I am taking 3 long and deep breaths. As slow as I can, I am cleansing all I know around me so I can focus on exactly where I am. I hear a curious crowd turn from chatting to cheering because they know what it means when the lights go down. One more breath–I open my eyes, grab my guitar, and walk onto the stage. This is where I belong.
To many, these are the levels of “Rock Band” or “Guitar Hero” but for me it is very real. From the early age of 14, I have been on countless stages. A parentless, friend’s basement party, a small smoky room you can hardly call a bar, the city’s premiere Venue, a stadium in Prague, these all come in so many walks of life, but what remains the same, is the perfect symbiosis of performer and a crowd. This magic is always unique and always raw no matter how planned it can be. The live experience is what I feel people love and what will continue to keep people coming out to see music–even when every album ever made is sitting in our pockets right at our fingertips.
I always thought the best shows were the ones where a mic went down, or a guitar cut out, or strings broke–because it reminds us that we are creating a new moment. Unrehearsed raw energy comes only from when you are unprepared and your instincts kick in. I am sure it is like this for any profession whether you are a lawyer or a sports star. It is always the unpredictable moments that we remember as “lightning in a bottle.” In a world where we are getting really good at being accurate, let’s remember it is the imperfections that make so many things in this world beautiful (even Kate Moss and David Beckham).
My Best Tours of 2009
Nine Inch Nails – When I was 15, I believed Trent Reznor put on the best show I would ever see. This year, in what he called his farewell tour, I still believe nobody puts on a better show.
Leonard Cohen at 75 years old–he is more rock and roll than anyone I have ever seen. My favorite poet holds all the knowledge and lets you in a little more with each song.
The Pixies – more proven Veterans of music—give us the quintessential rock band experience and show us how to incredibly pull off classic albums live.
Jay Z – Never thought he would have made my list, but this year he got me. You saw it too. Enough said.
Twitter Updates
The stage is where you belong!
Another great choices and now I know you a little more.
You should be a permanent writer here…
Comment by solange ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
That’s very eloquent, and very true. The best part of watching any concert is when something doesn’t go as planned, and the band just has to roll with it. You kick ass Ryan!
Comment by Kat ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
There is no feeling like hearing your favorite music live! It’s so cool to hear from you the artist what it feels like from your perspective! You sing with such passion that you can hear in your voice& music, but can also see it on your face! I’m so happy for you that you get to do what you truly love in this world & make a living at it too! My favorite live on stage moments of 2009 was 9/02/09 when I saw you live for first time from the front row at House of Blues in Dallas when you opened for Collective Soul and 12/18/09 when I got to here you perform on my bday before Rob Thomas! At that show I was at the very top because I didn’t buy tickets until it was announced you were now opening for Rob & it was on my bday. I could barely see you way up there, but I could here your voice and the music. By the way, awesome cover of Everybody Knows – I like yours better & wish I could buy it. Covers are a fun part ofive shows. I also loved the Beatles song you did! That was fun and unexpected! Your performance at House of Blues & meeting you afterwards made me a fan for life. I wish so much your live stuff was available for purchase! That’s one of many reasons why SFTEOAE is my favorite CD-it sounds more raw and live. You are exhilirating to watch on stage- from standing at the mic to rockin out & even dropping the mic-you are so real and your love for what you do is evident! I hope so much to get to see you live in 2010! Seeing you 3 months apart was a treat!
Comment by Lia ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
I really enjoy reading these blogs everyday. You give us a lot to think about regarding our own lives. If we were all perfect and every situation turned out the way we wanted it to then it would be a very boring existance. I agree with you, I feel the shows I’ve directed or produced where everything seems to be going wrong (broken mic, missing script, broken camera…etc)are the ones that I am most proud of because they allow our true instincts to kick in. Definitly agree with the Nine Inch Nails tour as part of your list. Best tours for me this year was David Cook’s and Collective Soul’s.
Comment by Meg ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
“The live experience is what I feel people love and what will continue to keep people coming out to see music…”
.
I see your videos and one of my dreams is to see you playing live – before i die.
One day I will return to NYC, I would love to go on your show.
Love from Brazil.
Comment by solange ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Like I said, I love reading your blogs!
I read and comment them every day.
It’s cool finding out more about you through these blogs. Keeps up the good work Ryan!
Comment by Alexis ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Sometimes when things get messed up, I’ve found, that’s when the best things happen. Sure, a lot of times it’s exactly what it is…messed up. But every once in a while you get that moment when although it seems where everything is going wrong and it still ends up all right.
I absolutely love this quote from your entry “In a world where we are getting really good at being accurate, let’s remember it is the imperfections that make so many things in this world beautiful” It’s something we all need to keep in mind and remember because it’s so true. Our society has come to focus so much on perfection and accuracy that if there is a single mishap we think that everything has fallen apart. When really it’s often the other way around, in that moment when nothing can seem to go right, that’s when you can see the true beauty of everything because that’s when everyone is at their most vulnerable.
