Concerts

Enjoy joyous folk rock with singer/songwriter/novelist Josh Ritter

He takes the stage at the Somerville Theatre on Oct. 7.

Josh Ritter

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Not many musicians can claim that they’ve written a novel, let alone two. But Josh Ritter has that accomplishment under his name.

He also continues to tour behind his music. Ritter’s slate of shows this fall begins with him promoting his new book, “The Great Glorious Goddamn of it All.”

He then has solo acoustic shows lined up across the country. He will take the stage at the Somerville Theatre on Oct. 7.

Ritter has been around for over 20 years, and is known for his Americana folk tunes. He also has ties to Boston: He first decided to pursue music here. In 2006, he won male vocalist of the year at the Boston Music Awards.

In a 2019 interview, Ritter was asked by Repeat Replay about how the songs on his latest album, “Fever Breaks,” released in April 2019, reflect current events.

“I strenuously try to avoid writing songs that feel like they’re educational,” Ritter said. “I don’t feel like songs should be educational, but I do believe that songs could be reflective of a moment and exposing questions that we all have that can make us closer together.”

Between writing music, and penning novels, Ritter spends time with his partner and two daughters. They live in New York.

In a recent piece in the New York Times, Ritter described a typical Sunday at home with his family. Though typically a day of rest, Ritter rouses himself around 5:30 a.m., before his children wake up.

“I write prose in the morning because it’s quieter, even though I’m a loud typer,” he said. “I love to have several cups of coffee while I’m writing.”