Interview: Ryan Haynes
His upcoming music is him discovering his sound and refining his music career.
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I have always loved music ever since I could remember. My parents and family were all very much into music as well so I guess it just naturally came. Growing up in New Jersey with such a big family I was exposed to so many genres all at once that it was easy to love! If I wasn't doing music I would be involved with hockey somehow. I have played my whole life and that's really the only other thing I was good at haha.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
There are a ton of things I enjoy outside of music. Sports, nature, spending time with the family, and traveling are def some of my fav things to do at any given time. Its all life experience that just adds to the creative juices altogether. When you have more to pull from the easier it is.
How long has your band been around?
I have only released two songs under the Ryan Haynes project thus far but have been working on it for about a year now. Before that, I produced and DJ'd for about 9 years.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
Based out of beautiful Pittsburgh, PA. The grit and hustle of the city have def helped shape some of the music as well as me as a person. Great hard-working and supportive people that want to see you win.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.
It's my real name so wasn't too hard! My music is from the soul and portrays me as a person. I wanted it to be genuine and there isn't anything more genuine than being yourself.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
Touring the world as a DJ, I have been able to play a ton of venues! My favs are Red Rocks and EchoStage.
If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?
Gary Clark Jr, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Post Malone
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Be patient! Work as hard as possible to get to where you want to go but be realistic. Set goals you can achieve and then set new ones once you have succeeded.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
I definitely would have told myself to start this project a long time ago.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
"Outside" It's just such a personal song to me with a great deal of meaning.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
It's extremely organic for the most part. I get in the studio with Kyle Horrell and Garrett Hunter and we just jam until an idea is born. Then we keep adding and subtracting until we are happy with the product.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Genuine, real music from the soul that you can relate to. I want people to feel the song as a whole. Being a bit catchy with a solid real meaning behind it is fulfilling.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Just plan to put out a TON more music and keep pushing forward! The "Outside" video is dropping by end of the month!