Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Ryann.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Pomona, CA June 12th, 1994 and raised by a mom who at the time was a full-time police officer and my father who was a struggling music producer. During the earlier years of my life, they separated from one another, so I was back and forth for quite some time. Growing up around my dad and seeing him work from a young age immediately put me into a position where I felt I was growing into my own identity and creative self rather quickly and he and mom both encouraged that. In terms of my story being unique, I would call that circumstantial, but what does make it the most unique is having parents that coddled and encouraged my creativity growing up.
Please tell us about your art.
I remember moving around a lot when I was young. I remember having to make new friends who accepted me for being a little different, then moving again and having to repeat the process of seeking acceptance. I remember being bullied and feeling like maybe I didn’t belong anywhere, and by anywhere maybe even on this planet. Maybe, I didn’t deserve to live, and I discovered a dark place at such a young age I couldn’t even recognize it was just that.
Music hardwired a sense of purpose and belonging into my being. I spent so much time alone growing up that by the age of 10 I was glued to my television the entire summer watching MTV’s music video marathons which at the time had some of the greatest bands ever on repeat. Everyone had their sense of expression, style, and identity and they didn’t have to explain that to anyone because the music was so great. When I first saw Gerard way (Lead singer of My Chemical Romance) singing the opening line in “Helena” I just thought to myself “This dude is so cool”. I felt so emotional but in a good way, like someone was speaking to me directly and acknowledging me. Even in a way through those sad lyrics acknowledging that being upset or sad or different by societies views is relatable. That to me was so powerful it felt like at that moment I knew what I wanted and needed to give that back to someone else. That what music and art, in general, became about to me.
That being said I picked up instruments at a young age and from there I started to record myself with old track machines my dad would pass down to me. Sometimes he would even let me come up to his studio to record so I got a taste for what that felt like and what was expected out of my records and I took that with me until now where I am producing and writing my own records. My goal has always been and will always be producing relatable content and giving someone the opportunity to feel like they always have a place to belong in this world.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Absolutely, this is a difficult topic in general, but for artists having financial challenges, it’s brutal. I would say work as hard as you can even if that means picking up a second-day job that drains you. But most importantly, perfect your craft to the absolute best of your ability. By this I am saying if you rap, sing, dance, produce, film, write or whatever else it may be, focus on being the absolute best you can be because then you can give people incentive to work with you or at least try to help. I think Logic was couch surfing when 6ix helped produce some of the records that started his career. I know plenty of struggling artists that will beg a producer to sit like a fly on the wall during a session in silence just to learn. I once recorded this dude for a year straight that slept in his car just to pay for his studio time. I’m not saying anything is easy and just like within society itself we have those with more advantages than others, but you have to be hungry and ready to make sacrifices no matter what.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Easy! I am on all major social handles although It is notable that I am terrible with Twitter. Simply google my name, YouTube it or even better search for Amber Ryann on Spotify or Apple Music. People can support my work by simply getting involved, engaging, or streaming and if you show up to a show, great! Seriously, don’t be afraid hit me on IG with a comment about how dope my single might have been or whatever else, it all is immensely supportive.
Contact Info:
- Email: amberryannofficial@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ryannbreezy
- Facebook: facebook.com/amberryann
- Twitter: twitter.com/amberryann
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mbv0HeV0rHkSW9CqqANPT?si=SryFYx08RB2d1kHbfxHbsQ
Image Credit:
Black and Gray Photo by Theorematic
All Others by Drew Rodriguez
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