'This Road' is the first release from Carrie Ryan, who was in high school when she wrote and recorded the whole album (and recently graduated and is moving on to college and a second release). You won't be able to tell her age though as her voice is misleading in its maturity. Quite worth a listen, and free to boot. Download the album HERE.
How do you describe the music you make?
My music is kind of like my diary. It is inspired by people and events that have past through my life. By writing music, I feel like I have control and I can accept things that have happened. It helps me to figure out and deal with what's going on inside of my head.
How long did it take you to write, record, and release "This Road"?
I started writing music for "This Road" in April and I think the last song was done by January. It took three long months to record. I released two weeks after I was done recording. I would listen to it in the car and take mental notes on what needed to be fixed or completely redone.
What song are you most proud of on the album and why?
Definitely "Somebody I Used to Know" because it healed me. The whole album was inspired by a relationship gone wrong and after writing that song I finally realized I was ready to move on and I no longer needed him in my life.
It wasn't noticeable from your voice, but on your Facebook page you mentioned your high school; are you a high school student? How has that positively/negatively affected your music?
Yes! I was in high school when I created "This Road" but I recently graduated. I'm off to the College of Wooster in the fall to study Computer Science and Music. I would say there was both a positive and negative affect. It's hard being taken seriously as a musician when you're in high school. I had difficulty finding shows because I was so young (there are only a few people who have heard me play live). But the great part about high school was the networking system. By the end of my senior year, the whole high school seemed to know I had talent and an album out.
What made you decide to go the Bandcamp route?
Bandcamp seemed like the best way to get my music out there and, boy, was I right! I'm in love with the site. It's free, easy to use and it has given me decent amount of exposure.
And what made you decide to give your album away for free?
After listening to "This Road" I can say I'm proud of it, but I don't feel like it is my best work. Near the end I was in such a rush to finish that I feel I didn't get to put 110% into the album. So because of this, this album's main purpose is to get my name out there and get people interested in my music.
What does your songwriting process look like? Are you doing it all alone?
I currently write all my music by myself. My writing process is kind of all over the place but I usually write the lyrics first, figure out the melody, and then the guitar chords. The opening line is always a struggle for me but after that, the words usually flow. It can take a couple hours to a week to write a complete song. I keep a stack of paper on my desk for song ideas. When I'm not at home and I'm struck with inspiration, I put it in my phone.
What advice do you have for other young musicians about their music?
Don't be afraid to express yourself! Sometimes I have difficulty telling people about my album because it's so personal and the music is about a really rough moment in my life. But the vulnerability, the raw emotion behind the lyrics seems to be what people appreciate. By giving yourself over to the music, people are better able to connect.
So what's your plan now?
I'm actually taking a break from recording right now to answer this. I'm working on 4 songs to be released shortly. Three of them are new and the other is a new version of "700 Miles". I can't wait to release it! I'm extremely happy with how it's coming together. Other than that, I've found a drummer and hope to create a band in the near future. I hope be able to play more shows, eventually go on tour and have a bigger following!