Pop-punk infused country artist Ritch Mitchell is set to break a twenty-year silence with the release of his driving new single, “Outrun Your Past,” out now. Hailing from Brooklin, Ontario, Mitchell re-emerges on the music scene with a sound that is wiser, louder, and more honest than ever before. The single serves as a powerful introduction to his upcoming album, Welcome To Music City.
“Outrun Your Past” is a high-energy track designed to capture the sensation of relentless motion. Mitchell describes the song as encapsulating “the feeling of running fast but never getting anywhere”. It targets listeners who are attempting to escape the parts of themselves they are reluctant to face, blending the storytelling of country music with the urgency of pop-punk.
The inspiration for the track stems from a specific cinematic visualization. Mitchell wrote the song while imagining “those late-night highway drives where you feel both free and trapped at the same time”. He aimed to challenge his own songwriting abilities by crafting a complete narrative filled with “hypnotic lyrics and visuals” while stepping out of his comfort zone to appeal to country fans.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0lSMjYOHsrAVPWmrKaUcIO?si=jGsX5wY5QJaOMUbjjp0Fuw&nd=1&dlsi=6dedfdbc0c2b46d7
Lyrically, the song paints a picture of a “desert ride with nowhere to go,” featuring imagery of neon lights and leather jackets. The chorus delivers a direct warning to the listener: “Hold on if you’re lookin’ back / The guilt will catch you if you ain’t on track”. The song concludes with the haunting line, “Ok cowboy, outrun your past,” cementing the theme that “chasin’ ghosts” is a futile game.
The single features a robust musical lineup led by Mitchell on vocals and guitar. He is joined by Tav Hotoyan on drums, Dann Feltrin on guitar, and Lula Barros on bass. The track was produced and composed by Mitchell, who also serves as the songwriter for the project. The release is being handled independently under the imprint Doggone Records.
Mitchell’s return to music comes after a significant and noble hiatus. In his early 20s, he stepped away from a rising musical career to aid his mother in her successful battle against cancer. Witnessing the care provided by the Ontario healthcare system during this difficult time inspired him to give back to his community in a direct way.
Following his departure from music, Mitchell became an Advanced Care Paramedic. His time in the healthcare field exposed him to people at their worst moments, reinforcing the realization that life is fragile and short. This perspective became the catalyst for his return, as he decided to turn his pain into purpose and resume the musical path he was meant to follow.
Now back in the spotlight, Mitchell is channeling his life experiences into his art. He views his new material as a way to engage with the stories he has lived and the lessons he has learned over the last two decades. “Outrun Your Past” stands as a testament to this new chapter, combining the grit of his personal journey with a polished, radio-ready sound.
https://ritchmitchell.bandcamp.com/track/the-love-we-make