Music Review and Interview with Ryan Landry – “Back Then”
Back Then is a track that feels like a pop song at first, later moving on into an almost trip-hop like ambience. It spins out and around and gets inside your head, lulling you into a mellow and reflective state of mind. It could even fit well within a heavily hip-hop themed play-list, the big beat and the overall vibe gives that same kind of laid back, cruising through the city type of feel.
The only drawback is that the general melody seems to carry on a little too long, the vocal repeats itself without break; a change of key or a bridge section might help it hold the listeners attention a little more intently. But, then, if it were a hip-hop song, everything would be pretty well placed and arranged. Perspective quite drastically changes how we hear things in most cases.
It would be interesting to hear a collaboration effort, maybe – to see what another artist might add, lyrically, if they were to rap on one of the verses. All in all though, it’s a strong release, and hopefully there is more to come from this artist as he experiments and develops his sound in the not so distant future. Having scoured through the tracks on his Soundcloud page there are some real bursts of creative expression, melodically, and experimentally, in terms of the effects he chooses to use as a means of enhancing his sound. Worth checking out.
The resounding bonus throughout the song is the fact that Ryan’s Landry’s voice is smooth and smart sounding, enough so to hold the whole thing together. When you really sit back and listen, it’s a heartfelt and soulful song. Ryan has poured his heart and his emotion into writing and creating it, and the music is peaceful and easy to listen to. The descending riff in the backdrop adds a slightly haunting element, further highlighting that idea of torment that the singer is expressing, that innate ache of missing someone and forever wondering if they feel the same way.
By Rebecca Cullen
Travelling musician and writer from Manchester, UK.
INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Ryan Landry: I saw Exposed Vocals twitter account and I checked out their website which ended up having me wanting to sign up and be apart of the large group of artists who have been featured and talked about on Exposed Vocals.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Ryan Landry: I’m a seventeen year old from Boston, Massachusetts. Growing up, I had always loved music whether it be me singing my favorite songs or just listening to music. It has always been something I loved and as I grew older, my voice could still reach the notes I desired to hit. A close friend of mine who has been making music for over five years was over my house one day showing me how he makes his songs. He introduced me to the software Fruity Loops Studio 11, or FL Studio 11. I didn’t think much of it at first, I only intended to use it for making beats and playing around with it when I got bored. I started getting better at making beats and with my job, I was able to buy a professional microphone, speakers and a few other things that would benefit my song production. It became an everyday thing and I started to write songs and record them. The next thing I know, I am finishing up my first extended play and moving on to the next project.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Ryan Landry: Having my full name as a stage name was a good choice in my opinion because people know me by that name. There’s never been a nickname that someone has given me where I could use it as a stage name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Ryan Landry: Sharing music online is such a good way to get your music played. People can share music with each other in so many different ways and with the whole world being connected through social media, a lot of opportunities can come from online music sharing. I always give my music away for free because to me, music is a hobby. I’m not at a point where I can put a price on my music; I am just having fun and enjoying each song I make. As long as people can enjoy my music and the content I upload, giving my music to the world for free is perfectly fine with me.
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 Landry: I, myself, am just beginning to make music and as a new artist it’s important to do what makes you happy. No matter what you do, what type of music you make, how you sound, what your style is, anything really. Somebody is always going to criticize or dislike what you are doing. But there will be people who will enjoy what you’re doing so don’t worry about any negativity that somebody throws your way. Just focus on what you love and keep doing you, work hard at what you want and eventually it will pay off.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Ryan Landry: In terms of inspiration, its the people around me that I see and hear every day. Whether its in the city or hearing my friends talk about stuff, I get creative with different topics and ideas and that is what helps me write lyrics or become inspired. Of course, I have been through certain things which is also one of the biggest factors when I am looking for inspirations and ideas.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Ryan Landry: I do not have a band website, however I do use soundcloud to upload and share my music. Soon I will be uploading my music onto YouTube as well.
https://soundcloud.com/ryanlandrymusic/back-then-prod-ryan-landry
https://m.soundcloud.com/ryanlandrymusic
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Ryan Landry: Hey There Delilah by Plain White Ts is to this day still in my mp3 player and I used to be obsessed with Green Day so that is something you would find!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Ryan Landry: I would give money to my family and friends who have always been here for me. I don’t think money can buy happiness but I know money can show appreciation and that is what I would love to do. Also, I would work with the top producers like Metro Boomin, Sony Digital, Danny Wolf, DJ Mustard, DJ Khaled, DJ Spinz and a whole bunch of talented producers.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Ryan Landry: I have a little studio set up in my basement, I am graduating high school this year so I’m still unsure of what my futures going to be looking like. I did upgrade my speakers which has helped me a good amount, but other than that; Its just trying to get better each and every day. With a professional microphone, very good speakers, FL Studio and my laptop; I am more than capable of making the best songs as possible.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Ryan Landry: Sharing my music on Twitter is in my opinion the most useful and efficient way of promoting music. Twitter is so popular and busy, people can click the link and play your track right then and there on twitter which is convenient. Putting yourself out there on different social media sites and apps is by far the most useful and efficient way to become more well known.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Ryan Landry: I have to go with Drake and perform in Toronto because he has easily been one of my biggest inspirations and influences by far. As a well respected artist, he is definitely at the top of my list and I have been listening to him since 2009 when I first heard about him.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Ryan Landry: I just released a single and on Christmas day I released an EP. I am hoping to release an album or some sort of project by this summer but at this moment, no official release dates.
https://soundcloud.com/ryanlandrymusic/back-then-prod-ryan-landry
https://soundcloud.com/ryanlandrymusic
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ryan Landry: Being with my friends more often and enjoying my last few months in High School. I would love to make time to play basketball, everyday and be with my friends along with making music but theirs not enough time in the day with me being in school to do all of that.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Ryan Landry: I had never bought an album before buying Thank Me Later by Drake back when I started listening to all of his music. I was surprised honestly, I had liked his music but when I heard more and more of his songs it really made me become more of a fan.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Ryan Landry: I know that I have to be smart and responsible in terms of getting things completed. Getting school work done to make time to finish a song or record is important. I have to balance everything out and stay consistent with everything I do.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Ryan Landry: A big year from me for sure! New music coming soon I promise. Better quality and content on the way, just wait on it.
