Today we’d like to introduce you to Rom Ryan.
Hi Rom, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always approached music in the way a visual artist might approach a painting. I’ve never wanted to fit in with a genre, which is what inspired the concept of Music without Borders. I’ve given very little thought to what was popular and more to what I wanted to say as a lyricist and as a composer.
Thankfully, aside from my solo work, I’ve been blessed to have performed with some great musicians who have been part of an extended family of artists that have made up my band Moodafaruka. Since its inception, it has been a musical playground for experimentation and invention. Through the blending of music inspired by different cultures into unique compositions, I’ve tried to create music that is both familiar and new. I’ve produced 8 albums, each one having a unique personality with only the thinnest of threads connecting each one to its predecessor. They are the culmination of a lifetime of self-examination and musical growth.
I’m thankful to Houston as a community for allowing me to thrive as a performing musician. Houston is a much more international city than much of the world realizes; it has turned out to be the perfect place to explore the various concepts and musical genres that have caught my eyes and ears. My story is still being written, and there is more in its past than can be fit into this article. I’m focused now on writing its future.
I’ll continue to seek to remind people of the common values we share, to honor our differences, and promote the celebration of life through music.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Making a living as an artist is as mysterious as the art itself. There is no well-defined path; it’s get out your machete and start cutting.
When you’re committed to a cause artistic or otherwise, it doesn’t matter where you sleep or how much money you might have; the power of pursuing a vision pays riches that make money seem like small compensation in return for giving it up. So, you march on, having faith that things will work out, endure what must be endured, and live in gratitude that you have found your success on the path less traveled. You meet some of the most interesting people there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from performing both as a soloist and with my band Moodafaruka, I have a book published called the Balloon People and a line of clothing coming out for children that is an offshoot of the book. My music as well as Moodafaruka’s music is available on all streaming platforms. My book is available on Amazon, and hopefully, I can say the same for the clothing line soon.
I am blessed to have worked with some of the finest musicians in the city Edita Nikola, Richard Saldivar, Eddie Akhmetchine, Ken Knesick, Erin Foster, Alesha Yamal Terrance Karn, Arlandus Chimney, Emily Madonia, Aija Izaks, Ferenc Illenyi, Ilya Janos, Coffee Guzman, Omar Phoenix Lopez, Mary Ann Willis. They have all made significant contributions to my music creatively, in recordings and live performance. To me, they’re as talented a group as one could find anywhere in the world. I’ve also been honored to perform with some great dancers; the arts community in Houston is bubbling over with talent.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The music industry has changed dramatically. It was once possible to go to a festival and sell thousands of dollars in CDs, which was how many of us supplemented our incomes to make performing at festivals make sense. There was a time licensing music was a legitimate way to create a revenue stream. For the independent musician, these have generally dried up. I’d say if you want to be in this business know how to perform live, or at least semi-live. Another change has been the ready acceptance of looping and backing tracks when performing. It’s become almost an expectation. There was a time when it would have been completely unacceptable. That said, there is engineering, video production, mastering, teaching, many music-related industries to consider. Plant your flag, make your stand, and be ready to move your flag as the world changes. It’s not a business for the faint of heart, but it comes with rewards that only living your passion can afford you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moodafaruka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rom_ryan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rom.ryan.94
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2gOVcJmv2ozsmfMKnkm9Q
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=rom%20ryan
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Balloon-People-Rom-Ryan/dp/0692903615
Image Credits
Michael Hart
