Essential 8: Andrew Ryan

Courtesy of the Artist

Missouri-based singer-songwriter Andrew Ryan recently released his debut album Across Currents. Recorded in St. Louis, the project features Ryan on numerous instruments including acoustic and electric guitar, drums, vocals, glockenspiel, and piano evoking an alt-county sound that hits the sweet spot between The Old 97's and Wilco. Here, Ryan answers his Essential 8 and talks about writing for the record in Taiwan and Michigan, "a-ha" moments, and more.

​When/where do you do your best writing?
The first half of the this album I wrote at my brother's home in the small town of Dapi, Taiwan. I was in another country for a few weeks and isolated myself for most of it. I had my sister in law's childhood classical acoustic guitar and I stayed on the third floor of the school building they own and operate. Just taking it all in.

The second half of the album I wrote in the attic of a home that was built in the 50's in a town in Wisconsin called Sheboygan. I was working in construction at a power plant right on the coast of Lake Michigan in between Green Bay and Milwaukee. Again, I was held up in isolation when I had a moment for it on an acoustic guitar with a folding chair, an air mattress, and alcohol. 
​
What’s the story behind your album’s title?
Across Currents is sort of derived from a line from my song “Gwyneth” - “As I cross these currents to your heart”.​

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? 
I draw inspiration from my life and my experiences.

---

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
Actually I try to write a song that means something to me based on my own experiences. I think I use a combination of everything mentioned EXCEPT for made up stories. I want to create something that I can feel completely proud of and whole-heartedly believe in. I think people are able to tell what’s genuine and what isn’t.  

With “Caladiums”, what was the “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
I realized I wanted to make the tag line completely different than the story conveyed in the verse. Two separate stories that intertwine and still make sense.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
Just recently we opened a show for Rayland Baxter and I had a conversation with his keyboardist Mr. Jimmy Rowland. He gave me some good advice: there’s really no end point in all of this madness, but just keep doing it and keep at it. 

What song are you tired of playing and why?
Well, I wouldn’t say I’m tired of playing it, but maybe one I have a hard time playing is “Out of My Head”. It's a song I wrote for my best friend Cory Goodwin who was shot and killed in the summer of 2016. I have to get in the right head space before I play it at a show especially if I’m playing solo. I’m really proud to have written the song but it can stir up those emotions and sometimes it’s difficult.

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
The National “Sleep Well Beast”

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Bandcamp

Purchase:
Spotify http://spoti.fi/2yd8L3g
iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1266464676
Amazon Music http://amzn.to/2xFlfjo