REVIEW: Ricky Montgomery ENTERS A NEW CHAPTER WITH “Superfan”
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY DANI WEINSTEIN ☆
RICKY MONTGOMERY HAS DONE IT AGAIN - Los Angeles native, Ricky Montgomery has always had music in his roots. Yet over the past few years, he has spent significant time reconnecting with his true artistic self. Known for his 2016 platinum-selling indie hit, “Mr. Loverman”, Ricky now feels that song was written by a completely different version of himself. Evolving tremendously as an artist, his new single, “Superfan”, reflects this personal growth. “Superfan”is the follow-up to “Rick(y)”, released on May 10, 2024, and part of his first full-length album, Rick.
“Superfan” is a heartfelt track that reveals Montgomery’s inner world, expressing his complex feelings and vulnerability about his personal and artistic struggles. The song begins with a tender acoustic guitar riff that immediately draws listeners in, gradually building into a powerful arrangement with electric guitar, bass, and drums. This progression reflects the emotional depth of the song, capturing the initial gentleness of admiration and the intense crescendo of a frustrated longing. Lyrically, “Superfan” provides a candid glimpse into Ricky’s thoughts of self-doubt, particularly about the pressures of fame and making meaningful connections with his fans. Lines like “I’m your biggest fan, but would you be mine?” and “I know it’s crazy, but that’s where I am” reveal his insecurities, highlighting the challenges of being both an artist and a fan in today’s digital age.
After the release of Rick, Montgomery invited his fans to travel with him on his personal journey. “Superfan” is a continuation of his pilgrammage, delivering an intimate and genuine message. The song is both a tribute to his fans and a bold statement on the music industry’s shift since TikTok’s rise. “‘Superfan’ is my case for fighting against the ‘TikTok-obsessive’ culture that has held the music industry hostage since 2020,” Ricky explains. “This is my first independent release since 2016, and even though the internet as we know it feels like it’s dying, we don’t have to go down with it.” The song highlights the paradox of modern fan culture, where people feel deeply connected through screens, yet still encounter the emotional distance that technology often creates. His lyrics capture this isolation: “If I set my hair on fire, would you notice then? Would it make a difference? Would you be my superfan?”
Accompanying the song is an animated music video, directed by Max Simonet (Adult Swim) and Ricky himself. The video has a nostalgic, retro aesthetic, taking viewers on a visual journey that reflects with the song’s relatable and heartfelt lyrics. Fans on YouTube have expressed gratitude, finding comfort in the song and appreciating the glimpse it offers into Ricky’s world. Their messages convey their deep support and excitement, with superfans embracing the vulnerability in sharing his art. Fans can’t get enough of this version of Ricky Montgomery, and will be eagerly waiting for his next lyrical masterpiece.
