Nashville based singer/songwriter Drew Ryn first rose to fame back in 2011 when she became a top-six finalist on the US version of the X Factor. Since leaving the singing contest Ryn has been busy working on new music and recently released her sublime cover of the hit ‘What A Feeling’.
Here we talk to Drew Ryn about her new single, future album, music style, artist inspirations and lots more.
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
Growing up, my parents exposed me to all genres of music. From my dad I was often inspired by bands like Nirvana or Van Halen, but he also bought me a Norah Jones CD around age 9. I’m vocally inspired by vocalists like Celine Dion, Stevie Nicks, or Carole King from my mom!
Have you always known you wanted to be a singer?
Yes. There were times when I imagined wanting to become a detective or a police officer or something, but I knew that wasn’t for me when the dream of becoming a worldwide successful musician seemed more like something I could achieve. It isn’t often you meet someone who always saw their wild dream as a more realistic goal than something one might consider to be more normal or by the books. I guess you could say I was born for it!
How would you describe your musical style?
I’m a pop musician, but with many influences that make up my musical style. I’m inspired vocally by powerhouse vocalists like Celine Dion or Adele, but often lyrically inspired by rock music, or more rough around the edges female vocalists like pink or Avril Lavigne.
I’ve also been working on a ton of EDM (electronic dance music) features, which has been so much fun!
Which British acts are you listening to at the moment?
HaHa, is it okay to say ALL OF THEM? I love Adele of course. I’ve been living for Ed Sheeran’s last album [Divide]. I’m also loving Calum Scott!
If you could collaborate with anyone who would you choose?
This is such a hard question because there are so many people I would absolutely collaborate with.
I would love to write with Sia, duet with Celine Dion, write or duet with Ed Sheeran, and if I did a song with a rap feature I would love to work with Kendrick Lamar.
What is the inspiration behind your new cover single?
My latest release was my version of the hit song ‘What A Feeling’. I performed this song on my very first live television appearance, with The X Factor. I think this song set the premise for my time on the show, eventually making it to the top 6, being mentored by Simon Cowell. It had been requested for years that I do a studio version of this song, so that’s what I did, a full studio ballad of ‘What A Feeling”.
Can fans expect an album from you soon?
Yes! I am working with some of the best writers and producers here in Nashville where I live, and also out in LA. I am very excited about the content we’re creating.
Will you be going on tour soon?
I’m currently looking to possibly be booking some out of country dates. I may be going to China and the UK hopefully by the end of this year. But as you know things can always change in this industry, so it’s best if people sign up for my mailing list to get constant updates on where I’ll be next. You can find my mailing list on my website
When writing a new song, where do you look for inspiration?
I look at my life and what I’ve endured. I want it to be real. Even if I haven’t gone through every situation, I still have a perspective on every situation around me, and sometimes our own perspective can draw such a unique emotion.
What would you like to achieve over the next ten years?
Aside from winning a Grammy or two, and releasing the best music I can, I want to achieve true happiness in each chapter of my life. I want to be able to reflect on my life and see joy, and good memories. So many musicians get caught up in this life and aren’t able to enjoy such a wild ride. I want that, to enjoy the wild ride.
Make sure you follow Drew Ryn on Twitter @drewryniewicz to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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