Ricki Marvel is an enigmatic solo artist who fits in the realm of indie, art rock and punk, but follows no guidelines for any genre. She is a rare gem—an ever evolving iconoclast drawing outside of the lines and leading with her heart.

Growing up in Illinois, she was always taking in music, whether it was from albums, movies, tv, or her brother’s jazz gigs. After years of being an obsessive vinyl and CD collector, her initial spark to become a music maker came as a teen when she started attending punk shows. Within a couple of years, she was making songs.

The beginning of her career was dedicated to experimenting with electronic instruments and studying the music she loved. Although her level of expertise in arrangements grew, she struggled to find her own voice. This lead her down a path of self-reflection and exploration. As she was working on her 2020 album The Prisoner, she found out that she was trans. From there, her music reached new heights artistically & lyrically. As her true self, she was no longer lost and it showed.

Ricki has a magnetic stage presence that people often liken to Joan Jett; always present and engaged, with a voice brimming with power and emotion. At her shows, audiences go from laughing one moment to crying the next, but leave energized and optimistic. It is no wonder she has become a staple of Central Illinois Pride celebrations and political rallies.

Her latest release, I went to Miles TShirts and all I got was this rehearsal tape, is a raw, Peel session-like set of recordings that capture this infectious energy perfectly. Together with the natural chemistry she has with her friends Jess Knight and Brandon Carnes of the band Looming, the songs triumphantly shine. In contrast to just happy to here, a Lynchian indie rock album layered with guitar and keyboard tapestries, this EP is pure 3-piece rock with no overdubs.