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Any artist willing to divulge the most intimate details of their life should not only be championed but admired for their valor. Bay Area native RITTYBO appears to understand the camaraderie in vulnerability and is using that connection to form a personal relationship with listeners. Combining pop, R&B, hip-hop, and a multitude of other genres, she creates a sultry yet ghostly atmosphere with her unique vocal ability. RITTYBO is special and there is just no other way to put it.

RITTYBO's musical footprint can be traced back to 2015 when she uploaded her heart-wrenching single, "Love," to SoundCloud. The standalone song not only showcased RITTYBO's transparency-weaved lyricism and unique vocal talent but also foreshadowed a reoccurring theme in her later-to-be-released EP. After more than 70 thousand plays on the streaming site, "Love" became a widely shared sentiment of our complicated relationship with love and all the things that come with it.

The Bay Area artist would go silent following the release of her stirring SoundCloud single. Although we cannot account for her time away, we can speak to what happened when she returned, which in my opinion is one hell of a comeback.

Resurfacing in early January of 2019, RITTYBO delivered her second single, "Push Me Away," from her debut EP. The new single, to no surprise, continued to soak in the love-singed subject matter of the record's successor. Questioning herself, RITTYBO openly dissects the reason behind her relationship's failure and the reoccurring events that pushed her out of the arms of her former partner.  

A few days would pass before the release of her six-track EP,  Mourning. Packed to the brim with emotionally stirring lyricism, thematically bright and dark production and RITTYBO's unique vocal stylings, the project reflects on the collateral damage of ending relationships. The true spirit of the project is embodied by the prominent featuring of RITTYBO's ukulele. The multidimensional sound brought to the project by the instrument acts as the ringleader of the entire exhibition, leading in grandiose production and equally powerful lyricism.

The bite-sized project opens with the powerful messaging of "Like I Do." Backed by hard-hitting bass and the melodic strumming of RITTYBO's ukulele, the opening track makes an undeniable impression. The energy of the project shifts slightly as we find ourselves in the midst of the acoustic stylings associated with the previously-released single, "Love." This metaphorical lowering-of-the-lights acts as an interlude in the context of the project, a moment of realness, honesty, and vulnerability.

With almost no hesitation, the project leaves its moment of frailty, picking up the pace with the groovy steel drum orchestration of "Give." RITTYBO taps into a sultrier sensibility on this record, assuring her lover and more importantly herself of just how much she has to give. A piercing guitar solo brings the island-like atmosphere to a steamy and resounding close as we transition into the melancholy spirit of "Push Me Away."

The six-track EP comes to an end with its stripped-back closer "In the End." Embracing a moment of astute self-awareness, RITTYBO delves into her own preconceived faults that she feels added to the weight of her relationship. This moment of sonic realization is beautifully orchestrated and lyrically stark - the perfect example of RITTYBO's musical footprint.

RITTYBO would let the release of Mourning marinate for six months before returning with her latest single to date, "Real Luv." The glitch-pop, dance-invoking single is a gleefully orchestrated affair that finds RITTYBO asking all the questions.  

This may be the beginning for RITTYBO but the sound and quality of her music glimmers with a longevity that is undeniable. Her ever-growing catalog is incredibly exciting from a listener's standpoint, leaving us all eager for what else is in store for the rising musician. Whether you fall in love with her unique vocal stylings or creative musical production, RITTYBO is an act to keep a very close eye on.

We had the chance to catch up with RITTYBO about her latest EP, her ever-evolving sound, and her journey to this point.

Ones To Watch: When did you first get into music?

RITTYBO: I’ve always loved writing, and I started out by writing poetry when I was in middle school. I realized I wanted to make music when I was in high school, and I actually wanted to rap. That didn’t last that long because I sucked, but I stuck to writing and eventually started singing when I got to college. I recorded my first song “Love” my freshman year in 2013, but didn’t release it till I found some confidence.

Was becoming an artist always the goal?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved expressing myself through art whether it be through drawing, writing, singing, etc. I could never focus on anything else for long even if I tried. So yeah, I think I would’ve found a way to be an artist no matter what.

There's a lot of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences in your music. Were there any artists in particular that you think helped shape your sound?

I don't even know what my sound really is but my influences are Amy Winehouse, Carlos Santana, Arctic Monkeys, Carole King, Norah Jones, Sade, Kelis, among others.

For those who are just now discovering you, what do you want them to know about you? About the music?

I want people to know I’m still learning as I go. I’m still trying to develop myself into the artist I want to be, but I don’t quite have the range for it yet (but I’ll get there!)  And all I’m doing in my music is being as honest as I can. Also, if my lyrics sound toxic, it comes from me reflecting and I'm not endorsing toxic traits (laughter).

Your first release was "Love" in 2015. What does the journey from then to now feel like?

It started off really slow. There were some great producers that were willing to help me but it just didn’t work out. I wasn't making the music I really wanted to make. I was also going through a lot in my personal life. People thought I quit music or I wasn't serious about it. Three years later, Thomas Jordan (Tommy) enters the picture and we record Mourning. After we dropped my EP, it feels like everything’s been moving pretty fast and at the right time. Basically, it feels good.

I was really drawn to your music for its lyricism and production. What was recording Mourning like for you?

Recording Mourning was actually really fun, despite my lyrics sounding really angsty. For each session, I’d bring a song I wrote, lay down some ukulele chords, and Tommy would build around it. My friends would all be there hyping me up, and we’d dance and go all crazy when each song was done.

I saw some pics on Instagram that hints at some ukulele skills. Is that you we hear playing on Mourning?

Yep that’s me. I’m not a great ukulele player but I wrote all my songs to it.

Did you handle the production on Mourning yourself or was it more collaborative?

It was very collaborative. I did all the writing, told Tommy the type of feeling I wanted to go for, and he’d take it from there.

Could we take your recent activity as a sign some new music might be on the way?

Yes. I don’t know when I’m dropping but I have a couple things up my sleeve.

Who are your Ones To Watch?

Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, and Snoh Aalegra. My ones to watch would be: Jammy, Kezia, Ambré, and my band Juicy Black