Irish singer-songwriter Ryan Mack has been in the music industry for many years and has recently released his second single as a soloist. Having released his music on iTunes and streaming sites, his music is being listened to by many people around the world. Catching up with Ryan, we find out about his music plans, videos and whether we can expect an album.
You’ve recently released your latest single Drive, what’s the response been like?
Honestly, it has been unbelievable. People from loads of different countries have been singing their praises and I see all their lovely messages. I’m from a small town called Newbridge in Ireland and all the people from the town have been so supportive. It has blown my mind. It makes me proud to be from the town.
Will you be releasing a music video for Drive?
Yes, we’re working on it. It’s got a real heart-wrenching meaning behind it so I want to take the time and make a really good music video. It’s such a thriving topic at the moment so I imagine it will hit home with it.
How was the experience filming the music video for your previous single Nobody Like You?
It was great. My friend Mike and I sat down and came up with the whole video shot by shot. The concept was obviously there from when I originally wrote the song. Then the day we shot it, it was lashing rain but we didn’t let it stop us. We decided that we would get some really cool shots out in the rain. The two actors were friends too, so the video means a lot because everything was off our own back and not costly at all.
How long did it take to write and record both singles?
I wrote Nobody Like You about a year and a half ago and I wrote Drive in January. Recording took a number of weeks too just to get everything perfect but the process was so amazing. Just being in the room with other musicians getting the creative juices flowing in the recording process is a crazy feeling.
Where do you get the inspiration from for your songwriting?
Inspiration can come from anything. A lot of the time I just play a chord progression and sing random stuff, until a particular line and melody sticks out. Then I’ll write about a love interest or friends’ experiences with love interests etc.
Are you continuously working on new music?
Yes, absolutely. The feeling you get when completing a song is like no other. I write a lot with two really close friends now, so at the moment there’s songs coming out of all angles, haha.
Can we expect an album any time soon?
Not too soon but there definitely will be one. Be expecting songs, a lot of songs. Haha.
Do you plan on releasing covers?
I probably will do some covers along the way but it’s not going to be a sole focus of mine. I find if your covers end up doing way better than your originals, then it gets tempting to keep releasing them and you lose sight of the originals. To me, writing the originals is so special and hearing people’s reaction is too.
Will you be re-releasing or re-working songs from your previous solo career?
That’s a good question. I don’t think so, haha. That wasn’t really looked at as a solo career. I just kind of wrote songs at home and uploaded acoustic versions to YouTube. I never really see it as a career. I was more so doing it for fun. The songs I’m writing now are a lot more mature than the early ones.
How old were you when you started writing music?
I started playing at the age of twelve, but didn’t write my first song until I was fourteen. I still play the song today.
Can you play any instruments other than guitar?
Yes. I can play a bit of everything but not all well, haha. I play a lot by ear rather than theory. I love trying out different instruments for fun.
What would you say is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Best is getting to do what you love. Worst is that it’s such a hard career path. You’ve got to stick with it and grind through the tough times and then if it pays off the rewards are like nothing else found in this world.
What music artists do you enjoy listening to?
I listen to all music. All genres, various artists. But, my favourite artists are the likes of John Mayer and Frank Ocean. I got to see John Mayer in London recently and it was amazing.
What have been some of your favourite concerts you’ve attended as a fan?
They’re all so different. I love energetic gigs. OneRepublic are one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live. They’re so good. Ryan Tedder is a really great frontman and he makes the songs come alive.
Are there any plans for your own headline tour?
That would be a dream. I’m just going to release a couple more songs and then if the reaction is great I would love to get out on the road. Playing live is one of my favourite things.
Have you enjoyed all your music career so far and where do you hope it will take you in the future?
Yes. I’ve been fortunate to have travelled the world doing what I love and I hope to do it for the rest of my life with this next chapter in my career.
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