Stephanie Ryann
Feed the Band
Our interview with
Stephanie Ryann
Patrick L.
We have covered a vast spectrum of artists that call country music home. At this point, one would think that big surprises would be few and far between. However, that is far from the case. The deeper we dig, we find ourselves discovering more and exciting artists than we ever thought possible. This brings us to our next artist on Feed the Band.
Stephanie Ryann geographically, is far from Nashville. She is from the least likely place you would ever think to look for a country artist. She is from the northeast and you can often find her performing live in New York City. You read that last line correctly I promise. Everytime I run it through my mind, I am reminded of the salsa commercial. You know the one. The cowboys are sitting by the fire and someone brings up that their salsa is from New York and everyone is in disbelief. That was also my first feeling when I first met Stephenie Ryann.
At first, it seemed Stephanie was confirming my belief that she was using country music as a vanity project to make her stand out in the big city. Her pedigree fits the bill. She has been a successful model, hair stylist and makeup artist. These pieces were more inline with something out of “Sex in the City” than the deep roots of country music. Needless to say my opinion changed drastically once I took the opportunity to listen to her music. It is almost unimaginable that someone from New York City could write and sound like the purest form of the country genre. Stephanie Ryann doesn’t just flirt with country music like many these days. She goes straight for the soul of it. This big city songstress captures the essence of country music better than many new artists today. All you have to do is listen to songs like “Whiskey Regret” and “Good as Gone” to find truth in this statement. . In many ways, Stephanie Ryann is a walking contradiction, but that is what makes her story and music extremely addictive.
I have been talking to Stephanie Ryann for a few months now and it has been difficult to describe her in one sentence. If forced to, I would say that she is the best part of two worlds. You don’t have to completely take my word for it. Let’s get to the interview. Please try our recipe that Stephanie inspired and check our giveaway at the bottom. Here is our interview with Stephanie Ryan.
I am still amazed given your background that you chose country music as your genre. Not only that, but the fact that you sound more traditional than many in Nashville is a welcoming surprise. What pushed you towards country music?
Thanks so much Patrick! I’ve always gravitated towards country music. I grew up listening to many different genres, which are all wonderful, but the message and musical composition of country music drew me toward that direction.
What’s the best way to start the day?
I start my day with a good, strong latte…ha! But in all seriousness, I’m thankful for each day I wake up with a new opportunity to continue following my dreams by making music.
What is some everyday beauty advice you think our family should know?
Beauty isn’t skin deep. Sure, what you put in (and on) your body will influence how you look and feel, but the most beautiful people are the ones who are kind, respectful, and authentic to themselves.
We are always developing recipes here at Southern Fellow; when writing music, what recipe do you use?
My process is a bit different than most artists, I think. I go about my day to day, and when a lyric or melody strikes me, I record it so I don’t forget it. Sometimes that lyric or melody will blossom into a full song right then and there, and I’ll voice record it on my phone. Then I’ll send it to my co-writer, Kevin Totoian, to shed (share???) some of his magic and create the music for it. If we’re feeling like it has true potential, we’ll then get together to develop the song and get it recorded.
What is special about the place you grew up?
Family! I grew up in an area surrounded by immediate and extended family. They were always there for me when I needed them and I have very fond memories of singing at church with my mom and sisters every Sunday for years and years.
What is your first fond memory of food?
Most people will tell you I love to eat. Even when I’m not hungry, there are certain things I can’t turn down. Macaroni and cheese is at the top of that list! No frills, no four cheese, breadcrumb topped, version. Just a simple, delicious box mac and cheese does it for me.
There are many young women that may not feel they fit a particular mold when they dream of being a music artist. What advice do you have for these women?
Just be you! Be authentic to your sound and your style. These days there is no mold. I’d say the same for any woman, or person, trying to follow their dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You can do anything you want to. You just have to believe in yourself and go for it.
Tell us about your self titled EP.
It was such a labor of love from start to finish and I’m thrilled with how it came out. When I met Kevin 3 years ago, I started writing pretty intensely and we developed the EP songs (as well as several others) over 2 years before going into the studio. There was a lot of exploration and discovery during those months in the studio, but I think it was all worth it. I released my self-titled EP in October 2018 and it’s done quite well. I’m proud of it and I’m excited to see where the road goes from here.
What question would you most like to know the answer to?
I’d like to know the secrets of the world…(what really happened to Marilyn Monroe and Amelia Earhart, what’s hiding in Area 51, etc.)
What does the coming year look like for you?
I’ve got some new music coming out for the summer as well as a summer line up of gigs in and around NY. I’m also planning a few trips down to Nashville to network with some great musicians, and hopefully, continue to keep pushing my career forward.
Try this inspired recipe!
Citrus Infused Creme Brulee
If you could write with anyone, living or who has passed on, who would that person be?
I’d love to write with Chris Stapleton. He’s someone I admire greatly and to work with someone of his caliber would simply be a dream come true.
We talked a little about your modeling career. What are some skills you have gained modeling that have transferred over to your music career?
I’ve learned to be myself and know that that is ok. Modeling has broken me down and built me up in many ways, and I’ve used that to continue my growth as a person, but also as a musician. Thick skin!
Is there anything else you want your fans at Southern Fellow to know?
Things aren’t always as they appear. Social media makes you believe that everyone’s lives are perfect and that they’re all “living the dream.” We all have our strengths and we all have our struggles. It’s how you overcome those struggles that make you who you are. Keep your head up and keep on truckin’. Be kind, tolerant and respectful…we’re all in this together. See you on the road!
It is amazing to have Stephanie as part of the Southern Fellow family. She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Stephanie Ryann has completely destroyed my stereotype of women in the big city which made her a welcoming surprise. Do yourself a favor and make sure to add her to your playlist. You can get Stephanie Ryann’s music on your favorite music provider including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and YouTube Music. Thank you for checking in on this interview. Be sure to check out all of the interviews, music and recipes right here at Southern Fellow. We have so much more on the way. Stay tuned!
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