Although local singer-songwriter Joe Martyn Ricke hails from Texas, his music – a quirky combination of storytelling and acoustic Americana – can't help but be influenced by the traditions of the Midwest, he says.
"My music has always had an Austin country/folkie feel to it," he says. "But the more I live here, the more I've been working in a heartland vibe."
Ricke, a literature professor at Taylor University in Upland, has brought a decidedly unique voice to the local folk scene, writing songs about things such as a would-be priest who falls in love and gospel songs for vampires.
"I was sort of meditating on vampires and realized the new ones are very friendly in the new mythology," he says. "And vampires are really clear on the fact that they need other people. We all do; we just don't like to talk about it. So, it's a quirky idea, but the idea of neediness isn't that far removed from our own experience."
Ricke also peppers his music with literary references. J.D. Salinger, author of "The Catcher in the Rye," appears in three of his songs, he says.
"It's who I am," he says. "People say that it might be too highbrow, but it's not. I don't buy into the idea that people won't understand it. If you make a song enjoyable to listen to – give it a strong hook – you can throw some really dense stuff in there."
For the past year, Ricke has focused on uniting the local folk community, both in Fort Wayne and Huntington. Every month, he hosts a songwriters' workshop at Firefly Coffee House on North Anthony Boulevard. The event features local performers (including poets) who answer questions about their music after their set.
"I do this partly to encourage people who are singer/songwriters," Ricke says. "An ongoing conversation about music is one of the things that characterizes a vibrant musical community."
Collaboration is nothing new within the folk music scene. Sharing music, spontaneous jam sessions, accompaniment. It's all part of the roots of the tradition, Ricke says.
"I love learning from other musicians," he says. "I love a good song. I love to jump up and sing harmony with someone. When people are really sharing a song, it doesn't get a whole lot better than that. When you talk about human history, it all starts with people singing together."
