faith: How long have you been with NewSong?
rico: 2 years and 3 months
faith: When did you begin playing guitar?
rico: 7 years old
faith: Where are you from?
rico: LA, I grew up around the harbor area.
faith: Are your parents still living there?
rico: Yes, my parents are divorced. My Mom remarried, many years ago, and I am close to my
Mom and stepfather. I see my biological father occasionally.
faith: Do you have brothers and sisters?
rico: I have one step brother, who is also in the music industry. I have 4 half brothers and one half
sister.
faith: What was it like growing up in CA ?
rico: It was hard as my Mom had to work to support us, so money was tight some times.
faith: What does your Mom think about your career?
rico: She has always been supportive of my music. We are close. I'm going to see them for
Christmas on December 19th. I'll fly out as soon as I get home from the tour.
faith: When and how were you saved?
rico: I was raised in the Catholic church. My Mom is a devoted Catholic. I was saved about
eleven years ago, when I moved to Nashville. Jill and I moved there and were married.
faith: Where do you go to church?
rico: I'm currently looking for a new church, I miss regular attendance and the fellowship.
I work most weekends so it's hard to attend. I do play in a praise and worship band
when possible here in Nashville. I have my quite time, when I read my Bible and spend time
in prayer. I express my worship and love of Jesus Christ, through my music, my prayer
being, my music will bring glory and honor to our Savior.
faith: What is it like touring with NewSong, are you all good friends?
rico: Yes, we are like a family when touring. I do see Michael O. and Matt some, as they also
live in Nashville. I don't see the other members that live in Atlanta unless touring or working
on a project. I run everyday at home. All of us eat right and work out to keep our bodies
healthy. Some times we do run or work out together on the road. 
faith: Do you have children?
rico: I have a 7 year old son, named Vaughn, he is gifted and special and I'm very proud of him.
He lives with me two days a week. I love spending time with him.
faith: How did your music career begin?
rico: I began to tour right after high school. Which lead me to Michael Damian. Michael and I
were on, The Young and the Restless, for about 5 years. I did walk-ons a couple times a
week. After I wrote and produced tracks for, NBC, CBS and did some tracks for the show,
Walker Texas Ranger.
faith: Did you ever meet Chuck Norris?
rico: No, however, I did work at a high school for a while and met his younger son and we often
talked.
faith: Wow, I'm a big Chuck Norris fan, for many years.
faith: What else did you do in LA ?
rico: I studied martial arts with Dan Insonto (who studied under Bruce Lee). I also studied under
Kim Yuan (he did the show Kung Fu in the late 70's) I studied for about 5 years. I was
blessed with some great teachers of the martial arts.
faith: Please continue with your music career.
rico: After my move to Nashville, my career continued. I auditioned for Margaret
Becker, and got the job. She is a well known writer and producer.
I also toured with, Out of the Grey, Susan Ashton, and hooked up
with Charlie Peacock and toured and did production work. I continued to tour with others like, DC Talk,
And Michael W. Smith, for a year on the, I'll Lead You Home, tour.
I was then offered a job with country singer, Shania Twain, which I passed on, because
Jill and I were expecting our son, and I needed to be with her for the delivery. I was then off the road for a while
and did some local bands and produced. 
faith: What happened next?
rico: I began touring again, with Rachel Lampa, Clay Cross and then with, CeCe Winan, which lead me
to, NewSong. Where I am today.
faith: You have worked for some of the very best in the industry. And been blessed with talent.
faith: What is your favorite part of touring?
rico: It makes me happy to minister to the youth and all ages, with my music, showing the
love of Christ, that is my prayer they will see, Jesus in me and find Christ.
faith: Let me assure you, it shows, your talent and gifts are being used for Jesus. I've
been blessed to hear your music. NewSong uses their music for bringing souls into the
kingdom of Christ, with concerts, jams, Xtreme and the altar calls. Where many are saved.
faith: What are you future plans?
rico: I'll soon have a new CD out. It's jazz. I was just signed to, Ockham Records.
I also have plans for a second CD now as well which will be rock. The first CD should be out this spring.
faith: That is wonderful news. Do you miss, Scotty Wilbanks?
rico: Yes, I do miss Scotty. I miss his talent, his person and fellowship.
faith: Is Rico your real name?
rico: My legal name is: Richard Thomas Madariaga, I drop the last name and use my first and
second name, then people started calling me Rico, which is fine with me.
faith: Thanks very much, Rico, for allowing me to do this interview with you. I know you are
very busy. I believe many will enjoy reading this interview, and getting to know, Rico,
better. I pray you have a Blessed Christmas with your family in LA and pray God will
continue to bless you in your career in the future. You have so much to give and do it
well. I'm blessed to call you my friend.