RYAN DART ON 'EDGE OF THE WILD'
Colorado-based singer-songwriter follows sharp Grow Toward the Light with a new highly personal collection delivering a dozen vivid vignettes.
These new songs drift between modern rhythms, red dirt simplicity, and the ancient wisdom of an old growth forest to rewild our relationship with the natural world in the age of technology. “I’m using my songwriting to reconnect with nature and a simpler time,” Dart explains. “I believe music is a vehicle for healing and dealing with the struggles and modern addictions we can all relate to in a world that can easily distract us from our highest purpose.” Spin the closing “What’s Your Time Worth” for proof.
“In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to find something real to connect with, Ryan Dart and his music do just that,” says Daniel Sproul (Rose Hill Drive, Ryan Bingham, Hard Working Americans). “Theres no mistaking the soul and authenticity that he brings with his lyrics and tunes. Edge of the Wild gives you all of that and more.” Artist manager Brian Schwartz doubles down: “You’ve heard of Farm to Table? Ryan Dart’s music is Farm to Airwaves. Ryan’s latest offering is his most personal and evolved effort to date. Edge of the Wild is also the most played album in my household right now. I hope everyone enjoys this album as much as I do.”
As a grandson of the dust bowl and a steward of the land, Dart’s unique blend of modern knowledge and continual search for forgotten truths.
Congratulations on your latest music! What is the biggest tip you followed when creating the sound?
Thanks! I’m just grateful to be able to play music (: The biggest tip I followed when creating the sound of ‘Edge of the Wild’ was to just be authentic. We recorded most of this album in a week and just tried to stay in the flow.
How did the sound evolve from the start to the finish?
The sound of the album took shape organically when we just played the songs as they were that day and didn’t overthink it. We started tracking in a cabin in the mountains and then when we moved into studio A at Coupe Studios everything felt really free and connected.
As far as the songwriting, How far back do you want to go (: I’m Colorado born but raised below the poverty line in Arkansas trying to write songs like Bob Dylan on an out of tune nylon string guitar. Getting to have such talented friends work on this album made it easy to let these sessions stay laid back and we had a blast!
Some things I was listening to a lot during the making of this album are Fats Domino, Tom Petty, Jimmy Reed, and Ryan Bingham. Any tricks up your sleeve when making the music?
One good trick to have up your sleeve when you’re making music is to have more new songs than you’ll need. Once the sessions start you have to be able to shift your expectations on what songs really shine through on any given album. Sometimes it’s the sleeper or brand new song you weren’t planning to put on the new album that becomes your favorite. Being open to the unexpected helps the final product!
Was there a collection of ideas that you had or did you have a really specific idea on the music? The prevailing theme of this album came from a collection of songs written during the pandemic about longing to connect and trying to stay hopeful during uncertain times and through rocky relationships.
How much time do you demand of yourself to focus on music? Like to play 100+ shows a year since the music is such good medicine! I try to keep up my show schedule so I keep growing as an artist and it helps give me a chance to try new songs or new versions of songs.
I’m always writing and keeping that observing eye open. I feel like every good songwriter has that eye as part of the early stages of creation and they weave it into their own experience to harness the emotions. When you go to the next stage and finish the structure of the song you have something you’ve already felt and people can tell if you feel it!
Do you have any tips or tricks for our audience on how to manage your time when it comes to making sure your music is on track for release?
My biggest tip for managing your time around the release of a new album is to build in more time than you think you’ll need between recording and release day! Especially as an independent musician you have to manage your expectations since you don’t have a team of people helping you manage all the little details that have nothing to do with the creative part of the process. If possible, have your cover art chosen before or during your recording sessions so art design doesn’t hold up your release. If you’re on a label this is not as crucial.
Give us links and all to hear the music and follow you!
Website: https://www.ryandartmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandartmusic @ryandartmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryandartsmusic YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dartryandart