ryan john clary has debuted his first album, LIFE, LOVE & YOU, demonstrating growth from hardships that life throws. Throughout this captivating collection of songs, clary’s recovery and healing comes across as a pick-me-up and a motivational listen from beginning to end.
We sat down with this talented musician to learn more about what makes him tick, his approaches to the creative process and much more in this exclusive interview with TAGG!
LIFE, LOVE & YOU, is described as a deeply personal project. What inspired you to finally record and release this album after years of private songwriting?
I was just not ready to give up on the goal. I was in denial for a sec. Mostly out of self doubt and not being where I had hoped to be. But I think I finally realized that I was grateful none of my past projects worked out, ya know, that was me learning how to produce, how to sing, I was finding my sound and my process, and figuring out how to execute this goal. Now, after some time away, I had something to say and songs that I believed in again. I realized that I really love doing this and I missed it.
The dissolution of your band in 2020 was a pivotal moment. How did that experience impact your creative confidence, and what ultimately helped you to move past that period?
By the time the band broke up, I was creatively and mentally exhausted. I had been really pushing to keep it alive in its last couple of years. After it did break up I didn’t immediately give up, I gave the solo career a shot two separate times. Put out a couple singles each time, attempted the album, but I had nothing left in the tank. It brought me to a real creative low. Finally stepping away from it and admitting defeat allowed me to take a certain pressure off my songwriting. Now I was only writing cause I wanted to or something was there. Because I loved it and it felt good. Instead of trying to chase down a dream or goal.
After working as a session drummer from 2020 to 2024, what sparked the desire to step back into the spotlight as a solo artist?
Playing drums for other artists allowed me to breathe and take a lot of pressure off myself. I was helping other artists bring their vision to life, instead of having to come up with and facilitate my own vision. I also feel very comfortable on the drums, unlike how I feel singing. So the live shows were filled with nothing but joy and fun. But eventually, I started really missing being in control of my career, creating my own vision and chasing the dream.
You mention buying an acoustic guitar as a symbolic step in reigniting your music career. What role did this moment play in setting you on the path toward creating, LIFE, LOVE & YOU?
This played a huge role. I had just played a music festival with an artist that means a lot to me and my career. Spent the day watching a bunch of inspiring performances, and just couldn’t contain the urge to jump back into the game any longer. But the most important part of the purchase was the intent. I bought it under the condition that I was going to start recording MY music again, just for me. I told myself I was not going to get caught up in all the wrong things, I was going to make this music because I wanted to and I love to do it.
Recovery is a central theme in your album. How has your personal journey with recovery shaped the messages and emotions in your songs?
I can’t really help but write about my own feelings and experiences. I’ve learned a lot about myself and life through my recovery, so that tends to come out in song. I also spend 9-5, five days a week, talking to beautiful people who got dealt a really tough hand. Watching their strength through recovery and being let into their lives has definitely impacted my writing.
Your work in the recovery field has influenced your music’s honesty. How do you balance personal vulnerability with crafting a message that’s relatable and comforting to listeners?
Ooo that’s a good question. I don’t know if I have a good answer for that though hahah. I’ve found that I can’t over think the writing process. I just kind of let it spill out, so I’m not able to create much of a balance. Which makes it mean that much more when someone does connect to it in any way.
LIFE, LOVE & YOU, was written and recorded in your home studio. What challenges did you face in the recording process, and how did the home environment impact the final sound?
I find it more challenging to try to record anywhere but my own studio. The last time I attempted the album it was in a professional studio and I found that to be extremely challenging. Between the financial and time constraints created and the added pressure of having someone else in the room. It was not a comfortable process and didn’t get very far. Recording vocals is a very painful process for me. I need to do it when the mood strikes. ALONE. And being able to start recording whenever I want is a blessing and something I value very much. And my other weakest point in the process is probably the mixing. I’m self taught in all of this so it’s been a gradual process of learning from friends & professionals and honing & tightening my ear. But I like to think that the fact that I recorded this myself, in my room with two microphones, gives it a stripped down punk vibe. I’m proud of it. It’s all me. And the very best I can do at this moment. the next one will be better.
You spent four years as a session drummer. Did this period influence your approach to songwriting and recording in ways you didn’t expect?
The biggest way it influenced it was it allowed me to stop writing and recording, without feeling like I was giving up on my music career. And that break from it allowed me to get rid of a lot of bad habits I had within the studio and writing process and I got to start with a blank slate. I used to write and record in a very bingey way. Nowadays I’m writing and recording all the time, in a much healthier and productive way. I just knew I had a lot of catching up to do and being consistent allowed me to steadily start to build up a listenership. I restarted my career at zero so I wanted to hit the ground running and not stop. I still have ALOT of building to do.
You’ve shared that you once feared your voice wasn’t good enough. What led you to confront that fear and embrace your voice as an essential part of your music?
Eh I still have a lot of doubt when it comes to my voice. It’s a frustrating thing, singing. But I have seen a lot of improvement and growth and the positive feedback I’ve gotten has definitely boosted my confidence as well. And I find that the more confidence I have behind my voice the better it sounds. But it’s still a big source of self doubt for me. So I just try and sing everyday and keep challenging myself. I really love song writing and expressing myself in that way. The love for it trumps the negative feelings around it. It was scary returning to the stage vocally tho. I hadn’t sung in front of anybody for four years, since my last show in February 2020, but I returned to the stage by hitting an open mic early this year and have been performing consistently since.
Your songs offer validation to those dealing with struggles. What message do you hope listeners will take away from, LIFE, LOVE & YOU?
We learn and grow the most during tough times.
After over a decade in music, how do you feel you’ve grown as an artist and a person, and how is this growth reflected in your album?
Oh I’ve grown quite a bit. lol. Thank god. Through different genres and projects I feel like I’ve really started to find my voice. I’m very proud to say that I have never stopped growing and progressing. Looking back at all the music I’ve made and every time I thought it was time for the album… I am very glad I’ve waited until now. I’m making my best music right now and always want to be.
Balancing a career in the recovery field with your music must be demanding. How do you navigate these two roles, and do they ever influence each other?
It certainly can be tough but luckily I really believe in my day job. There’s nothing I’d rather do, besides music. And then I just I go right into the studio after work and anytime I’m free. The things I experience during my work day certainly influence my music. They can also put a lot into perspective and motivates me to do the best I can and to work hard towards my goals.
You’ve described, LIFE, LOVE & YOU, as a rediscovery of your passion for songwriting. What advice would you give to other artists who are struggling to reconnect with their creative ambitions?
If you want to do it, then do it. It shouldn’t be any more complicated than that. And don’t be too precious with your music either. I feel like a lot of artist get caught up in the process, in their own heads or are more focused on the other aspects of being a musician. But just make the best music you can make and share it with the world, if you want.
With, LIFE, LOVE & YOU, marking a significant milestone, what’s next on the horizon for you? Are there upcoming projects, live performances, or new creative directions that excite you?
I’m very excited to continue to make and release music. I have a visual project related to the album coming out next month. And a mixtape of B sides coming before the end of the year. And then I will begin on album 2!!! I would love to perform as much as possible. Just waiting for people to respond to my emails!!! So BOOK ME PLEASE!!! To all the promoters out there. I want to travel the world and perform everywhere!
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