ON THE ROAD WITH RYAN STAR
posted in: Artist Features • Features • Music News • Rock
In the past few years, primetime music competitions have unearthed some serious rock. American Idol gave us Chris Daughtry and David Cook, two powerhouse performers who galvanized the airwaves. And, perhaps a little lower on the radar, there was Rock Star: Supernova and its standout talent, Ryan Star. Star’s high octane performances and muscular, sonorous vocal ability led to a deal with Atlantic Records, which in turn led to Star’s recent digital release, Last Train Home. We caught up with the rocker on tour with David Cook to see how his experience compared with label mates Chad Wolfe and Serena Ryder.
Best show so far?
If I had to choose one it would be the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. It’s the venue I grew up watching shows at, so for me to get to play for my own sold-out crowd was a night to remember.
One thing you have to have on the road?
I’ll keep this answer G-rated for the kids out there. I’m gonna go with headphones and Tori Amos.
If you’re playing DJ on the bus, what do you put on?
When I get a bus I will be too busy celebrating the success to play anything. For now in the van the mix has been quite manic. Everything from Alice In Chains to Kanye, from the National to Britney. Tom Waits, Thom Yorke, Tom Jones”it’s all good. Whatever it takes to stay awake on the long overnight drives.
Moment you look forward to the most at each show?
I love meeting all of the people who come to the shows. I truly enjoy the 2-3 hours each night where I meet everyone who came out. If it weren’t for the human connection I would just auto tune my voice in a studio all day and put out computer music. Sometimes when fans come up to me after the show and say “I wish you played ¦” I just pick up my guitar right then and there for them and we have a sing along!
Current favorite song to play live?
Lately, Last Train Home. It’s my single and I love knowing that people are connecting with it. I love looking out to see them singing along and I love meeting them after the show and them telling me what it means to them. Again, the human side of it all.
Favorite way to kill time on the road?
Reading, writing, movies and walking the aisles of Target wondering where it all went wrong.
Any show you’re especially looking forward to?
We are starting another leg of the tour where we are heading out West a bit. The mountains in the summer are gonna be awesome. I am a big snowboarder and I hit Aspen, Colorado every winter. Psyched to see it in the summer!
Check out more Ryan Star here. Like what you hear? Then listen to these similar artists on OurStage: