Meet Ryan Leddick (he/him), a self titled singer-songwriter living in the Capitol Region who has been playing music professionally for nearly a decade. Ryan studied music in college, and has been touring the northeast for the past few years. In this uncertain time, with the state being on pause, musicians like Ryan are unable to tour and play music - but he clearly shows us that does not stop the passion. “Since the virus I have had to cancel a large 30 city tour and have lost a good amount of progression on my new album that is coming out in May. In the meantime, I have found some opportunities in online live streaming.” While his live-record album Is still set to come out in May, he actually has released a single off that album today entitled ‘Sleep’ - which you can hear the full version at the bottom of this page.
During our interview with Ryan, his positive outlook and relaxed aura made him incredibly easy to relate to and speak with. This vibe easily translates to his music. We asked him what his favorite song he’s written yet, and he playfully responded “to sound cliche I don’t think I have written my favorite song yet. I know there are many many more to come as I am working through my craft. I would say my style is a mix of steadfast rhythm guitar and a soulful push in the vocals. Some may even say a mix of City in Color and Dave Matthews. I don’t disagree.” In my opinion, huge Dallas Green (City and Color) vibes! With relatable lyrics, incredible guitar skill, and self proclaimed soulful mix of folk/rock fusion, Ryan continues to make music even through challenging times.
While it is challenging to have your passions abruptly stunted, staying positive is the most important thing you can do Ryan tells us. “Something that I have been doing is leaning on my faith. As a devout Tendai Buddhist I have found that meditation and good laughs on Netflix have been keeping my mind busy and at ease.” With that, daily routines shift and self care has bubbled to the top of everyones day whether they realize it or not. “I spend much more time with myself - not so much thinking about a specific task for my boss, but more for my own health - like, how is my mind doing, and where in the day can I meditate or dive into a new book?” Ryan does identify his biggest struggle in this quarantine though - which has been keeping his body active. “There is only so much moving you can do in your apt without annoying your roommate haha. But that being said I’ve tried my best to keep moving and going for daily walks around my neighborhood with my mask.” The mask wearing is an Interim Guidance on Executive Order 202.16 -Requiring Face Coverings for Public and Private Employees Interacting with the Public During the COVID-19 Outbreak in NYS which was made effective April 15th, 2020 as of 8pm.
Through all of this though, Isolation has a silver lining if you look for it, and fostering what the pandemic is teaching us when we look internally is truly special. While Ryan has had his fair share of struggles that he admits to us, he has a new sense of awareness for human connection which has evolved into a higher level of respect and gratitude for his partner. “ The pandemic has taught (me) how much my partner means to me. We have been socially isolated due to us not living together, and FaceTiming every night just shows how much this person means to me. You really take for granted the time you spend with someone if you don’t live with them.”
On his social media long before this pandemic had hit us, you can find Ryan glow in his words talking about his supporters in his life and career. He has such gratitude in his heart as a musician, and as a soul. He also discusses he has dedicated his newest live record album to - in his words- “the feeling of home, and the idea that home is wherever you are.” He goes on to say that “Out of the many places I have played, these songs have echoed my many conversations with you all…” meaning his very loyal following. “From a beer in Boston, to a conversation with a stranger in NYC, to the sound guy at a festival in Washington DC…. you all that supported me and continue to support me are family. You make the incandescent light bulbs from any stage that shine on me, home.”
We have been looking at this Pandemic from many different lenses as humans -or at least we at Faiella Studios have. The creators, the artists, the people who feel their passions and thrive off of sharing them with the world - we have to remember them. We have to support them when we can - champion other peoples’ successes, and take in how their creations make us feel. Whether it’s getting lost in the eyes of artwork, or getting lost in the guitar strings of music like Ryans’.
Thank you Ryan for continuing to create music for us to enjoy during this tough time in world history, and for your positive outlook.
If you want to hear more from Ryan, support him, and keep up to date on show updates and music releases, he can be found at: ryanleddick.com or on instagram @ryanleddickmusic.
-> If you or someone you know needs additional information about any Coronavirus policy in NYS, please refer to the New York State Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/ or the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/index.html
// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Leddick and not reflective Faiella Studios.