayal, and inevitability.

Ranging from expansive and ethereal to punchy and playful, the work of Überfreude explores the timeless chasms between what is, what was and what could be. Through its evocation of the joyful melancholy of 1980s western culture, Dark Side of the Sun invites listeners to find their own answers—and ask their own questions—about the contradictions we must all try to reconcile.” -Daniel Squizzato

‘Craig Ritchie’ Meuser was born and raised in the Niagara Region, ON, Canada. He began playing organ when he was quite young under the influence of his musically gifted grandfather Max Ritchie and soon developed a taste and style for it. He continued to be formally trained throughout his early years. At 14, after a jaunt to France, Meuslix became interested in the piano and shortly after, all other keyed instruments. Enter skateboarding.

With a few friends that Ritchie used to skate with, he began to play live music at local venues often covering the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode, Chalk Circle, and other synth or keyboard-based bands. These experiences bore fruit and in 1992 his first album “No Such Thing” by “Spiral Fascination” came to be.

This first album helped move Ritchie’s musical career quickly from composing with his life-long friend Joe Bartok, to playing at larger venues all over Niagara Region opening up for Honeymoon Suite, Sass Jordan, 5440, The Tragically Hip, The Spirit of the West and others throughout the 90s.

Gaining some serious momentum, Ritchie formed and was part of many different bands including The Smoothies, Full Fathom Four, and The Marantz Project. Ritchie was and continues to be heavily involved with a variety of musical projects as well as releasing a total of six albums and performing all around the Greater Toronto Area, Northern Ontario, and New York State. He has written and composed music for theatre and television and continues to be an active part of the Canadian Music scene. His latest project, Überfreude, is a nod to his love and admiration of the 80s sound.

LINKS found at the bottom of the page.