What were your inspirations in the beginning, musically and otherwise?
My father is a songwriter and musician, and undoubtedly that influenced me more than anything. I’ve always been into blues, not really by form but more by feeling… ‘roots’ music may be a better descriptor. I really enjoy well crafted acoustic songs. In high school, while my peers listened to rap, I was into Dylan. That says a lot about my parents and my upbringing, no doubt.
Why do you do what you do?
Songwriting and performing is certainly a passion. Interestingly enough, I stepped away from everything entirely from 2011 to 2015. There had been a long, hard push up to that point, and I felt that I had achieved everything I could without some serious outside help. I was frustrated that I couldn’t make things “bigger”, and felt somewhat directionless. I taught HS English during those 4 years, and missed music far more than I thought I would. By 2015 it was past time to pick it all back up, and I think I came back with a healthier perspective and a greater appreciation for all the positives that music provides.
What have been your notable achievements along the way?
Are there awards for perseverance?! (just kidding!)
There are several albums I’ve recorded over the years. We shot a video last year for a single that is part of my latest collection of songs, which at some point will become an album as well.
There have also been opportunities to open for or share the stage with: Bob Schneider, Ian Moore, Hubert Sumlin, Gary Clark, Jr., Malford Milligan, G.E. Smith, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, etc.
Various radio airplay over the years – some local (Austin, Houston, San Antonio, East TX, etc.), some in various far away places (Germany, Australia, Belgium).
Have you experienced a time where your music has impacted someone’s life?
Yes it certainly happens, usually at shows but occasionally in other settings. It is the most incredible moment when someone tells you how much a certain song or album has impacted them. That’s what really makes music a worthwhile pursuit.
My album “What I Cause” gets brought up a lot. It was written when I was coming out of a divorce and in a pretty dark place. It is highly emotional and definitely not easy listening, but seems to resonate with a lot of folks. Regardless of what I do moving forward, it may always be my favorite album, considering the time frame in which it was done, the people I worked with at the time (Chris Rains, especially), and what it means to me personally.
Has your style changed over time? How? Why?
I get more and more into old blues and more delta influenced as time goes on… I think it’s just where my interest is at the moment. I have definitely moved farther from the brooding singer-songwriter material since ‘What I Cause’ and the ‘Blood of My Kin’ album. There may be a subconscious need to create more hopeful material going on there.
What are your goals for your career, short-term and long-term?
This year we’re hoping to produce a few more videos similar to the one we did last year. We want to do another as a band, and I have a few solo songs I’d like to do as well. Beyond that, we’re looking at another album in the not too distant future.
How can people find you on social media/websites?
ryanpauldavis.com, or seach Ryan Paul Davis on virtually any social media
What music/merch do you have available? Where?
All albums are available in physical form, along with t-shirts, posters, stickers, and more at ryanpauldavis.com. Albums and singles are available on all the streaming sites as well.
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