As for my favorite tours I do have to say that your tour with David Cook was by far the best I had seen in a while. You both possess such passion and talent and it’s quite evident when you come out on stage. Your music invites in to be part of the experience instead of other artists’ shows where you feel simply like you’re just watching them perform. The other tour that absolutely moved me was not so much a tour, but a one off date by Anberlin. Yet another band that invites you in to be part of the experience and completely blows your mind with their passion for the music and their fans.
Comment by Amber ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
You’re an eloquent writer, Ryan. Hope you have the time to do this regularly. I love everything you said. No better description of reality can be told without experiencing it.
Comment by Dee ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Reading your blogs is such a great way to start the day. You are definitely correct; there is something about the live experience. It’s a way of forgetting about whatever problems one might be having, if even for just a few hours. There are always a few changes, which probably explains why I may have been to a few of your shows this year.
Comment by Stephanie ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 09:12 am
I love how you write, Ryan!
Aaah, and it’s true, some of my favourite videos of my favourite bands are the ones where they mess up, and then we get to see what they do in those situations. Sometimes they start over, sometimes they carry on, and at other times they take the opportunity to basically just mess around (best situation!). I don’t actually listen to Lady GaGa, but I think she’s an amazing performer, she always goes on even when her shows are plagued with technical problems.
Can’t wait to read your other blogs :]
Comment by Nurul. ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 09:12 am
I’m all about live music. And when the performer(s) give it their all, there’s no better entertainment. Explains whey I’ve seen you 8 times this year Ryan, plus David Cook 8 times (2 more coming up this week), and a whole of bands multiple times (The Northstar Sesson, Burn Halo). In the past Eric Clapton got me to concerts 4 times and The Rolling Stones twice. Funny you mentioned Jay Z. I was surprised at how much I loved Black Eyed Peas when they opened for U2 at the Rose Bowl. No matter what one’s musical taste is, you cannot say BEP don’t put on a fantastic show.
I have to add Collective Soul to my list of favorite live concerts. A big fan for more than a decade, I had never seen them live until I went to the Sunset Strip HOB show in September-and really because you opened for them. They blew me away. I also have to add Todd Rundgren. Finally saw him and his band last summer and that was 2 1/2 hours of fantastic rock music, humor and fan love. There’s nothing like live music.
Comment by Scott ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Your blogs are awesome. for me the best part of the concert is those few seconds before the show begins. the excite of not knowing what to expect. I have been asked many times if it ever gets old going to the same concert over and over again. The answer is always no. Your concerts are never the same. It is a joy seeing the reaction of people seeing you for the first time….Thank you for your amazing music.
Comment by Mandy ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Ok, so you just put into words the reason I love nothing more than attending a concert. To me there is nothing in this world that makes me feel more alive than taking in every aspect of a show…to me this is where music shines its brightest. It’s more than just seeing or hearing it…you get to feel it too!! You are an amazing artist and I hope that I will have another opportunity to experience your music live and in person!! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!!
Comment by kayanne ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Ryan, you ARE where you belong…clearly!! I love your energy and passion…it’s what makes you SHINE!!!! I agree wholeheartedly that it is “the imperfections that make so many things in this world beautiful.” Excitement is when something unpredictable happens! It’s interesting to see how the Artist will “run with it.” Improvisation is a skill! It allows creativity to flow=D It allows one to live “in the moment!” As a very wise man once said, “All we ever have is Right Now…”
I look forward to seeing you on the road in 2010! All love
Comment by Dana (pixie2214) ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 11:12 am
Love this! That is the exact reason why I love live shows. I don’t care how many times I have heard the song or even seen bands perform live. Every time is unique and different.
I have been to 29 shows this year. 4 of those were with you. I hope 2010 is just as amazing.
Comment by Laura ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 11:12 am
Your show seems amazing. One day I will go…
Comment by Samantha ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Ryan you are great writer – both music and blogging. It is so true that it is the “imperfections”, or unplanned moments, that make things truly memorable. I never got to go to concerts when I was in my teens and 20s, but now, having been to several, I see how the music comes alive with a great performer. I haven’t got to see you in concert yet, but I hope to have that opportunity in the coming year!
Comment by pattieann (ph246) ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Hey r~
I’ve seen you five times this year.You’ve always give 110% and then you’re there to meet us after every show tired and all, with a smile.Thank you so much for being a people fan.You give us time to forget about our troubles so we can just have fun.
STAY GOLD,HEATHER C FROM CT.
Comment by Heather ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
The visual journey that this blog describes is beautiful…i felt as tho i was in the moment, well captured ryan…when you decide to write your story i’m gonna be 1st in line to get it cos your writing is brilliant
Comment by NAFISA14 ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
P.S I HEARD MYSELF SINGING ALONG WITH YOU ON A VIDEO I SHOT AT ONE OF YOUR SHOWS.NOT GOOD,I DELETED.I LEAVE THE SINGING TO YOU. HEATHER C
Comment by Heather ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Thank you for sharing a moment that most of us will never experience from your viewpoint. I love the unrehearsed moments of a show–when the artist shows us that that he/she is human–including the moments when things go “wrong”.
Again, I am loving the things you are sharing with us and find it hard to wait for the next one.
