Impending Domesticity
As I sit down in my studio to continue working on my latest song, entitled "Prisoners", I thought it fitting to update this here website with some good news. What's this news you ask? Well, calm down and I'll tell you...geez.
I'll once again be hitting the stage at the House of Blues Anaheim coming up on Saturday, June 16th for solo acoustic performance. I'm currently working out a setlist for the occasion and can't decide if I should throw in a cover this time or not...
I typically leave covers out of my sets because, believe it or not, I'm far more comfortable sharing my work with a crowd than trying to accurately deliver, and most importantly, REMEMBER, another artist's work. Plus, I tend to have very eclectic taste when it comes to cover songs. I'm a child of the 90's and this is the era I typically dip into when it comes time to choose.
In other news, my wife and I are currently in escrow on our first house. This is both exciting and terrifying. I'm not looking forward to the mortgage payments or the giant lawn I'm now responsible for mowing, but I am extremely excited to take this next step in our lives. My dog is pretty stoked too.
The best part about the house is that I have a great space lined up for the new studio setup. It will definitely be an upgrade from my current situation and I'll finally be able to treat the room for sound and really get some lighting & ambience in there. Can't wait to see what new ideas the change of scenery will conjure up.
Chances are I won't speak to you until we're moved in, so wish us look and I'll see you on the other side!
- Ryan
Existentialism & Artist Envy
It's a little insane how infrequently I update this blog. Did you even notice? Is anybody even out there?
One paragraph in and he's already getting existential on us. Figures.
My new year's resolution for 2018 was to be more prolific with my songwriting - both in recording and performing live. The former is going pretty well. December and January brought me a couple of the finest tunes I've ever written - titled "Under Your Spell" and "I Hope I'll Make You Sing", respectively. And February will mark my return to the stage with an acoustic set at the House of Blues Anaheim. Not a bad start to the year.
I was very inspired by a young artist named Phoebe Bridgers this year. She released an incredible new album in September called "Stranger in the Alps". Lyrically, thematically, melodically, vocally - suffix after suffix - this beautiful album is full of songs that tear you apart and put you right back together again. There's something about sad music that makes me so damn happy.
And that's all anyone can ever ask for as an artist - to make somebody FEEL something with what you've created. I strive to one day affect somebody with my songs in the same way Phoebe's songs have affected me.
Ok, it's time to take Charlie outside and hit the hay. I'll see you at the House of Blues.
It's Been a While...
I took a bit of a break from updating the site. Sometimes life gets in the way. I feel like that's the theme of my writing lately. Don't get me wrong - there are so many great things in my life. Family, friends, dog, job, etc. But as time goes on, I feel more and more like there's this force trying to pull me away from that creative energy I used to feel so deeply in my bones and nurture and protect. I won't let it die. I will never stop writing|singing|creating. It's why I'm here.
Been working on a new song lately. Tentatively rolling with the longwinded title of "I Know You So Much Better Than I Know Myself". The words "existential" and "confessional" certainly come to mind when describing my lyrics these days. I think the existential part has always been there, but I used to have a real knack for masking my confessional lyrics in layers of ambiguity. I think they got tired of missing the party, cuz nowadays they don't care to stay hidden. Must be a "getting older" thing.
I think it's a good thing. I want to write honestly. That's what I want to hear from the artists I listen to lately. Just tell me how you're feeling.
"If you could walk for miles in my shoes, you would see the world for all there is to lose."
Happy New Year!
Today is the first day of 2016. I got to ring in the new year watching one of my favorite songwriters / heroes playing his guts out to a sold out crowd at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. This writer, of course, is none-other than Mr. Andrew McMahon - best known for his work in bands like Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin and most recently, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
Like in any form of art, it's always inspiring to see another artist showcase their craft. Last night was no different. I couldn't think of a better way to say goodbye to 2015 and welcome 2016 with open arms and an open mind.
Writing songs is my passion, my hobby and my purest form of expression. I'm thankful for this ability, and I look forward to continuing to hone my craft and uncover new opportunities in which to present my music to the world in the upcoming year.
Cheers!
-Ryan