Amber Ryann
Amber Ryann has just released her brand new single “SITUATIONSHIP” and what a record. You can only love this song because of its massive production and the crazy melodies. Co-produced with Xmane and Zach Golden, “SITUATIONSHIP” is an instant smash.
What I love the most about Amber is that she is one hell of a producer. Her style is one-of-a-kind. She doesn’t stick to just one genre. I love her versatility and her poignant lyrics. Amber Ryann is a true artist with a real vision and identity. It’s inspiring to watch/see.
Thank you so much Amber for the chat :)
“SITUATIONSHIP” is out now !!
Photo credit: Alexander Cobian
Introduce yourself - what's the story of Amber Ryann?
My name is Amber Ryann and I am an independent artist/producer/creative director based out of Pasadena, CA. I got into music at the age of 10, my dad was a music producer so I grew up around music early on in my life. MTV introduced me to rock bands like My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, The Used and Franz Ferdinand whilst my mom and dad loved oldie, 90’s R&B and Hip Hop. Growing up I found myself resonating with rock music on such a deep level as it felt inclusive for kids that were outcasted like myself. Rock music showed me how to thrive off of rebellion and embrace what made me different. During my teen years I started playing in metal bands and daydreaming that one day I’d be on the road touring somewhere. I knew early on that this was my path and I never looked back.
"SITUATIONSHIP" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
Situationship is about the blurred lines between something you’d consider to be just a friendship and what you’d consider to be a romantic relationship. I can’t really explain the inspiration beyond just wanting to create a spicy song with an infectious vibe.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
I had a trip planned to go to the MajorStage studios in NYC for a week of writing so I basically started writing all these demos months prior. I made a little mini studio in my sister's bedroom and for months I’d sit there every night throwing together rough instrumentals and topline ideas. When I was producing “SITUATIONSHIP” I felt inspired by the feel of “Vampire” by Dominic Fike and I wanted to create that infectious vibe within the track instrumentally. As always I usually start all my ideas with my guitar and build out a demo from there. Once I took the demo over to NYC producers Xmane, and Zach Golden helped guide the track to where it is today and Angel Torres (AKA SOL) helped me lock in topline melodies for the verses.
What made you want to release "SITUANS" as a single?
The feeling, I only ever lead with the feeling a song gives me. I always ask myself “If I heard this song for the first time, would it feel impactful? Like I’m hearing a moment in music that cannot be missed.” And even though this doesn’t sound like anything else I’ve ever released before I want to make it clear I am not afraid to take creative risks. I am invested in pushing the boundaries and creating music that is future forward and that comes with the territory of uncertainty. Is this a “single”? Who knows but it makes me move, makes me feel some type of way. If I can give some one that feeling leading with this single as a first impression, that’s all I could really ask for.
What's the inspiration behind the artwork?
Last year I felt as though I went through trials and tribulations in my life feeling entirely alone while shutting the world out. I wanted to recreate those feelings of isolation within the artwork.
What can you tell us about your upcoming album?
Since it’s early in the release I won’t give away too much but people can expect a genre fluid album that pulls their emotions in many different directions. The basis of the album has to do with the acceptance of things I can’t change and moving on from past situations. Sometimes in your darkest moments you have to be the one to create the light for yourself. There were many moments in my life last year where I had to simply find something to remain grateful for as a means of survival. I can’t control every aspect of my life but I can control how I react or what I take away from those experiences “even when it falls apart”. That’s also the meaning behind the album title.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think what feels more enticing to the industry is data and analytics. While music is a business, I don’t believe that’s what should influence creative decisions. I wish to see the industry take more risks on artist’s with promising brands and the potential for longevity. I wish to see the industry listen to what feels promising to those passionately consuming music rather than trying to formulate artists in a way that feels inauthentic and unapproachable. I’d like to see more platforms that are curated and influenced by music listeners, not biased industry tastemakers.
What advice would you give to new artists out there?
Have realistic expectations and remain uninfluenced by the way the internet can portray an artist’s journey, nothing happens overnight. In the beginning, embrace creating unapologetically and releasing music while no one is listening because those are the moments you learn who you are as an artist and what you want to say. It’s kind of like when you are dancing in a room full of people and you feel timid and shy but when you are dancing alone in your bedroom you let loose. When you first start to try and develop your sound, let loose. Most important advice I’d give is build community and support other artists. So many people are focused on cultivating relationships with industry professionals they forget their own peers are major keys of support and sometimes even mentorship. Lastly, attempt to not compare your progress to the progress of those around you, keep your head down and work even when no one else is watching.
What message do you want your music to give to the LGBTQ+ community?
To put it simply there needs to be more representation in mainstream music. I understand if my fans support me it’s my responsibility to remain visible and use my platform for amplification. I want my music to not only feel inclusive but direct, I write about experiences I have had in romantic relationships with men and women. When you listen, you will know.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
That’s a loaded question, because ultimately I feel as if greed is what makes the world a tumultuous place. If we are speaking in regards to the things we can control I would say trying to remain conscientious. The past couple of years have been more than difficult but even what can be considered to be traumatic. As a young person trying to navigate through life I could only imagine that would only be possible by developing a deep rooted sense of apathy. The moment we as a majority of people are consumed by apathy and a lack of care for one another, we are lost. Care for one another, be kind or at least try. Every day “ordinary people” don’t seem to think they have an impact on this world and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Being the change we want to see in the world starts with us, so be kind.
What are the most important life lessons you've learned in your artist journey?
That I am an artist but my art doesn’t define me as a person. As artist’s sometimes we start to feel we are creating something larger than life itself. There was a point I was so consumed with not being where I wanted to be in my career it consumed my entire existence and just filled me with terrible anxiety. I still get anxious and have my moments but I think I’ve learned to enjoy the journey and approach my life with gratitude rather than constantly feeling dissatisfied. Timing is everything, and I feel the more time goes on the more I am becoming mentally prepared for what’s to come in my career. If things had happened for me any sooner I may have fumbled the bag, failed or worse I would have just been a depressed shell of a person.
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