Today, I’m interviewing one of my favorite artists Ryan O’Neal. Ryan is the driving force behind Sleeping At Last, an indie rock band of epic quality. Here’s my interview with Ryan:
David: What are you up to these days? Now that your Yearbook project is over, do you have some extra time on your hands?
Ryan: Well, during yearbook I wrote a couple songs in secret for a couple future adventures – one of which was just announced a couple days ago. I wrote a song called “Turning Page” for the new Twilight film, “Breaking dawn – Part 1” – so i am suuuuper excited about that!
It will be featured in the film as well as the soundtrack, so couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ve got a few other projects in the works right now as well – very excited! I was originally planning on taking a short break after yearbook, maybe a couple weeks before jumping into new stuff, but lots of new things are already in the works, which is totally great.
It re-engergizes me working on things i love, so i feel very fortunate.
David: How did Sleeping At Last start?
Ryan: It was the result of a few teenagers hopping around different local garage bands, when eventually the idea and purpose of creating music became more than just a fun thing to do. It became something I was extremely passionate about. I fell in love with the craft of writing songs after hearing bands who’s songs moved me. The name “Sleeping At Last” was the first project that the passion for songwriting turned its gears.
David: Who are your biggest influences?
Ryan: When i was younger, there were a few bands that had a lasting impact on how i thought about music. Radiohead and Sunny Day Real Estate were huge for me. More recently, it’s Joanna Newsom and Randy Newman. I’d like to believe I also pull some influence from some of my favorite jazz singers songs too – Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Nat King Cole.
David: Yearbook has been a fascinating project. How did you maintain such a strong work ethic to deliver a new EP every month for a year?
Ryan: Thank you so much! Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! I knew before Yearbook began that it would be a challenge, which was why i wanted to do it. I wanted to stretch myself as much as i could. For me, deadlines get things done. It’s stressful, but without deadlines I’ve noticed that I always manage to misuse time. Yearbook broke that bad habit pretty quick! Before I began I made two rules:
- Get it done on time…and
- Don’t release anything I’m not proud of
Those rules cause lots of stress, but it drove me to be dedicated.
David: What is currently inspiring your art right now?
Ryan: Hmmm… for a while now a podcast called “Radiolab” has been super inspiring to me. In addition to that, lots of movies! I love movies.
David: How do you stay fresh?
Ryan: I try as hard as i can to avoid getting too comfortable in my songwriting. Making myself hyper aware of themes and chords and keys that i’ve used in past gives me a healthy kick in the butt to always try new things. It’s always a challenge because it feels better to do what you know!
David: There’s something about your music that demands rapt attention. It’s a life changing experience to listen to your lyrics. How did you become such a great lyric writer?
Ryan: Wow, thank you so much for that!! I am really honored to hear that. When i was about 15, an older friend of mine had widened my mind to the idea that lyrics should be something more than just a series of cool words. They should mean something. And as a writer, you should aim to say what you mean with as little words as possible. That always stuck with me, so i’m always aiming for that.
David: What advice would you have for a less experienced, independent artist wanting to do music full time?
Ryan: Write music you love, write as much as you can, and pour yourself into songs that others have written that mean something to you. Keep fanning that fire of why you love music. Everything else is out of your hands, but writing from a place of sincerity and passion is entirely in your hands, so spend your time on that. i’m still learning that lesson, but i think it’s an important one for folks who want to make music a full time thing.
David: What do you find most interesting about the state of music and the music industry these days?
Ryan: Wow, good question!! I think current technology is fascinating. I’m an iPhone (Apple in general) devotee, so with devices like that, being as powerful as they are, it’s really exciting that content is so readily available anytime, anywhere. It risks making things over saturated and less special, but it also opens up new and more interesting ways to interact with music.
A new website called turntable.fm is a perfect example of this. It’s a website that folks can visit different “rooms” where others are taking turns showing audiences music that they love. It’s harder to explain than i thought, so check it out. To me, this site has made listening to music feel like it did when i was 13 and so excited to show friends the new CD i just bought.
David: Any new projects on the horizon?
Ryan: I’ve got LOTS of ideas and plans in place, but they are yet to be announced! Lots more new music and shows, for sure! Can’t wait.
Question: What about this interview with Ryan stood out to you the most? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart
Cool Interview David, i enjoy SAL… This stands out: “should aim to say what you mean with as little words as possible.” — it fits for more than just writers.
Agreed, Jason. That’s a goal I’m always striving towards.