The guy I am sitting with today has some serious talent that you just can’t afford to miss. He brings not only raw talent to the stage in his guitar playing abilities, but his songwriting is some of the best I have ever heard. Not to mention that he is one of the nicest and most humble guys in the music industry. He works his butt off producing music and tours every chance that he gets. I have a hard time fitting him into a genre, but all across the board he produces some incredible music. I first met this guy at a hole in the wall bar here in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was sitting in the corner playing on his computer when I first saw him and he has left an impression on me every since. (Perhaps it was the John Deere hat he was wearing.) With a list of influences a mile long it is hard to compare this guy to anyone else in the industry. But regardless, it is time to sit back, relax, and get to know the man that is Ryan Horne.
What is your first memory of the guitar?
Picking up my fathers old Martin and turning it upside down and trying to play it. I am left handed and I knew then and there that I would buy a left handed guitar.
How long have you been performing?
Starting performing with a band I played and sang with in high school. Starting making a living playing music in 2004.
Do you have a job outside of music?
I do not. I am able to play music for a living these days and it works.
Do you write all your own lyrics?
Most of the time but as of late I have been doing a lot of co-writing with other artists and writers. Creatively, it is so much fun to have different perspectives.
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
Everywhere. That is a tough question to answer because you can see a man walking the streets and get inspired to write. So many things inspire new tracks.
Where are you originally from?
I am from Marietta, Georgia. It is a suburb of Atlanta.
How do you like it down there in Atlanta?
I like it more and more and we are starting to bring the Atlanta music scene together and make it more into a community.
What is your favorite venue to play?
The Workplay Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.
What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?
Probably around 2,000.
The smallest?
Probably around 5. (Laughs)
What is your opinion on MySpace?
It is dirty now with all the ads and all the strippers, not a huge fan but I love Facebook.
Are you on Twitter?
Yes, I am on Twitter at @ryanhornemusic.
How did you react to the news about Michael Jackson?
Not much of a reaction; just thought he had some great tunes.
How many albums do you have out now?
About to release my fifth record but I do not sell the first two anymore; I don’t like them.
Where can I get some Ryan Horne merchandise?
You can get merchandise on my website.
Describe your genre in one word.
Americana.
Tell me a little bit about the new record.
A collection of tracks that I enjoy. Focus is on the songwriting (the melodies, the lyrics). Has a little more of a southern rock plavor to it on some songs.
Do you have a favorite song on the record?
Yes, Hell To Pay. It is about a shooting I witnessed in Atlanta.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
So many to name. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Martin Sexton, Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin, etc. Too many to list. Lots of great artists and songs out there.
Tell me a little bit about Patchwork Records.
Home grown. A project I started in college. Not much else to say about it right now.
Who would win in a pillow fight between Nathan Angelo and Micah Dalton?
Hard to say, they would be pretty even.
What are you drinking on stage?
Usually water.
If you could only play one cover song for the rest of your career what song would you choose?
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.
Is there any song that you play in every set?
Yes, 4th of July which will be on the new record that is coming out December 8th.
If you were told that you only have a week to live how would you spend your last seven days?
Traveling to places around the world that I have never been to.
If you could tour with anyone in the market right now who would you choose?
Patty Griffin or Martin Sexton.
What would you be doing if you were not performing?
I would be an engineer in a studio. I have a degree in Recording from MTSU.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still putting out records, still traveling and playing.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
All of the songs that I have written. I want to write 1,000’s of great songs.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
The new album is coming December 8th! (Note that this interview was conducted prior to the release of his latest album.)
