Richard Tichelman’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Richard Tichelman and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Richard, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Off the top of my head, I can think of a few things that do just that for me. MotorCycling being the first, having been in love with anything on two wheels since the age of four, to hop on a bike now I feel I find a sense of calmness in the wind, an intent focus on the moment. And the low hum of the motor acting like a singing bowl. Believe it or not it’s quite Zen. Brings me back to one of my simplest states of being and enjoyment.

Music is a fun one as it’s help me find myself in so many ways. One of the main factors being the second I sing for somebody, I see and feel an immense amount of possibility to do good with the skill I have acquired. I feel very fortunate that a younger version of myself chose to pick up an instrument and sing. It’s allowing me to do quite amazing things to this date.

Lastly, sitting on the porch with my dad having a drink or a coffee or even just a laugh. It’s hard to look at the clock when I’m around my parents, but it’s almost like time slows down when I’m with them. They’ve helped me to become who I am and continue to shape me through their stellar example of how to lead a good life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Richard Tichelman is my name. Yes Tichelman is my official last name. I’ve been singing and playing instruments since the age of eight. Little did I know I would start something that would change the way I breathe, feel, and regulate my life. Currently I’m 26 and for the last 14 years music has been one of the primary focusses in my life. It’s brought me some of the most beautiful mentors and examples of who I could be let alone who I want to be. It has brought me a sense of accomplishment through overcoming fears, trials, and tribulations. Right the way along this whole music thing has been more than a blessing, which is why I keep doing it. It can be hard at times but the joy I get from it and the joy I can spread by doing what I love is 100% worth it in the end for me. At this point all I’m left with is I’m doing this for the sake of. I love it. I feel I need it like I need vitamins in the morning. And I feel I’m able to do it for the betterment of others I’m and myself… soo on that bombshell why not commit to it.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was shy, I was curious, I was nonconfrontational and in some ways, I was a folk artist. After dipping my toe into the industry at a young age, I realized the shy and non-confrontational side of me, needed some growth. I was also instructed. I needed to change my name.. (which I love). So I slowly learned how to let him go and find comfort in new ways. Although I feel the industry and partnerships have helped shape me into who I am now. I find myself constantly adjusting, and recalibrating where home is. Where I stand right now, I feel the closest to myself I’ve been in a long while.
I’m still curious, a lot less shy and more consciously quiet, it’s a work in progress but what isn’t. I was also able to get my last name back after a management deal! Who TF is just Richard!?

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
You can feel great, you can feel OK, you can feel like crap, you can feel like there’s no point, but if you’re sitting around and waiting for your massive break in life, it ain’t gonna happen. No matter how you feel you can always find forward movement, even if it’s a single step. The massive break people talk about in life comes from all sorts of little cracks in the windscreen. You gotta endure being sandblasted and pelted by rocks before the break comes your way. And when that day comes, you’ll have seen, felt, and experienced so much that your ability to do good with your success will be far greater than someone who cannot articulate the journey as to how they got to where they are. If you’re going through the thick of it and life is moving slow; at least for me as I’m trying to do the same. Find a little appreciation for the ground under your feet and the progress you’ve made. The big break is coming your way and I believe in you.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
You do make a difference. I’m a go to the grave with this one. I’ve been reciting this to myself since the age of 16. You do make a difference. In the days where I can’t see it or it feels like I’ve done nothing for anyone or myself. I tell myself you do make a difference. In the moments where I have shame in my pride, I remind myself you do make a difference. It is a project interjecting this mindset into a belief, but it is possible. You do make a difference, keep hoppin.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
I will always regret not giving something an honest shot. Through hard work, I’ve seen enough of my dreams Come to fruition to believe that there’s something in the pudding there. If I trust the process, it might just happen again. The goals are bigger as are the dreams, so the steps between take a little longer, but not following through on a vision or something that came from my mind that I really feel is possible… if I give up on thatoh my I don’t know what I would do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Bellingham media group – Nick Sadigh

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What would your closest friends say really matters to you?

If you asked your best friends what really drives you—what they think matters most in

Highlighter Series
When do you feel most at peace?

In a culture that often celebrates hustle and noise, peace can feel rare. Yet, peace

Highlighter Series
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?

Almost everything is multisided – including the occurrences that give us pain. So, we asked