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10 Questions with ... Ryan Corn
April 6, 2015
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1. How long have you been playing the guitar? Did you always know that you wanted to be a musician?
I've been playing guitar for about 16 years. Yeah, music always seemed almost as natural as breathing. I always hoped that I would be able to make music for a living and somehow those doors opened
2. What was it like performing with your father and older sister in church when you were younger?
It was a lot of fun ... a little cheesy at times, but still fun. That's where I gained confidence and first learned to play in front of an audience. When we're all together we still break out into song from time to time
3. How have you grown as a musician since you started?
For playing as long as I have I should probably be a better musician than I am. But instead of focusing on the intricacies of playing guitar I've spent my energy on production. I've always been fascinated with the production elements that make up a great song. I think I've grown in my understanding of this and because music changes so rapidly I continue to grow along side
4. Can you generally describe your songwriting process? Where do you find the inspiration for songs?
I find my deepest inspiration when I'm able to be alone for a period of time to sit with my thoughts and process. Inspiration comes from anything and everything ... nothing is off-limits. However, more recently I've enjoyed writing about actual scenarios and situations instead of abstract thoughts and concepts.
5. Did you know that your friend was entering your song "Wonderful Things" in the radio contest? Once that happened, how fast did things move?
My friend submitted my material to so many labels and contests, etc. I owe most of my success to him. After a while I think he lost track, too, so we were both surprised by the news. Yeah, doors definitely opened after winning that contest: that led to representation by Artist Garden Entertainment and to signing his contract with Curb Records.
6. Why do you think Curb Records is a good for you and your music?
Curb has been so great to let me be the artist while they handle the music business side of things. I feel like they believe in me and trust me to be creative and deliver what works for them. It's been a phenomenal relationship
7. What artists have consistently inspired you?
I love singer/songwriters like John Mayer and James Taylor. But I also draw a lot of inspiration from the pop world. I love Michael Jackson and Elton John.
8. Thus far, what's a favorite memory or something quirky that's taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?
When I was a little youngerm I did a bit of touring with my old band in an '80s Winnebago. Most of our gigs were pretty crappy and we spent so much money on gas. But it's probably my most memorable music experience.
9. Any pre-performance rituals?
I always like to use the bathroom right before I go on ... nothing worse than having to play with a full bladder.
10. Is there anything in particular that you'd like people to take away from listening to your music?
Most of my songs are "feel good" songs. I hope that people walk away feeling a little happier and maybe even a little more hopeful
Bonus Questions
What do you like to do when not writing or playing music?
I recently took up woodworking as a hobby. It's very in style to have pieces of furniture that look distressed. My wife wanted one of those rustic farm house kitchen tables, because it didn't require much finesse I thought I'd give it a whirl. To my surprise, it actually looks half-decent.
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