Comment by Carol Burnett ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 01:12 pm
Ryan, you are incredible on the stage. When i first saw you open for David Cook, i was blown away! Soo much passion, and you truly enjoy performing. Can’t wait for 2010.
My favorite thing about seeing a concert, is actually hearing the artist live, there is absolutely nothing like it.I love when the lights go down and you know that at any second, the artist will come out and blow you away.
Keep the blogs coming!
Comment by juliana ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 01:12 pm
Such a great point. So much emphasis is put on being perfect that it’s hard to enjoy the imperfections of reality. It’s the mistakes and issues that show you what you are truly capable of.
And just for the record, I tried unsucessfully to resist jay z myself.
Comment by serena ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 05:12 pm
Bravo brother. Another great perspective and it has me refliecting on my own career. Thanks
Comment by james ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 06:12 pm
There’s something especially honest and pure watching music made right in front of you. I can listen to a song a thousand times, but when it’s played live it’s unique to that moment.
Love these blogs, it’s nice to hear what’s on your mind, in more than 140 characters =)
Comment by Brooke ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 06:12 pm
Wow. You want to talk about capturing your audience. You were pulling at my heart with the first sentence. I’ve never read a blog that was easier to connect to emotionally.
I’m so glad you found something that has a hold on part of your heart. I can only imagine the adrenaline, the emotion, the pure happiness that results from playing on stage.
It takes a great performer to connect to a crowd and keep that connection even after the show. I can tell you from experience that I stayed connected after your show, and I am still connected to this day.
Fantastic.
Comment by Brittany ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 07:12 pm
That’s so cool you mention NIN since I’m a huge fan of them too.
Comment by Kevin ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
You are definately where you belong! You have made every show that I have attended special and they have all been very different. Your performances are always unique and you make time for the fans at every show! I must say your I-beam performance at Toads Place is one that will forever stick in my head. I look forward to seeing many many more of your shows (hint~ East Coast is good!!)
Comment by Karrol ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
Ryan,
Love your comments, Love to watch you in concert. I believe nothing absolutely Nothing beats a live performance. Unrehearsed, and real that is the way I like it, This past year has brought a new journey into my life. I have enjoyed it more than I have in a long time, I think this is because I was able to get out and see these concerts again, Something that was in my past, became my present and future. You are an amazing person, Hope to hear more from you.
Connie
Comment by Connie ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
Shine on.
Keep up these bloggies. I enjoy them. Shannon once told me one of her fav shows was when you were at HOB right after Rockstar and the power went out. You kept going and rocked the shit out of that show.
d
Comment by deb ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
Solid choices there. “Where is my mind?” still ridicuously frames my days. Breathtaking though for me was the first time I caught Sade in concert. I cried my eyes out. How beautiful she captured the joy, pain, well hell, you name it throughout the set. I’ll never forget it. And please note, because there are certain songs in your arsenal that mean that much to me, so is the day, I’ll catch my breath waiting for the first raw note you deliver at whatever venue, wherever city I manage to get to see you in. Come to Tokyo…and let a sista know when you get here.
Comment by Michelle ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
You know how I feel about this, Ryan. My favorite show of all time was your HoB “Blackout Show”. First of all, your professionalism shone through as you swtiched from electric keyboard to accoustic guitar without missing a beat. But even after the lights went up and there was no need for a sing a long, stress, frustration, relief and bond with the audience carried through the rest of the show. Thank you for the memory.
Comment by Mangomelon ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 09:12 pm
Hey Ryan, Two of your shows I’ve been to were like the one’s you’re talking about. If you remember, I think your first Hollywood HOB show, where the electricity went out, and instead of walking off, you sang without a mic and only a flashlight shining on you… and it was an amazing show. But the best night, one I’ll always remember, was the raw energy that was created when you played a full show at a small room in Ventura. It was a special night. Also, one of your songs that I heard for the first time that night is now one of my favorites. I hope as you play the big venues, that you occasionally will do an intimate show although sadly it may be impossible to get a ticket.
Comment by KarenLA1 ///// Saturday, December 26th, 2009 @ 11:12 pm
Well…very sensitive,rare ppl has the gift to feel all the things around them.
Anyway, congrats for being like this , for feeling like this, you are a fortunate man.
Luv u !
Comment by Mimzi ///// Sunday, December 27th, 2009 @ 01:12 am
Alright, I can finally post something on one of your blog entries. Cell phone sucks. Anyways, Your blog is absolute genius, and to be honest, you and I are one and the same. From the understanding of soundtracks coming hand in hand with the Cameron Crowe influence, down to the love of Garden State, and back to being huge Nine Inch Nails fans.
Now, I’ve seen ALOT of acts this year, and none of them blew the crowd out of the water like you did. I was one of the few people in the crowd who knew of you, and watching you winning over that entire concert hall was nothing short of magical.
Keep up the amazing work, and I’ll keep reading your blog, and twitter updates. Hope to see you again soon in Montreal, and a happy new year.
Comment by Tim Lefebvre ///// Sunday, December 27th, 2009 @ 08:12 am