What’s In a Name?
What’s in a name?
Since I was in high school I have had an extremely clear mind when it came to people’s opinions. I remember hearing the psychology that 1 negative statement is equal to the feeling of 100 positives. I heard that and knew your brain can get the best of you. No matter how many people tell you that you look great, it is the one time you hear the opposite that you cannot shake off. If my younger sister heard someone talking trash about my band, “Stage,” back in school, she would be livid and all I remember telling her to calm her was to think about how many people hate Dave Matthews. I always felt that your success can be measured by how many people don’t like you, because there will always be the true fans who put you in that great place to even have the chance to be hated by many.
The other thing I learned over the last few years was that to judge reveals a great deal about who you are as a person. Look at the state of our country and then think about what our top TV programs are. Every one is about judging someone else. Hell, I was on one. My favorite has to be “My BFF,” by the way. If our economy reflects the all-time low that TV is seeing from that one, then we are all F#$%ked.
Where am I going with all of this? I read a blog this morning about a performance I gave in a conference room last week. I went out of my comfort zone as a performer to give a little show for people who might be able to help get my music out there. I enjoy playing wherever and whenever, but this day I specifically felt something a little stale and straight in the room. Nothing specific, but sometimes you feel the energy and sometimes you don’t and you have to be OK with that.
I played a song called “Breathe,” which some of you have already heard. It is a song that does not get any more real for me as a writer and a performer. In “Breathe’s” short life so far, I have played it for many people in very different circumstances. One, which I will always remember, was at my late manager’s funeral. The song, from then on, has a different meaning for me and I will always see his wife and kids as I sing it. I know it meant a lot to them and continues to mean the world to me that as an artist, I was able to offer my words and music to them in a time like that.
Here is a sample of the blog:
“With the rough-ish confidence of a performer with a share of gigs under his (Urban Outfitters?) belt — in conference rooms and otherwise — he played two songs that will likely appear on his 2009 LP.
The music performed in that situation can only be observed in objective, not subjective, terms — more like watching a salesman’s demonstration that the vacuum can, in fact, suck up the crumbs he’s spilled on the carpet rather than a critique of how well it sucks. My impression of it is one of a paint-by-numbers rock yowl that, while unquestionably earnest, seemed about as genuine as the performer’s name. And by the time the day had ended, the dinner conversation revolved around the concept that a colleague paraphrased from the autobiography of Dean Wareham, frontman of Luna: there are two kinds of people in the music industry, those who live for music, and those who live off music.”
To whoever wrote this or whoever feels the need to judge something they clearly do not know or understand: I do live off of music, the way you live off of oxygen and some live off of love. I live off of the joy it brings me to play for people. I clearly wasted it on you that morning.
Contest closed. Thank you for the overwhelming response.
Have the greatest day.
~r
October 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I am sorry that the people you sang for have no appreciation of music, but I know that the people who mean the most like your ex managers family will always appreciate it because they know and you know how much you music can feed a persons soul.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Don’t waste your breath explaining yourself to someone who is obviously so small-minded. If the blogger wasn’t intelligent enough to see how real you are after watching you perform then he (or she?) is definitly lacking something essential to the human spirit. You are a brilliant artist who strikes his listeners directly to their souls.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
That is horsesh!t!!! Obviously this person has no appreciation or understanding of who you are and where you are going. I sure hope I win the private songs - wow, how cool would that be?! Dream on….
October 29th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Sorry to read this blog Ryan…What Crap! I can’t stand people who judge people who pour their soul and give their life for something they love, like you Ryan! Even someone like me who only knows you through your shows and blogs can see how much you love your music and the joy it brings you to play to all of us! If there is anyone who is as genuine in their name as well as their music is you. To say breathe is anything but is someone who has not read the wonderful words I have received through my you tube page of the song I recorded that night at the rockwood. Words coming from individuals speaking from the heart after attending the funeral of someone they cared for deeply!
We true fans love you, your music, your hard work and your name!
~hugs
October 29th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Left you a Myspace message..but to add… I feel your passion explode out of your music and so do many many (add a million more many’s) people. It’s hard, I know trust me, when people don’t feel you or understand. You have me as a fan for life… and I owe you a song, which I will write, to say thank you for your influence on me.
Bless you and stay strong Ryan.
Love always….
October 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Wow… I feel sorry for this guy.
I can’t imagine being so immune to passion that you stifle it when it’s around you.
How very sad…
October 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I think we are the lucky ones.
For those that don’t get your music, or others…their loss. I don’t love all music, so I don’t condemn someone for not appreciating yours…
But, I do love music…and as such, I try to focus on what I like, rather than what I don’t…
I think it says more, for that blogger, about their perspective on things in general, than about you, your music or anything else…
All the best. I can’t wait to hear what you have for us next!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Hey Ryan,
Read your blog today and I loved the insight. It’s sad that today’s society is all about judging others rather than improving one’s self. It seems that the easiest way for people to find self gradification is to look for flaws in others (especially in those who have achieved some level of success). Everyone is willing to look in from the outside yet so few are willing to look in the mirror.
