Showz

I guess I technically played the first Swing States show last night, opening up with a solo set for my other band, Forties. It was a bit spontaneous, but it was fun and I got to debut a few new songs for my friends. Thanks if you were there!

The attic studio has to be at least 500 degrees, but I'm 3/4 of the way through tracking drums for the next release. The songs take shape as I record them, and at this point I think I could really love this bunch. We'll see how it progresses. Hope spring is gorgeous for everyone; by weather, by relationship, by successes and by good love vibes all over.

Hello, internet!

It's been a month since the Valentine's Day Love Basket dropped. Thanks for all the positive responses! I've got another (small) batch of songs that should be coming soon. I'm hoping to do a similar free release with some excellent new artwork, courtesy of my talented friends.

Also, I've been working with some absolutely killer musicians, putting together a live band. Chase Misenheimer, Andrew Kai Tam, and Matthew Thompson are my boys, and they add a sick flavor to the songs. Due to my grudgingly slow writing, we don't have a ton of material, but a fun cover or two rounds out the set and we'll be playing shows soon. If anyone is interested in setting up a show, please let me know! Looking to bring these songs to life.

Finally, a request concerning the second half of the Swing States project: the artwork. If any of you artsy people are interested in working with us, give a holler! The music is only part of this project. Like Alex did before, I'd love to involve more of you in creating pieces that coincide (as much or little as you like) with the songs.

That's all from my end right now. Expect new things soon!

R

A word about the ART

If you've downloaded the Love Basket, you'll notice that it comes with two photos whose titles coincide with the song names. This is no coincidence. Alex Crawford deliberately created two scenes that he felt reflected the nature of the separate songs. I'm looking forward to releasing more excellent artwork like this, inspired by songs as they're released. Check out his stuff. It's killer!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Love Basket!

It's finally here! Swing States presents: the Valentine's Day Love Basket. Songs and art inspired by the songs. Here is the link to my bandcamp site where you can download the entire bundle in any format you like. Just look for the "download album" link. Let me know what you think! I hope today was wonderful for all of you, lovebirds and lonelies alike.

Also, credit where credit is due:

Michael Hardesty - Mixing, mastering, and general straight up killin'

Alex Crawford - Art, design, and fart-drillin'

Ryan

Valentine's Eve

I'll be releasing all sorts of music and art through this blog now! It all starts on Valentine's Day. You'll be able to download a free gift basket with a couple of songs and some photos done by my friends. So sometime tomorrow, amidst the scurried, frantic love-shuffle of your holiday, take time to grab hold of your Boo, your main squeeze, your A number 1, and settle down with a drink or three and give these tracks a listen. More to come later.