Kelley Ryan

By Alicia in Musicians on Feb 2, 2010

Singer/Songwriter Trying a Solo Album on For Size

Many of you may know singer/songwriter Kelley Ryan from her days working with the astroPuppees, but today you will find her on her own, releasing her first solo project Twist on February 16. Kelley wrote all the lyrics and told her story from a feminine point of view to complete 12 songs that won't make anyone second guess her decision to be a solo artist. You can learn more about Kelley on her Website.

You have an extensive music history performing in a group with the Astropupees. What have you found to be the biggest differences of performing solo versus with others?

Well, for me it doesn't really feel any different one way or the other. The funny thing is, when I first started recording under the name astroPuppees, it was mostly me, all alone, in my little basement studio working all the knobs and playing all the music. Mostly, in the very beginning at least, a SOLO project. Gradually, I would add friends and musicians to various songs, to give the records a more full and interesting sound. With 'TWIST', which is technically my first solo record, I actually have more of a "band" involvement. Don Dixon and I co-produced it right from the start. He plays bass (as well as many other instruments), Marti Jones is my singing co-hort through-out and Jim Brock did all the drum and percussion work. It's really a collaborative effort between the 4 of us. Much more like a 'band' than astroPuppees ever was.

What influenced your decision to finally break from recording with the Astropupees and do a solo album?

It wasn't a premeditated "break". It just occurred naturally. Dixon heard the first few rough versions of the songs and immediately suggested that maybe this record should be a Kelley Ryan record. I was skeptical at first. I don't really care WHAT you label it, it is always about the SONGWRITING for me. I didn't think it was going to be any different this time around, but...Dixon was totally right. As the record progressed it seemed to have a more personal 'voice' to it. It felt much more close to the way I feel about things PERSONALLY than the astroPuppees records. Not that they we're that far off from my POV, just that "Twist" seems straight from my heart somehow. I am very comfortable (and proud) to put my name on it. I'll scream it from the highest mountain..I LOVE THIS RECORD!

If you could describe your solo album, Twist using one word, what would you choose and why?

Well, TWIST, of course, because it hurts so good.

What aspect of Twist are you most proud of and why?

The mood. It seems to me to have a deep and definite feeling about it that sort of vacillates between 'regular conversation' and 'tone poetry'. I like that it takes me as close to my heart as I can possibly get. Quietly screaming my idea of love. Like I'm getting to sky-write a excellent secret across the sky.

Is there a particular purpose or meaning you are trying to convey with the songs heard on Twist?

Well, it's definitely the mellowest record I've ever made. I guess it could be described as a sad record. But sadness has it's own particular beauty, and I really try to focus on that. I would say, in my mind anyway, it's sort of like Beck's 'SEA CHANGE' for me. Just a break from the usual faire. Patrolling the darker more moody side of life. In fact, the one cover I do on 'TWIST' is from that Beck record..."Lost Cause". I've always loved the mood of that song.

In a market saturated with many great musicians, how are you able to make yourself stand out from all the others when creating a new album?

I don't know about "a market saturated". Those kind of words are for grocery stores in my book. But the WORLD is FULL of great music. Always has been. Always will be. The only thing I can think of that makes my records "stand out" is that they are uniquely mine. I'm not reinventing the wheel or anything. Just interpreting what I see, hear, taste, smell and feel, and trying to be true to myself.

Many musicians, yourself included, like to record songs in different locations. What type of affect do varying cities have on an album and do you think everyone should move around when recording an album?

I have written songs and played the guitar since I was 12. Where ever I am....I write. So I don't purposefully go to any specific location for specific effect. That being said, after living in the middle of L.A. and Hollywood for years, I now live part of the year in Ireland on the edge of a cliff, and the rest in the Southern California, at the edge of a desert. Both places are beautiful, rugged, extreme and desolate. I recorded and wrote 'TWIST' in both of these locations which I think, in retrospect, totally influenced the sound of the disc. That, and the fact that it was a labor of love between myself and Dixon and Jones who are two of the most excellent people on the planet....AND, the sweet addition of my friend Van Dyke Park's string arrangements....make me love this record more than any other of mine. To me it's all about the process. And this process incredibly, creatively satisfying. Leaves me wanting to do more. Which I guess is the point.

While the crazed insanity of a tour can be liberating and a wonderful experience, it is relentless; when on tour do you ever long for a moment of tranquility? If so how do you find it?

I am going to be doing a handful of dates for 'Twist'. They're all listed at www.kelleyryan.net but, I don't really tour. Never really had the chance. But like I say, I travel so much..my LIFE is a tour. Moments of tranquility?? Hanging with my husband. All he has to do is look at me and calm melts over me like honey.

Is there something that's now a part of your everyday life that you didn't expect to happen before beginning a career in music?

Yes. Actually having to THINK about WHY I do what I do and try to express it in interviews like this and not sound like an idiot.

If one of your musical talents was to be taken from you, songwriting, singing or playing an instrument, which one would you want it to be and why?

That's apples and oranges. Those are all part of my writing process, and I would even add, recording as well. Can't do one without the other. I'm a jack of all trades when it comes to this stuff...master of none.

The greatest inspiration of an artist is those who have come before, can you provide an overview of your favorite artists, especially those who have inspired your career?

My favorite artist, without listing hundreds of names right now, have always been women. My girlfriends in high school and college would all decorate their black-light bedroom walls with posters of Mick Jagger (or whatever guy they wanted to screw). I'd put up my favorite women artists for inspiration. I wasn't interested in having sex with a musician...I wanted to BE one. But, if forced to say, my favorite artist of all time is Ella. For her clear honest delivery. That I appreciate in anyone. Boy...girl or who ever.

Music is often considered to be the most powerful of psychologists. The strength of a meaningful melody has carried many lost souls back to the light. Have you ever had moments in your life where your music or someone else’s has helped carry you through a tough situation?

I don't mean to be dramatic here but honestly I believe I would die without my musical outlet. I am a consistent lost soul and music is definitely my light.

Having been in the music industry for such a long time, you have seen it go through many ups and downs. What is one thing that you have come across during your career that you would change about the music industry?

Well, first of all, you have to sell a TON of records before one can be considered to have a "career" so I don't fall into THAT catagory for sure. Music industry?....I guess I'd change it by taking the word "industry" out of that phrase. Isn't it an oxymoron anyway? Or maybe I'm an oxymoron, I don't know.....

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome thus far and what advice would you have for others so they don’t experience the same thing?

Realizing that it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about your work as long as deep down YOU truly love it. Then nothing can sway you from your most honest expression. Not praise...not criticism. Ahhhh...a perfect place to be.