Jason Rylan

What first got you into music?
I would have to say that my Dad and Uncles first got me into music. I remember watching them play frequently, then started on my own musical path.

Who inspired you to make music?
My Dad definitely inspired me to make music throughout the years. I was inspired even more after he passed away. Throughout the years, creating music helped me deal with some challenging times, emotions, and perpetuated some healing.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would say the music we create is a hybrid blend of Electronica, Pop, and Rock at it’s core. We tend to add other elements just to experiment with songs to see what works (trap, dance, dubstep, house, etc…). I like for every song to be unique. Of course, musical style is subjective which I am okay with.

What is your creative process like? Who would you most like to collaborate with?
The process seems to always starts with this faint kind of melody, lyric, or idea; kind of like a whisper. The whisper for Powerless came while I was doing dishes and simultaneously thinking about the all the crap going on in the world during Covid. I started humming “I refuse to feel Powerless”. I used to write down songs ideas on paper, napkins, or whatever I could find. As a whimsical sidenote, my cousin once sent me a short letter written on toilet paper. I’m a little more modern now and tend to make notes in my phone or computer. I then take the song into the studio to lay down vocals and work on the arrangement. While I view it to be extremely far-fetched, I would love to work with Madonna. A DJ friend has done some official remixes for her. I guess it’s best to remember that anything is possible.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Definitely Alanis Morissette or Madonna, but I’m pretty open. How does that saying go from Isaac Newton? “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I would be honored, humbled, and absolutely thrilled to work with anyone well established in the industry.

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Everything is going to be okay. No matter what we are faced with, things have a way of working out. I know times are tough for many people right now. Many people are still unemployed and many have suffered such terrible losses. But we need to keep on pushing through the struggle (as a side note, another track on my album is called “The Struggle”). The best thing we can all do is move forward and lift each other up as best we can.

What is the most useless talent you have?
I have jokes, some really bad ones. 🙂

I think the most useless talent I have is I tend to go on these tangents, overthink, and get lots of random ideas. For example, I once wanted to create a fun children’s book series or produce a variety of comedy sketches similar to Dave Chappelle. I also get a lot of random ideas for full length movies or shows as well. Of course, nothing manifests until we take action. We move and the universe responds.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Sometimes in the shower, sometimes on the treadmill at home, or sometimes when taking a walk in the park. I tend to either just try songs I like, like Jewel’s “Life Uncommon”, or experiment vocally with different song ideas that I have.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Hmmm.. I’m not sure. Of course, I would be working or looking for work. I think I would also be doing something artistic like writing stories or making video skits.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I haven’t performed live much and have always gravitated more towards studio recording. I performed at San Diego Pride, NCOD street festival here in Las Vegas (National Coming Out Day), and I’ve also performed downtown Las Vegas at an event called “First Friday” which is held by the art community on the first Friday of the month. I performed my song “Strong” on the anniversary of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival shooting. I don’t really have any favorite or least favorite venues as it’s just not been a path that I’ve been on. Of course, that could change.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
No, I don’t have any upcoming shows at this time. I’ve had some discussions with a local band here in Las Vegas that has performed The Joint @ Hard Rock Hotel (which is now Virgin Hotels) and places like House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, but it’s definitely been a challenge with Covid, people’s schedules, etc.. With my music having heavy electronic elements, we would need to change up the songs and play some covers which would be fun. Over the years, my coproducer and I have often discussed putting on a full show here in Las Vegas with various local artists.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The industry definitely changed years ago with the introduction of digital music. In some ways, I think the internet is a good platform to introduce music to new listeners. However, the internet has so much content that it’s easy for music content to get buried. Social media is simply one tool to engage new listeners.

What is your favourite song to perform?
Help is on the Way, but I also like performing Strong or Ain’t Nobody.

Which famous musicians do you admire?
There are so many to list. To name a few: Madonna, Alanis Morissette, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Lady Gaga.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Oh, I think I’ll leave this one alone. 🙂

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My Dad used to say “This Too Shall Pass” and I think that message carried through a bit with my latest song Powerless.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I’m not quite sure. Obviously, the industry is heavily reliant on live productions, touring, and ticketing. As we all know, this has become a huge challenge right now for many musicians and artists during Covid. I think if I could change anything it would be to get people back into buying music directly instead of simply streaming on various platforms. I think people are completely unaware just how little an artist receives on streams, downloads, and even full album sales. If you like a song or artist, it’s important to support them right now. I have many friends whose livelihood is completely reliant on touring or performing.

What’s next for you?
Right now, we are working on a music video for Powerless. I’ve really struggled with producing a video that I am happy with or connects properly with the music. One reviewer made a comment that Powerless captures the zeitgeist which I thought was very cool. I think I’ve finally started on a video path that resonates well with the song, going from cool to warm tones. We’re also working on remixes for Powerless; one of which has a very EDM feel. And we’re also considering remixes from other well-known DJ’s. Last, I’m still vacillating the release of a Fourth studio album. At this time, it has well over twenty tracks with a few reimagined covers. I need to make some decisions, final edits, licensing for the covers, mastering, etc..

Jason Rylan New Single ‘Powerless’
Audio – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pSYkCLYSLV1tYZcS2WEmt
PR – http://www.mediafire.com/file/hqzq2dw72mewf8r/US_Artist_Uses_Music_to_Deliver_Message_of_Hope_Through_Global_Pandemic_PR+(1).docx/file