Exclusive Interview With Ryan

We here at RyanStarFans.com have had the chance to have an exclusive interview with Ryan, the man himself. Who asked the questions? You did! Ryan was awesome and took time to answer your questions about his past music, his life right now, and everything we have to look forward to, and that’s a lot!

Question: If you hadn’t pursued music, what profession do you think you’d have today (that isn’t music-related)? (From Miel)

Ryan: I used to believe that it was the only thing to live for and in some respects I still do but every time I pass a school or see one of those inspiring movies where a teacher makes a difference I feel like I could do that. I just worry about teaching high school girls. Especially these days. I saw that nude photo online of the girl from ‘High School Musical’ and remembered why I sing and don’t teach.

Question: Which of your life-changing moments stands out the most? (From Miel)

Ryan: There are a few like in everyone’s vault. The first day I heard Pearl Jam, the night I finished the book “Many Lives, Many Masters,” but in recent history I would say when I decided to swallow my indie cred pride and go on an international television show of cover songs to get my voice and name out there. I was so confused I almost went to a psychic the night before because I truly had no idea what was the right thing to do. I closed my eyes and dove in as you know and since then life has been different.

Question: What are your thoughts about your fans checking out and being fans of your older music, from the Stage album and earlier? (From Jackie)

Ryan: Hi Jackie! I was just out with Justin from Stage last night in my quick visit home in NYC. I told him I just watched the Stage DVD a few days ago and it fired me up to not only get out there in huge ways for r. star but for Stage as well. We were kids and had the dream and it faded with time. Nothing would make me happier than for all of that music to be heard by millions so that when I go touring I can play those songs of my childhood. The guys deserve it too so that we can say it all was for something.

Question: Of the songs going to be on the new album, which songs were the easiest to write, which were the most difficult? How did you decide which songs would be on the album? (From Jackie)

Ryan: This process was hardly easy this time around. I think between searching for my new statement and being my first proper solo album it was always a challenge. Writing a song called “11:59″ (for now) was memorable because it was the first new song to be written which ultimately opened the flood gates for the rest to follow. As far as what will be on the album I still don’t even know. I wrote a new song called ‘Orphans’ which I just recorded last week. The book isn’t closed yet.

More, under the jump!

Question: What would your advice be for aspiring musicians? And do you have any tips on writing lyrics? (From Leigh)

Ryan: Out of all people, I heard some amazing advice for none other than J Lo. She said in acting you have to enjoy the process of rejection, auditions, etc. because most of the time that is what it is. I think it is great advice but I guess I didn’t follow it myself cause I never enjoyed the process although I probably should have. Its not in my personality. I have done the whole drive 22 hours sick in a van and play in front of the bartender and the next band and it sucks. So never mind what J Lo said. That is not what its all about. I guess you gotta just hang in there if you believe. As far as writing lyrics I am still learning. For me lately, I like creating images and stories with my words. When I was younger I thought more abstract in songs like “Live Happy, Live With Anorexia,” and “Jesus Was a Test Tube Baby” but now I find more satisfaction in painting a brighter picture. Also, a great fan of mine named Crispen wrote an email to me right before I wrote a song called “Somebody’s Son” a few months ago. His letter said it must be hard to write something relevant these days. I instantly thought of it as a challenge and now that song will have a great place on the new album. My favorite actually.

Question: Just because you know I HAVE to ask….can you give us any new details on the upcoming album and/or the soundtrack that ‘Last Train Home’ is supposed to be on? (From Liza)

Ryan: It’s good you say “supposed to be on” ’cause obviously in this business you never know. A movie called “P.S. I Love You” starring Hillary Swank due out in December picked up last train home for a scene. It will go down as my first placement in a film. When I read the synopsis I fell in love with it and the director really loved the song so it was a simple match. If I write music for anything, it’s films not radio. For me it is where I belong.

Question: Was the song “Perfect” based on your life? Were you, at any point pressured to be “perfect?” (From Miel)

Ryan: “Perfect” was very much autobiographical at the time but it soon became my valentine to ones I cared about.

Question: Which of your life-changing moments stands out the most? (From Miel)

Ryan: Right now.

Question: What album(s) should everyone be given on their eighteenth birthday? (From Julia)

Ryan: Anything by Leonard Cohen for your soul
Stina nordenstam for your intimacy
Nine Inch Nails for your f******
Pearl Jam for your working out
The Pixies for your not giving a s***

Question: Who are your past musical influences and what’s on your iPod right now? (From Kim)

Ryan: Depending on what time of day, see above and add Panic! to the workout mix. Oh, and add Lost for the plane rides.

Question: If I remember correctly, the song “O” was written about an executive at Maverick records who you worked with when you were a part of Stage. How has your experience at Atlantic been different? And were you hesitant to sign with another major label? (From Kim)

Ryan: I don’t really feel too original because I bet a lot of artists wrote about the guy but yes it was my big “f*** you” to that whole experience. I was hesitant. I loved my indie thing but the kind of album I wanted to make and the way I want to reach the world required me to go to a bigger house sort of speak. The good news is the person who signed me there was with me from the early days of rockwood when it was 20 people in the crowd. It still feels indie as far as the creativity goes. As soon as I finish my album I do plan on doing some more raw sketches too. Always changin it up. Like diddy.

Question: Most of the songs on ‘SFEOTE’ were a lot darker sounding than most of the new songs we’ve heard so far (‘Breathe,’ ‘Last Train Home,’ and ’11:59′). What sparked the change? (From Kim)

Ryan: Again, Like diddy. Ha, I don’t know. It’s just like when I wear the same shirt for 30 performances in a row and then I simply change it. I want a new smell, a new color. Still the same skin under it all.
That’s the last of the questions. We really appreciate you all taking your time to send in the questions, and we appreciate Ryan taking his time to answer. Thanks so much. I know we’re looking forward to everything to come.

We’ll be doing this again, so keep your eyes peeled for your chance to submit questions.
- Tiffany, RyanStarFans.com