Loren Ryan stops by #TheAussieWord for a special interview.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Living in Tamworth I grew up with a taste for country music, my family absolutely love music and werr collectors of so many cds and always bought the cds from bands we’d see during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. My grandfather played guitar also, so when we’d visit them out in Walgett he played a number of Jazz standard and country songs on guitar he had a silky smooth voice just like Uncle Jimmy Little, that inspired me to want to pick up guitar and play. My family struggled for money so I did what I could to save up and buy my first guitar at 14. That’s when I started learning, playing songs and got brave enough to perform in public.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I’m highly inspired by other musicians’ art and how it moves me. I want to create music that transcends and holds relevance for decades just like some of the myths who have so many albums under their belt and cannot favourite artists only evolve with the industry but shape it.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I see Troy Cassar-Daley holding the record for the most Golden Guitar Awards in history and that is so impressive to me, I think he highly deserved every single award. The floor for me is 10 Golden Guitar Awards, that’s the minimum goal achievement. I know it sounds ambitious but I like to dream BIG.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I am performing all along the east coast of Australia at some of the biggest country music festivals, including the Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival and Savannah In The Round. You can catch me at any of these shows this year.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release is a song I wrote with Gavin Carfoot and Melanie Dyer. It’s called Suddenly and I wrote it for all the parents out there who feel like their babies grow up way too quick. I’ve got a 5 year old daughter who I’ve been raising on my own since she was 4 months old and the birthdays truly creep up on you. This song reflects all of those feelings.
My music is country with flares of pop and rnb. All the styles I listened to growing up are embodied in my art to give it that edge. I’m quite a soulful singer.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Cool titles and themes that are just waiting for a song, that’s where I tend to start. If I write what’s real to me it tends to appeal to a lot of people. We’re all family, we all shop at Coles haha.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Some of my songs have hidden meanings and unless you know me personally you may not pick up on them. I like to hunt towards certain things that have impacted me without being too literal.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Hard work and practice. Keep your eyes on the prize, celebrate each success and then decide what’s next and what are the 6 degrees of separation between you and your next goal. Have a good game plan and be friendly to everyone.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Winning Toyota Star Maker 2023.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Tanner Adell is my main inspiration at the moment.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I’m working on an EP!
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself in a few years?
In a few years I see myself doing headline shows or co-headline shows all around Australia and touring internationally.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part is the moments you share with the crowds while performing. My least favourite part is having to be away from my daughter and missing out on some special things.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Troy Cassar-Daley, Jem Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden, Taylor Moss, Melanie Dyer, Blake O’Connor and Nathan Lamont.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
The music industry is ever evolving and you must do what it takes to stay relevant. A lot of this social media is free publicity so it’s smart to be using it and building your fan base through these platforms.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list? I would love to write with Hilary Lindsay, Tanner Adell, Kylie Sackley, Seaforth and Nat Dunn..
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would say create your own path, there any many paths to take to get to where you want to be just make sure you put in the work and have fun along the way.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I love meeting people at shows it makes it all worthwhile and through comments and messages online. It’s so special when sometimes take time out of their days to come to a show or reach out.
Instagram @lorenryanmusic