10 Questions with ... Ryan Stevenson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

It's been a journey for Ryan Stevenson. Just a few years ago, the singer-songwriter and former full-time paramedic was beginning to wonder how long he could keep up with the grind of a music career that consisted of thousands of miles in a van or car traveling from gig to gig. Trying to make it all work without a breakout single. As sort of a last-ditch effort to incite radio momentum, Stevenson's label Gotee Records released the soulful singalong "Eye of the Storm" featuring GabeReal. That's when it all changed for Mr. Stevenson. In light of a multi-week #1 at Christian radio with "Eye of the Storm" in 2016 and a subsequent Top 3 single the following year with "The Gospel," Stevenson has crafted himself as the ultimate "everyman" songwriter--honest and relatable. His latest single "No Matter What," stays entirely true to his brand, as an instantly-memorable swing-ballad that KSOS/Las Vegas MD Dan Young says, "Feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket."

It's been an eventful Spring for Ryan, having just finished up an immensely-successful run as part of TobyMac's Hits Deep Tour, and released his third studio project "No Matter What" via Gotee on Friday.

1. From start to finish, how long did the process take to write "No Matter What"?

Overall, this project took us about two years. We worked in the studio pretty regularly for several months, but the entire process of praying through the content, and birthing the songs was about a two-year journey. I'm very intentional about the crafting of each song. I want to know that they are existing for a reason. When we started to really dig in at the studio, the pieces really started to come together. All of a sudden, we found ourselves holding a collection of beautiful songs that provoked and stirred us!

2. Are you a different person now than who you were when you started working on the project? Can you articulate what kind of journey God took you on (if any) during the season of creating these songs?

Each project and collection of songs is always a different journey for me. I feel like I'm always experiencing different phases of growth and refining-which is what really helps me with finding inspiration in the music. I strive to be the same exact person in every environment, never wanting to be different, contingent on my surroundings. I definitely feel like I grew spiritually and emotionally during the making of this record, because I was truly leaning into the Lord and asking him to breath into each thing. I don't want to make songs that are not touching the heart of God, so I was very focused on listening to the Holy Spirit's inspiration. I feel like He kept speaking to me about our "beloved identity," no matter what we think of ourselves!

3. Who were the major influencers/players taking part in the making of this project?

On a song-crafting/creative level, this project was created out of a very tight-knit group. Over the past several years, the Lord has blessed my life with some amazing relationships who have truly become my brothers and fellow worshipers. My co-writer and producer Bryan Fowler is my righthand man. We do pretty much everything together and have developed a unique chemistry; an ability to flawlessly work together. It's a huge gift and a huge blessing. TobyMac is a huge part of everything I do as well, and not just with this project. We're great friends; we write and create together, but more than that, we're a part of each others' personal lives, which makes the music creativity even more special! Chris Stevens, Jason Ingram, Jonathan Smith and Hank Bentley were also amazing co-writers and influencers. I love their hearts and the passion they poured into the record.

4. What were the biggest struggles you encountered throughout the process of making this project (i.e. pressures, creativity, time-frame of production, writer's block)?

Probably scheduling. As my touring life and family life has gotten much busier over the past few years, it's been much more difficult to lock in time to work, especially when my co-writers and producers are just as busy with all the things they were working on outside of my record.

5. From a lyrical standpoint, what are the most integral moments on the album, and why?

I would say the main theme I want people to walk away with is, "No matter what you think about yourself; shame, regret, guilt, your past-Jesus still sees you through the lens of redemption and grace. You're still a beloved child of the King!" I also want people to hear a message of, "It's Always Been About Jesus." Sometimes, we can get focused on our own abilities and accomplishments; but ultimately, the details of our story have been put together by the Lord, and He's the one that has been creating it! Finally, I want people to be provoked to surrender. One of my favorite songs is called "With Lifted Hands." I pray that its message stirs listeners to give Jesus every part of their lives, and let Him lead!

6. From a creative/artistic standpoint, what are the most inspiring moments on the album, and why?

Every song is like my baby; each one needed and received the same amount of love and attention. Each song was such a unique journey with a different sonic approach, so it's hard to specify. There are some moments that I really love-for example, the 90's vibe of "Single Wide Dreaming." It was such a fun outlet to go back in time and draw from my teenage years of the 90s and the things that inspired me; then, bringing them back to life. My songs "Always Been You" was also a very fun process; diving into some 80s sounds and vibes. Overall, there's not a moment that feels like a compromise of creativity. We totally went for it; we did what felt real and true.

7. If people listen to three songs from the album, what are the three you hope they listen to? What do you hope listeners take away from each of those songs?

I hope they listen to "The Gospel" because it's the most important message for all humanity. It's the only message that saves-it's all about the resurrection power of the cross! I also hope people listen to "Faithful" because the message is a simple one, beckoning people to get away from the distractions of the world; to turn away from the idolatry of our culture and seek first the kingdom. Finally, I hope people hear "With Lifted Hands" because it's an anthem of worship and prayer that should be a language for every believer!

8. What is the single-most, personally meaningful song to you on the project?

Again, that's such a difficult question because these songs all feel equally meaningful. I can talk specifically about each one and why it's special. If I had to pick one right now, it'd be "Child in You Arms." This song was such a huge theme of inspiration for a lot of this project. We wanted to write each song like a child writing a letter to their daddy. The Lord has been teaching me a lot these days about becoming a child; retuning to my child-like wonder. This song was my moment to essentially crawl up in His lap, and be His son.

9) What are three things you looked forward to most after getting off the road from the Hits Deep Tour-and have you done/been doing them yet?

I looked forward to being with my wife and boys without having a pressing agenda or a schedule. Also, having some quiet time to myself, where I'm not on a bus with eleven other dudes, all cramped for space! I also looked forward to going to hot yoga consistently...and I've done all of these things since being home!

10) Outside of the album release, what do you anticipate could be one of the biggest highlights of 2018, as it stands this early in the year?

I think a big highlight for me will be playing in my hometown, Bonanza, Oregon, this summer at the town-wide community festival. I'm very excited to get back home to my roots and love on the people that I grew up with.