A deeply introspective and meaningful offering, ‘34’ marks ryan john clary’s latest EP, a personal, evocative work steeped in authenticity and honesty. Packed with tons of DIY goodness, and anticipating the upcoming album ‘Sunflower Lemonaide’, ‘34’ gives us a glimpse of the nuanced artistry behind the Belmont, MA-born indie rock talent. The EP’s title is not a random number, instead representing clary’s age. It’s a surprisingly important detail, as ‘34’ navigates the many hurdles and obstacles ryan had to deal with growing up, from agoraphobia to addiction.
Eventually, the American songwriter turned to artistic expression as a cathartic tool for survival and recovery, and we are pleased to witness such a positive transformation. Delving deeper into ‘34’, keen listeners will encounter five like-minded pieces tinged with vibrant eclecticism, from heartfelt, folk-inspired ballads such as ‘A World Without You’ to more uplifting cuts, such as ‘The Spins’.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with ryan john clary to learn more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Ryan, thanks for chatting with us! I have dived a fair bit into ‘34’, and it’s obvious how personal and meaningful the EP is for you. Are you proud to see it out in the world? Does it feel like a milestone?
Yeah definitely. This has been a very big milestone year for several reasons. All of them inspire the EP.
How long have you been working on it? Is it true that your creative process is fully self-sufficient and independent?
Yes, it is. I’ve been working on it ever since I finished my last album, which was at the end of the summer. I tend to have kind of quick turnarounds… I don’t like to sit on music for too long.
‘34’ provides a striking preview of your forthcoming album ‘Sunflower Lemonade’. Is the rest of the album going to be similar in sonic choices and lyrical themes?
Yeah, I’d say it’d be similar. The EP is essentially half the album.
Delving deeper into the nuanced songwriting behind ‘34’, we come across your personal experience with addiction and mental health, a topic that a fair number of listeners might relate to. Would you say that art and music have helped you deal with the hard path to recovery? Or perhaps it has given you a crucial outlet of expression?
Yes absolutely. Music was my only coping skill for a long time and is the reason I’m here today. These days, I use music to express myself, and I hope to inspire and validate other people’s journeys.
In terms of influences, is there a specific artist or band you look up to? What were some of your favourite albums growing up?
Yeah, for sure, as a solo artist, I’ve been looking to others for inspiration. I’ve always been in bands and been inspired by bands like The Beatles, so doing this leg of the journey on my own has been lonely. ‘BloodSugarSexMagik’ has always been a favourite album, together with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘The Marshal Mathers LP’.
I am sure that each track in ‘34’ is equally important, but that said, do you have a favourite in it? Or a specific song that means a lot to you?
They all mean a lot to me; they came from me. I’d say the one that struck the biggest chord while writing it was ‘A World Without You’. It’s a heavy one. It’s about being there for the person you love while they fight a battle. I thought of many of my family members who have been through situations like that while writing it.
Taking into account your own unique journey in life and music, is there a piece of advice or a nugget of wisdom you could share with our audience? What’s the one thing you wish you had understood sooner?
Well, I’m 34 and still nowhere near where I had hoped to be in my music career. But I’m learning to stop and smell the roses and to be grateful for the journey. We might not all make it, but my journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Lastly, what’s next for ryan john clary?
Definitely more music and performances, maybe more 😉
