“I wear it like a message, so I don’t forget it” A talk with Phoebe Ryan

It seems everywhere you look Phoebe Ryan seems to be taking over.  Between her signature green hair, her fresh-breathily vocals, and her relatable lyricism, this singer-songwriter is on everyone’s list to watch.  Phoebes’ debut single ‘Mine‘ will provide your heart immediate joy, and with a recent stamp of approval from Taylor Swift herself, Phoebe Ryan is now riding the wave of success.

Interview by Mike Greene

Photography by Lauren Engel & Mike Greene 

An artist’s music is typically a reflection of themselves in one form or another – what does your music say about you? Where do you receive your inspiration from?
I hope it says I’m honest. I think it’s important for people to know how much I really put it all out there in my music. And inspiration comes from everywhere, but lately I’ve been inspired by relationships, and not just with other people, but with myself. *

Have you learned anything about your fans that’s inspired you and reflected in your music?
I’ve got a long way to go. I’ve got a lot of work to do. But having such incredible fans really keeps me going and striving for excellence, because that’s what they deserve. I think every time I sing my song “Dead” on stage, I’m especially in the moment. The song is about being so overwhelmingly grateful, and I feel that way about my fans and their engagement and support. *

Do you feel that there was any part of your upbringing that affected the way you write your music? Whether in Texas or Jersey?
I think my family really inspired the way I write my music, or just me even writing music in general. None of them are musicians really, but watching my brothers take guitar lessons in middle school made me want to play music more than anything. I taught myself how, just to impress them.

What’s the feeling(s) you want your fans to take out of your music?
The lyrics “I wear it like a message, so I don’t forget it, keeping it cuz its mine” seem to hit home on a personal note. I want people to feel uplifted and proud of who they are, especially when they listen to the song “Mine.” Those lyrics are all about taking ownership and loving your imperfections as much as your strengths. *

Is there any particular musician from your childhood, that you or your parents listened to, that affects how you create today?
When I discovered Bob Dylan in 6th grade, it was a complete game changer. I used to just sit there and read his lyrics, not even listening to the music. He made me want to write my own songs and tell my own story.