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Lifehouse will put local man’s song on new album
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
A song written by a local DJ will appear on the next album from rock band Lifehouse.
“It’s Over Now” was penned by Michael Richmond, who goes by DJ Phatty when he works at area clubs.
Richmond, a fan of Lifehouse, wrote and entered the song in an Internet contest sponsored by the band. As a prize, the band would record the winning song and put it on its next CD.
The 1993 Austintown Fitch High School graduate wound up winning the contest with his song “It’s Over Now.”
“I am so proud of this,” said Richmond, who confessed he was shocked when he learned he won. “It’s a huge accomplishment.”
As part of the prize, Richmond will be flown to Los Angeles, where he will watch the band record the song.
Not bad for a novice songwriter. Richmond plays keyboards and guitar but has been writing songs for only about five years.
With musical influences that include Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Daughtry, Lifehouse and Bon Jovi, Richmond said he plans to start either a country or a rock band and will continue writing songs.
Actually, more success as a songwriter might be on the horizon. Richmond actually entered several songs in the Lifehouse contest, and one of them — “Daddy’s Love” — was sent to country singer Vince Gill, who reportedly is interested in it.
“It’s about my father,” said Richmond of the song. “He loved only one woman, and that was my mother. They were best friends and yet husband and wife ... and he lost her to cancer shortly after he retired.”