Richard Green, a guitarist and composer originally from Italy, has been cultivating his musical path in the lively and diverse scene of London since 2012. Armed with a strong academic foundation that includes an advanced guitar diploma and a degree in music, Green brings a sophisticated blend of technical prowess and artistic creativity to every piece he creates. His body of work speaks to his adventurous musical nature, beginning with the shadowy experimental tones of his first single Dark Horses, and extending into the colorful range of styles found on his EP Color and Sound. Whether weaving elements of rock, funk, blues, or ambient sounds, Green approaches each track with a willingness to stretch genre boundaries and infuse his own character. His compositions are more than demonstrations of skill; they reflect a mindset deeply rooted in exploration and emotional expression, showcasing his identity as a composer who values authenticity over convention.
On April 17th, 2024, Richard Green released his instrumental single Happy Monday, a lively and uplifting composition that turns the traditional dread of Mondays on its head. The title itself playfully challenges a common sentiment, yet the music goes beyond novelty, offering a truly refreshing sonic experience. By blending rock-pop sensibilities with touches of funk, blues, and a whisper of jazz, Green crafts a track that feels both joyful and deliberate. His genre-blending expertise is channeled into a piece that embodies positivity and reinvention. Rather than allowing Monday to be a symbol of monotony, Green reimagines it as an opportunity for lightness, energy, and perspective. At the heart of the track is his guitar, which serves as both narrator and guide, weaving through emotions and motifs with equal parts precision and feeling.
The track begins with an infectious groove, quickly establishing a vibrant mood. The opening guitar strums are crisp, bold, and filled with warmth, immediately drawing the listener in with their sunny tone and rhythmic vitality. As the song unfolds, the guitar shifts seamlessly between foundational rhythms and expressive lead passages, maintaining clarity and melodic flow throughout. While the playing is undoubtedly refined, it never feels showy. Each note contributes to the larger emotional atmosphere Green is building, one that replaces Monday gloom with musical brightness and ease. The performance glows with spontaneity, giving it a sense of live energy while remaining polished and intentional.
The guitar’s expressive journey is complemented by a tight and tasteful rhythm section featuring bass and drums recorded in Italy with the help of Green’s long-time collaborators. Their contributions bring stability and richness to the arrangement. The bass offers a gentle but groovy undercurrent, adding both foundational depth and melodic contrast, while the drums are clean and measured, propelling the song without overwhelming its mood. This equilibrium allows each instrument to shine individually while contributing to a cohesive whole. The musical interplay feels organic, a testament to Green’s collaborative spirit and attention to arrangement. Even though most of the production took place in his home studio, the track exudes a sense of professionalism and care, demonstrating his deep involvement in every aspect of the creative process.One of the defining qualities of Happy Monday is its structural evolution. Rather than following a typical verse-chorus cycle, the track moves more like a story, progressing fluidly with changing textures, dynamics, and emotional tones. The transitions are subtle, yet each brings a fresh variation that keeps the piece engaging. As the song progresses, it alternates between playful rhythms, softer reflective passages, and bursts of melodic joy. This approach offers a journey-like experience for the listener, as if walking through different parts of a day, beginning with promise, passing through moments of quiet reflection, and arriving at a place of renewed optimism. Despite having no lyrics, the composition manages to feel narrative and emotionally mapped, highlighting Green’s careful consideration of its pacing and arc.
Emotionally, the piece radiates hope and light-heartedness. It’s evident that Green approached this composition during a time when he needed emotional renewal through his art. That intention is tangible in every phrase, giving the track a deeply personal, almost therapeutic quality. Rather than sounding manufactured or overly polished, Happy Monday comes across as heartfelt and sincere. The guitar lines feel like spoken thoughts, drifting between cheerful riffs and more introspective melodic fragments, as if voicing inner feelings without uttering a word. There is a clear desire to offer something joyful and human, and Green accomplishes this with elegance and warmth.From a production standpoint, Happy Monday benefits greatly from its clean and spacious mix. Each instrument is given room to breathe, yet nothing feels detached from the collective sound. The clarity of the guitar tone is especially noteworthy, it allows the nuances of Green’s articulation to be fully appreciated, from delicate hammer-ons to fluid slides and subtle bends. The rhythm section remains supportive throughout, adding texture and drive without stealing focus. The mix reveals Green’s experience both behind the instrument and behind the console, balancing warmth and clarity with finesse. Even with much of the recording done independently, the final product carries the professional shine and emotional resonance of a full studio production.
In conclusion, Happy Monday is a vibrant reminder of the power instrumental music has to uplift and communicate. Through its careful arrangement, emotive playing, and thoughtful execution, the piece encourages listeners to reimagine a typically dreaded part of the week with joy and curiosity. This isn’t merely a technical showcase or genre experiment, it is a heartfelt message conveyed through melody, mood, and motion. Richard Green proves once again that he is an artist unafraid to cross stylistic lines and express emotion without words. Happy Monday invites repeated listens not only for its musical sophistication but for the sense of optimism it so effortlessly imparts. It is a song that speaks volumes through its honesty and lightness, offering a moment of escape and encouragement in the form of sound.
