Newfoundland’s celebrated country artist Chris Ryan talks new music and a love for those who’ve gone before him
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Chris Ryan had an incredible 2018 and as he inches into 2019, this year is about to be more of the same.
Ryan was one of the East semi-finalists in last years SiriusXM/CCMA Top of the Country project with his song Lucky Heart. Now, the singer-song writer has a new single, Last Forever.
‘A Lasting Impression’
“The idea behind it is leaving something behind that you are proud of and you want to be remembered for,” he begins. Ryan shares he’s gone through loss over the past few years, and it’s made him realize a few things.
“This song speaks to what people leave behind as a legacy. It can relate to anyone and anything; to a parent who wants to be remembered to a teacher who’d like to leave a lasting impression on their students, so it could be anything, and I like how that is relatable.”
Ryan says he’s been “lucky” on a number of fronts.
The Top of the Country project was great for his career, he says, because it put his name, and his music, out there. Ryan also plays guitar for sensational powerhouse Carolina East.
“She’s had a great year so its been pretty crazy and we will continue to work together as I keep working on this sophomore album.”
Ryan, who grew up in Kilbride but has Bonavista roots, has also worked with Andrew James O’Brien of Fortunate Ones. “Co-writing with Andy has been incredible. He’s what people should long to be as a human and an artist. I’m very lucky to call him a friend. He has one of the best hearts and is a very genuine soul as a person and as an artist.”
The creative process flows easier when there’s a bond, he adds. “Andy is one of the most naturally talented people I’ve ever written with and he and Kat are equally talented and they are great as people, too. It warms my heart to see how successful they’ve been.
Ryan says collaborations sometimes reveal the most magic.
“Thinking of Lucky Heart, so remarkable. Sometimes you get to work with people and see how naturally brilliance can come to some people.”
Ryan has worked with some of the best, sharing the stage with country music legends Toby Keith and Deana Carter, Canadian royalty Blue Rodeo, Canadian country artist Dallas Smith, and our very own Alan Doyle
Ryan says his heart and soul has always been tied to country music. “The attraction is, I’m a huge old school outlaw country guy, I love Steve Earle, but I also love Vince Gill. He’s one of the most angelic artists I’ve ever seen, and I saw him while I worked in Nashville.”
The attraction goes beyond the stage. “To see how genuine someone like Vince can be and he’s so recognizable in the entertainment industry. He walks into a room like he’s just another guy, he has a genuine wholesomeness and that’s very attractive.”
For music & more visit chrisryanmusic.ca