Feature: Jobi Riccio at Newport Folk
Words by Carson Huffer
Photos by Mae Krell
Newport Folk is a seemingly impenetrable institution in American music. The folk family is powerful and palpable, existing for 65 years with the sheer desire to uplift the tunes that connect the family together and keep the spirit of folk music alive. The festival each year is riddled with surprises, ranging from Bob Dylan’s first electric show in the 60’s to last year’s unannounced Joni Mitchell set that took the world by storm. With the vibrant and lively energy of connection, new artists at Newport regularly find themselves welcomed into something greater than themselves, and fans regularly find brand new artists that are just on the brink of flying into stardom. This year’s lineup was chock full of major artist collaborations and newfound talent, and we can easily confirm post-festival that Newport’s artist to watch is Jobi Riccio.
Born in Morrison, Colorado, Riccio makes the kind of music that sticks to your teeth. Her recent single “Sweet” is simultaneously saccharine and acidic, refusing to conform to standards and expectations set upon her as a woman while singing a comforting melody. For Riccio, the single holds a powerful release of emotion.
“I wrote that song after this super shitty breakup. I was 21 at the time and felt so insecure about all the various things I speak about and come to own in the song. I thought about all of the amazing women in my family and the other incredible but not traditionally femme people that I grew up around… I want to just channel that energy. I don't fit in a box, and I am beautiful and strong because of it.”
Jobi’s Newport set included “Sweet” and a variety of her personal favorites from her discography on the Foundation Stage. Her journey to Newport came through her selection as the winner of the 2023 John Prine Songwriter Fellowship award, a prestigious award offered to one young songwriter each year that shows exceptional promise. The winner is offered a slot to play at Newport Folk, sent on a songwriting retreat, and given the time to connect with John Prine’s family and legacy. When asked about the fellowship and what it means to her, Jobi flushed with reverence and honor at receiving the award.
“It’s been so incredible and such an honor. I’ve been connecting with John's family and they've been so gracious with their time and care with me. It’s truly just an instant family between John's family and the folk family. I can't say enough good things about the people that have been around me through this entire experience. It’s just been magical.”
Another special moment of the weekend came for Riccio during Margo Price’s official after show and tribute to John Prine. The show featured a variety of Folk Fest artists and friends covering John’s discography at length, and as the winner of this year’s fellowship, Jobi received a coveted spot on stage with various titans of the music industry.
“I walked into the room and saw every musician that I've ever loved. It was absolutely insane to see everyone all in a room together, and it really doesn't even feel real like to have been on that lineup. Standing on stage and singing with the people who I’ve always looked up to… nothing beats that.”
Everyone who has attended Newport Folk can attest to a special feeling that only seems to exist at Fort Adams. Whether it’s the breeze off of the Narragansett, the surprise of one off collaborations and stripped back sets, or something else entirely – Newport holds an intrinsic magic that every member of the folk family loves to talk about. For Jobi, that magic came to her tenfold.
“Just being out on the stage and realizing that I'm playing the Newport Folk Festival gave me so much magic. That realization alone would have been more than enough to carry me into a lifetime of happiness. Last night at the Pickens Theatre really just took it over the edge. Emmylou Harris complimented my shoes and told me I have a beautiful voice! That was pretty much a life affirming moment for me as I literally feel like she paved the way for everything that all of us do. It all feels like a dream. That magic is so real.”
Through our conversation, it was resoundingly evident that Jobi couldn’t love the Folk Fest more. Riccio, like many others, has dreamed of taking the stage at Fort Adams since her youth, and getting the opportunity to showcase her artistry for the folk family clearly has left a lasting impact.
“Newport is truly an absolute dream come true. I'm just so grateful to be here. I’ll never be able to say it enough. The Foundation made this childhood dream for me come true. It's truly just phenomenal.”
Jobi Riccio’s debut album Whiplash arrives September 8th on Yep Roc Records. Make sure to follow Jobi on Instagram and Spotify to stay up to date with Folk Fest’s favorite rising star!
