Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan English.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Beginning of Key Flight Captains: Key Flight Captains is an alternative rock band based in Houston, Texas. Key Flight Captains was founded in 2014 by Ryan English (Ryno), and then Corey Trump was introduced as the drummer later on in August of 2014. The pair taking inspiration from many national acts including Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and Stone Temple Pilots. To begin the band’s discography, “Where We Live” EP was released in December 2017, and then later rereleased in January 2020. Before it was rereleased in 2020, they went on to 91.1 The Boss to play an acoustic set of the “Where We Live” EP during May of 2019.
What’s The Buzz About:
In November 2021, 94.5 The Buzz was hosting a contest called “Hometown for the Holidays.” The radio station wanted to take on 10 local bands to be played twice a day on the radio all throughout December. The Buzz later admitted they couldn’t just pick 10 bands, so they made it 11. Key Flight Captains was 1 out of the 11 bands to be chosen for “Hometown for the Holidays.” It was later said that it was 11 bands chosen out of 104 submissions. For the contest, Key Flight Captains decided they would record and release their new single “Heart Strings.” Heart Strings was all recorded, mixed, and mastered inside frontman-Ryan’s home studio. Rod Ryan added, “when Ryan told me that he recorded this in his home studio, I’m like dude! You might be a genius! If you can do this in your house, I can’t imagine what you’d do inside a real studio.” You can also catch him saying before he plays their song, “Key Flight Captains, one of my favorite songs in the local music.” When Ryan was asked what the meaning behind “Heart Strings,” he answered, “To me “Heart Strings” represents a relationship gone sour. You don’t really want it to end, but you know it’s inevitable. A time of push/pull situation, in other words- tugging of your heartstrings in a negative way. But that’s what it means to me. I’m sure everybody will have their own theories but that’s okay, that’s what I want.” At the end of December when it was supposed to end, Rod Ryan and Elliott Wood agreed they couldn’t let go of the local music due to all the amazing feedback. So currently, the 11 bands are still being played throughout January of 2022.
Agenda for 2022:
Since then, Key Flight Captains has had a big increase of their fan base, music reviews on YouTube, press releases, and is planning to to catch a tour for 2022. With new music on its way, they are proud to keep building an alternative rock community in Houston, and bring good vibes through their music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being an artist is all about paving your own way, so there is bumps along the way. Unfortunately, the music industry is one of the most competitive industries to be a part of. The first struggle would have to be us being so different from the rest of the local bands. It’s sometimes hard to fit the bill due to no similarities in sound, but we’re grateful the scene has been giving and we were able to blend in and play so many shows with our friends in other bands. Secondly, bass players have been hard to find. A committed and professional bass player, but we are currently searching for one now. Lastly, as much as we hate to admit it, Key Flight Captains has been scammed more than once. We’ve been scammed of pay at shows and we were scammed by a management company before. It is not an easy business but it’s all about getting up everyday and keep pushing forward to reach the goals we have set within the band.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our Work: We make music that we are very proud of. We want to make music that people can vibe to with us.
What do we do:
Make alternative rock songs
Specialize in:
Music
Known for:
Currently known for being one of the bands in “Hometown for the Holidays.”
Most proud of:
The music we make is what we are proud of because we pour our blood, sweat, and tears into this. I mean, each song is written with intent and a piece of us emotionally or mentally. We also want to add that we are proud of the team we have behind us. Our parents being number one of course, and secondly all our friends who support us and help in any way they can when needed. We are also proud of Sara-Beth Smith (Ryan’s girlfriend) for joining the team and helping us with the marketing, social media content, and so much more. Sara-Beth and Ryan collaborated on making the artwork for “Heart Strings,” and work together as a dynamic duo. Ryan tackles the music, and Sara-Beth tackles the business side of things.
Sets us apart:
Our music sets us apart. We want to make music that can help put people in certain moods. We also take pride in making genuine connections with our fans and not just chasing the numbers on social media platforms. We want to make music that will make an impact, not just something that will die along with the last trend when the next one pops up.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Advice:
1. Do lots and lots of research. On the scene, the music, the gear, social media, just everything.
2. Make songs you’re proud of
3. Learn about marketing and PR.
4. Lots of practice.
5. The right mindset with intent
6. Be more open-minded
Wish we knew:
1. known to invest more into gear, time, and research.
2. the right people to connect with.
3. more about the business side of the music
4. more about the audio side of things (tone, tuning, etc…)
5. To be more open-minded and take in all aspects of the industry
Contact Info:
- Email: keyflighttv@gmail.com
- Website: www.keyflightcaptains.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/keyflightcaptains?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyflightofficial/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/keyflighthomies?s=21
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6TQK4P0vHQoZBaIM99gNQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/keyflightcaptains
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Keyflightcaptains
Image Credits:
Sara-Beth Smith