As a fan, we always look for artists that we can related to and identify with. Thoughts and beliefs are based on clips we see and blogs / article we read. Obviously this shows us only a glimpse of the artist’s personality but I can honestly say that the glimpse I have seen, since you first Rock Star appearance to today, screams of a honesty and genuineness that is lacking in others. Perhaps the individual who wrote the blog should have done some research before rushing to judge.
I have always told to my kids that when you sing, it has to be more than saying the words you have to feel it. I think the Cult might have said it best in “Heart of Soul”;
You gotta bleed a little while you sing
Less the words
Don’t mean no thing
I followed that up with telling them if they want to see what I mean to watch you preform or just listen to you sing. They get it now and as I do, they love your work. I think the fact that you write music that a 36 year old dad loves as well as his 11, 10 & 5 year kids speaks volumes.
All the best going forward. I look forward to the 2009 CD.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Am I the first one here??? hahahaha — that will teach me to undo that chain that attaches me to this computer…
Who cares what one person said in their blog. Everyone is a critic now and everyone has a blog.
We all know your music is full of passion and soul and love… xoxox
October 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
too bad for him.
you’re still pretty awesome, and you know that.
smile, ryan.
we love you.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I hate that. I hate that one negative comment can undo 100 positives. I hate that it is true for me, that I will let one negative thing bother me so much.
Unfortunately, there are always going to be people who don’t “get” you and what you do. But fortunately, there are so many people who do so you gotta keep on.
In this business you probably have to have a thick skin, which is something I don’t have. It hurts me when someone says something negative about you.
I have never joined a message board (or myspace, or facebook, or even Twitter…) for any other musical artist. I saw something in you and I’ve met a bunch of great people who also see that same thing. I DON’T put stickers on my car, and the Mommy van is currently sporting a lot of dirt and http://www.rstar.net.
Next time you are performing for an asshat like that, a loud version of “O” might be in order, eh?
Do what you love, stay true to yourself, be good to others, and fuck all the rest.
deb
October 29th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Ryan,
Whoever wrote this asinine commentary full of statements that are factually inaccurate and inconsistent must be angry about something in life. Whatever his background, it is sad that the chip on his shoulder is so massive that it has muffled and muted his auditory senses and kept him from experiencing the sheer joy and soulful musicianship that I have seen you deliver live whether the audience consists of 500 people of 15 people.
Just a couple of examples of the bloated and nonsensical prose from this ignoramus: “music performed in that situation can only be observed in objective, not subjective, terms”: who observes music in “objective” terms? Music is an intangible expression of an idea that must be experienced by the listener, and is therefore, subjective. Also, “while unquestionably earnest, seemed about as genuine as the performer’s name” So you’re earnest but you’re not genuine? Did he write this by filling in a “mad libs”?
Love you, Ryan. Love “Breathe” and “Back of Your Car” in all the incarnations I have been blessed to hear. You are going to have an amazing 2009 because for every idiot like this, there are so many people that will receive your music with a smile and a desire for more.
tessnyc
October 29th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Some people will never get it. I would have given anything to be in the room that day and you know many, many people feel the same way. I’d love to know the lucky person to win your private show, I know I’m too late!
About the reviewer, its ok to have an opinion but this person clearly hides behind all their commas, dashes and cutesy long sentences which in actuality fails to back up any semblance if a coherent point. They’ve clearly got a lot more problems than worrying about what you are doing.
We are here for you and the music and always will. Keep up the great work!
October 30th, 2008 at 2:26 am
You know what, that post doesn’t even deserve space on your blog. Not worth worrying about. There will always be critiques and people who don’t get it. I’ve seen you perform live and anyone who doesn’t see how authentic of a performer you are does NOT “get it” and never will. At the end of the day that’s more of their loss than anything else.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Hi Ryan,
Sorry to see that blog. People are all so different and come from different perspectives and have different tastes. But, those who are that kind of judgemental and critical, usually have personal issues and a lack of understanding…you just never know. I saw you play “Breathe” at the Ford Amphitheatre and it was beautiful.
So Ryan, if you have any Los Angeles showcases…would love to be invited. Your fans will bring the good energy to any room.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Here’s the link for that shiteous blog:
http://blog.rhapsody.com/2008/10/cmj-08-cory-chi.html?cid=136915457#comments
Click in and leave your support for our guy!
