Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Ryan: I heard about exposed vocals from a work buddy. It seemed like an accessible and credible promotional outlet, so I signed up.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Ryan: I grew up in Western Massachusetts. I didn’t really decide to become an artist. One day I picked up a guitar and said to myself “I want to be Bob Dylan” and started writing songs, and people liked them.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Ryan: Ryan Foss is my real name. My team and I toyed with the idea of using the name OTTO but decided against it.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Ryan: I think online music sharing is a great way for people to get their music out to the public. I would give away some of my music for free, as a teaser for the main course. I think too much free music can undervalue an artists work though.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Ryan: Play as much as you can. Write as much as you can. Believe you’re great and never give up.
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Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Ryan: The fun of playing live is that you never know what will happen. Little mistakes are sometimes part of it. I just don’t react and trip gracefully. You probably won’t even notice.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Ryan: There have been some crazy rock and roll stories. Some good and some bad. Mostly meeting people, engaging fans, and performing live are the highlights of any tour for me.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Ryan: I don’t really gather inspiration, I just recognize is when it comes, and go with it. My song writing process is sort of an enigma, even to me. Most of the time I write my songs quickly and effortlessly. When it becomes a struggle I know something’s not right. My best songs were written in the amount of time it takes to sing them.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Ryan: My website is under construction right now but you can visit my facebook fan page at www.ryanfossmusic.com . Youtube is the platform I use the most to share my music ( http://youtu.be/_echuvLTQhY .)
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Ryan: I don’t listen to music that much believe it or not.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Ryan: I would definitely find a way to double it.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Ryan: I don’t do much on the technical side of recording. My iphone is where most of my ideas go down, then right to the studio.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Ryan: For me, the best way to promote my music is to play live. Other than that YouTube takes the cake (http://youtu.be/_echuvLTQhY .)
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Ryan: Zack galifianakis would open the show, then Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and I would play a set each. Then Craig Ferguson would close the show with some more comedy. Great show.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Ryan: I’m working on my first EP right now. I’m doing an online fundraiser on Indie Go Go (Help me reach my goal at: http://igg.me/at/RyanFossMusic/x/2712292 ) to work with a Grammy winning producer/engineer. Its shaping up nicely and I’m very excited about it. After that’s done I’m going on tour.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ryan: Golfing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Ryan: I think it was NOW 1. There’s the embarrassing music part for you.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Ryan: This can be challenging but the best way is to allocate time well. A very important part of this is leaving time for yourself. I need space to keep my creative channels open.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Ryan: My debut EP and tour!
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