“We’re not out of the woods completely, but there are some promising signs coming with respect to the current pandemic. Ricky Stein’s been thinking about the future – on what changes, if any, there will be – and on the past and what we know that we’ve lost. A lifelong Austinite – until he relocated to the big apple in 2016 – Ricky Stein strives between his two tendencies – those two strains of rock that are roots and indie – to craft singer-songwriter insights in the great Austin tradition. Here he surely succeeds. ‘The Great Empty‘ was inspired by a New York Times photography feature of the same name, and it acknowledges an apocalyptic image of a deserted city – as Stein sings 'I’ve been out walking on these empty streets for days.'”

“A new album that aims to connect art and activism while raising money for a worthy cause. Demos for a Difference is a compilation of original protest “demos,” including songs, poems, readings, and so much more. One of the goals of the album is to get artists more connected to the Black Lives Matter movement even if they don’t have funds to donate at this time. All proceeds from the album will go to support the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. The project has received 100 submissions, one of which is from Ricky Stein, a New York City middle school teacher. His submission, a song Stein wrote called “Country’s in Trouble,” was written right after the 2016 election.”

"Straddling Americana, folk and country, Ricky Stein delivered a set that was both spirited and uplifting. Perhaps the perfect antidote to what was about to hit New York City, when, just a few days later, all live music would be shut down due to the Coronavirus. But in this tightly packed, intimate venue, the audience embraced the Austin transplant, who brings to bear his love for roots music and the historical influences that continue to shape his career."

“Ricky Stein's music is a refreshing, unironic throwback to the days when blues-rock ruled the airwaves. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Stein harnesses the gritty, southern aesthetic personified by classic rock bands like The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more recently, Shakey Graves, and creates a sound unique unto himself. On "Don't Leave Me Hangin' On," from 2012's Crazy Days, Stein showcases his aptitude as a songwriter while also paying tribute to his roots-rock predecessors. The music is urgent and driving, but also subtle, with unexpected twists and turns that proves an artist can be steeped in tradition without being predictable.”

"You can often tell a musician's bona fides by the company he keeps, and Stein's accompaniment here – Warren Hood on fiddle, Matt Hubbard on keyboards, Gary Newcomb on pedal steel – points the way to not only top musicianship, but songwriting worthy of such first-call players. Stein's country ways bring to mind a cross between a young Bruce Robison's ear for melody and Adam Carroll's eye for storytelling detail. As such, "Heaven Is a Highway," "Wildfire Rose," and "Buying Time" are among the best country sounds to come out of Austin this year."

“It’s Saturday night, the last official night of SXSW on the infamous Rainey St. in Austin, Texas, and local musician Ricky Stein got the call for a 7:00 slot at the Lustre Pearl mere hours ago. A solo gig, nothing fancy, but when you’re playing to a packed house not to mention the thousands of people walking by, stopping, leaning against the rod iron bars and listening for a minute or ten, asking people around them—“Do you know who this is?” the pressure is on whether you acknowledge it or not. Some people rise to the challenge, others cower away. Ricky Stein falls into the former. - See more at: http://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/ricky-stein-sxsw-review#sthash.bpborX7J.Q1yuj8ox.dpuf”

“Ricky Stein is one of those Americana guys who can go on stage with just an acoustic guitar an leave an audience rapt. And armed with his band, the Warm Guns, he can also blow you away with bluster. The Austin native is a rising talent to watch.”

"Crazy Days" puts Stein in the valley between Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. Stein's voice is big and fearless, and his band hammers the groove on "Shreveport Blues."

“On his debut disc, Crazy Days, the 25-year-old singer and songwriter taps into influences such as Wilco, the White Stripes and My Morning Jacket, as well as Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Stein and his band, the .44, crafted the 10-track Crazy Days, which has nothing but originals. The Austin Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman have already praised the CD. Now Stein aims to expand his reach outside of the capital.”

“there's no question that Crazy Days is excellent right outta the gate.”

“Returning agan for another Elbo Room appearance before hibernating in Texas, Ricky Stein rocked the stage with a rousing yet passionate Country/Blues performance. This singer/songwriter (also part of a band The .44) grabbed SouthSide's attention through his raspy falsettos as well as the energy in which he acoustically performed his songs. A few had this rockin' electric twang coupled with some harmonics rhythm to give them that Blues sound ...meanwhile on acoustic guitar, there was this mellow calmness heard in his music. For example listen to Shreveport Blues - what a strong opening song filled with fiery emotions in the vocals and electric riffs. Or Now Or Never - in which Ricky passionately sang about his hometown through vivid imagery off the lyrics. Then there was Out On The Road Somewhere that had SouthSide feeling the road well-traveled via the lyrics within the soothing calmness of his voice.”

“It's 5 o'clock on a Wednesday, and Ricky Stein has spent his afternoon driving from San Marcos, Texas southeast to Lubbock. Tonight he'll perform his original roots-rock songs at Bash Riprock's, a college bar one block west of Texas Tech University. Three hundred and thirty-three miles separates San Marcos and Lubbock, and Stein is driving all of it alone. "I don't mind," he says while he pulls off the road to talk to me by phone. "I actually kind of like it. I've written songs when I'm on the road by myself." This month, Stein will drive alone from bar to coffee shop and state to state, guitar in his back seat. He'll play solo shows in Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconson, Illinois, Missouri, Tenessee, Alabama, and Louisiana, all before Memorial Day. "I just love to play for people," says Stein. "I'm addicted to it." Stein's Madison tour stop is Friday, May 21st at Mother Fool's Coffeehouse. Stein, 26, grew up in Austin. He still lives there when he's not on tour.”

“Austin's Ricky Stein is a 25-year-old indie roots-rocker who's pulling in some rave reviews in a town that's a treasure trove of great musicians. The Austin Chronicle said Stein's 2009 CD Crazy Days is "excellent right out of the gate." While the Austin American-Statesman boldly proclaimed that the debut disc "puts Stein in the valley between Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. Stein's voice is big and fearless, and his band hammers the groove." The Dallas Morning News noted Stein's influences range from Wilco, the White Stripes, My Morning Jacket, and Bob Dyland to the Rolling Stones. Intrigued? Get on over to Louis' in Benson and catch Stein in an acoustic showcase for his new EP In the Red. Free show, cheap drinks, roots-rocker on the rise. No brainer. ”

“Ricky Stein's new album "Crazy Days" will sneak up on you like a few too many shots of whiskey. The cover of "Crazy Days" shows Ricky Stein to be an average Texan with a relaxed expression, windswept hair, checked shirt, jeans and boots. However, the album will catch you off guard, because there's nothing common about the bluesy, country talent of 25-year-old Ricky Stein. And it's obvious that Stein has immersed himself in the wealth of live music found in his native Austin, Texas.”

“Ricky Stein is throwing a party at the Continental Club on May 14th. Slowtrain opens, then Chris Brecht and the Dead Flowers Band, and about midnight Ricky [shown here at a show in 2006!] strides out on the stage. The very next day, Ricky and his band, The .44, take off on a whirlwind tour of the Eastern U.S. — Galveston, Houston, New Orleans, Chapel Hill, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Asbury Park (home of Springsteen), New York City, Pittsburgh (home of Brett Staggs and his band the Longtime Darlings — and who played drums on Ricky’s record), Columbus (OH), Nashville, Memphis, and Dallas. Then it’s back to the Saxon Pub on June 6th.”