October 30th, 2008 at 8:05 am
this made me so sad to read. screw them-they don’t have a clue. I really hope that you know you are an amazing person, amazing performer, an amazing singer and songwriter. Each time I’ve seen you I’m left feeling completely intoxicated and wanting more. I wish I could go to all your shows because you are the real deal-so raw, so passionate, along with your music you have this vulnerablity and sweetness that we all connect with. just being in your presence would really be enough for me.
who are these guys anyways so we can go kick their asses…just kidding…
October 30th, 2008 at 9:11 am
it is just one’s opinion … however, as i see it, it is the only opinion i have read from someone who was there that day.
ryan said the room was stale. i have to think that is what the audience wanted. a lot of performers can excel in their “comfort zone” … i have to think the setting was to see how one does when they are not in their environment and in the bloggers opinion, ryan didn’t do that well. sometimes you feel it, sometimes you don’t. maybe ryan needs to look at it as a wake up call and that he cannot always just go thru the motions.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Eff that. Don’t let one close minded pretentious person get to you. Aside from the fact that you are a totally awesome person, you are one of the most down to earth, hardworking, and talented artists I’ve met and you are going to do wonderful things.
xo-
Christina
October 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Unfortunately, not everyone can see or comprehend what is real and what isn’t. Some people just don’t get it. Please, don’t worry about it. There are many narrow minded people in this world who think that they are important or special by being judgmental and overly opinionated.
Those people are the ones who are blind. They are unable to see true beauty in things around them or in people.
1 negative comment = 100 positive comments. For every one person that dislikes you or your music, I’m sure there are thousands who love you for what you do.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
It always breaks my heart when I hear a story like that. Not so much because they don’t like the music of MY Ryan Star, but because they just don’t “get it”. I have to wonder if they really even listened at all. How could they not hear the passion and love that I hear in every song you sing? When you sing, I believe you… The words are so powerful as they come from your mouth, they become my truth. It has been a very long time since I have dared call an artist my “favorite”, but you have touched my soul in a way no other artist has. Your talent is undeniable and I am proud to tell people your name whenever and where ever possible.
You are the best.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
i’m sorry someone clearly has no clue what a great talent and soul you are. i, for one, couldn’t imagine a life without your music and a life without what you have given so far. your music and your passion is something that inspires me every day. the person that wrote this clearly has no clue about the feeling of having an artist that can truly touch a soul. i never thought an artist could give so much to my life until i saw you on stage years ago and the first notes out of your mouth that you sang forever changed my life. thank you for what you have given me and many others.
October 30th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Just the way you responded to his/her comments taught me a great lesson in life.
You’re the best mentor someone could have
I’m troubled at how he attacked your name and wardrobe…seems like a really personal jab for a music review. No one deserves that at all.
October 31st, 2008 at 8:19 am
Ryan, some people will never get real artists, the people who go out there and give a part of themselves every night. You are an amazing singer, writer and performer, so please, try to block out those negative comments you will hear once in a while, and think of all the people who cannot wait to see you live again…
November 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Everyone is different. Thank you for your insight - something I try to remember constantly. Some days it is easier than others.
I feel very sad for that person that he/she missed the experience that I have when hearing you live. The only thing that makes me mad is that so many of us would give our left tit to see you in a place as small as a conference room, and it was wasted on someone who could not appreciate it!
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
Unfortunately, some who can’t make music seem to be the bitter ones that make fun of the ones that MAKE music. It is usuallly the ones that can’t that critize the ones that can. I recently saw a band called the Stereoponics in Chicago. Crowd loved them. Papers-rags- hated them. English press kills them, yet people love them. Screw being a critics darling. If the people love you, you won. Best of luck, and I look forward to working with the record.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
you wrote a song called breathe. what do you expect after writing masterpieces like the scientists canvas and live happy live with anorexia. i’m a long time fan but i miss the new york sound. you’ve been turning too LA for me. i miss when you wrote with passion and your music was original. breathe? really? you can do better ryan. you’ve done it. you’ve proven yourself. let’s hear something original again.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:29 am
It’s amazing how some people feel justified to engage in social bullying…and that is exactly how I read that critique….someone needing to find a personal high behind a computer screen. I would consider it a blessing to have the opportunity to see you perform live! I’ve been trying to figure it out for about 6 months now but alas, a career and mama-world makes it difficult to just up-route and leave the country. I guess all I could say as someone who truly appreciates your craft, to put credence in people’s perspectives like that which is published directly above would only provide them with the gratification that they could influence your personal power. They need to be “so ordinary” and because you strive to tap your absolute strength challenges them to look deep within themselves and question their own short-comings. I appreciate that you are striving to make your mark in this world. Hopefully one day your fame will bring you back to Canada.
Cheers
November 9th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Ryan,
I don’t post here often, but I do lurk quite a bit eagerly anticipating updates on your new music. I’ve got a lot of admiration for your talent and a day doesn’t go by wherein I don’t have an urge to listen to something from Stage, or Elephant, or come here and play Right Now on that little audio player dohickey. I know it’s generally not cool to throw someone’s words back in their face, but in this case, I think you might feel differently. I don’t know who you were talking to when you orginally wrote this song, but it seemed to fit the occasion:
“So thanks for my music
Know that I used it
I named every song after you
The guitar is stronger
I learned how to love her
The wood brings me closer to truth
I know where you are
I just want to thank you
The pain made me stronger
The artist is what I will stay
Know I forgive you
I hope I outlive you
I’m glad that you stood in my way
I know where you are..”
Can’t wait for your new record.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
this statement may be measly to most, but this i know is evident:
“You’re Awesome!”