When the Splendour 2015 lineup broke, we were stoked to see that the one and only Ryan Adams was making his way to Australia.
Both solo (at the Sydney Opera House) and supported by his band The Shining, Adams and co will treat Australia and New Zealand to a handful of highly anticipated headline shows this July.
This will be Adams’ first tour of Australia and New Zealand since his acclaimed 2012 Ashes and Fire solo theatre tour and will be the first time he plays Down Under with a full band in six years. So to celebrate we caught up with a number of talented local artists and vocal Ryan Adams fangs to see just how the songwriter has shaped the Aussie music landscape.
Patrick James
Ryan Adams influcenced James “in the way the songs are recorded. Sometimes as a young singer/songwriter you can get very carried away with putting ‘everything’ in your recorded work and sometimes over doing it. He is a great example of how the rawest and most striped back arrangements can often be the best recordings, especially with the style of music that is being created.”
Favourite song: “‘When The Stars Go Blue’ – call me a softy but I just love this song. The vocal is so understated but in the best possible way. The recording is not overdone at all which really brings out the rawness when I listen, love hearing it.”
Ruby Boots
“I’m not going to nerd out Like I normally would but I will say that his songs drive me down right crazy, I’m probably more emotional on a regular basis listening to Ryan Adams songs that from anything else in life and thats all the inspiration you need any time of the day or night, they mess me up, move me and take me places I’ve never been before!
I love him so much. As an artist I love that he just doesn’t give two fucks and always does things on his terms too!”
Favourite song: “Not even possible! I need at least FIVE, I can’t even pick my one favourite song from just one album! ‘If I Am A Stranger’, ‘Pearls On A String’, ‘Sweet Illusion’, ‘Afraid Not Scared’, ‘Dirty Rain’.”
Catherine Britt
“Ryan’s music and the subtlety in his singing and strength in his songwriting has influenced by career over the years. I first heard about his music through a mutual friend Elton John and have bought every record since to keep up with his work. I have also seen him perform quite a few times over the years both here and in the US and always walk away totally inspired.”
Favourite song: “I would have to say my fave Ryan song would be ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina’ with the beautiful harmonies of Emmylou Harris wailing in the background. It’s perfection.”
Tigertown (Chris Collin)
“Owning every record by Ryan Adam has actually played a big part in my life, let alone my music. I was playing a solo show in Sydney 6 years ago and as a cover I sang ‘Come pick me up’. I asked a girl I knew on stage to sing with me and play harmonica, it was the first time we had sung together. Not long after we got married and started our band Tigertown.
Musically, nothing we’ve done sounds like Ryan, but he is one of the most inspiring song writers for both of us. We still play his records every road trip and get into deep conversations about his song writing and recording process.
We call it ‘giving our ears a bath’ when we need to hear five guys playing together in a room, recording the old fashioned way. Not many do it like that anymore. Also, I bought my black Stratocaster, purely because Ryan plays the same one.”
Favourite song: “‘Shadowlands’. Love is Hell is one of the most beautiful, dark albums I’ve ever heard and this track paints such a rich picture. I also think about that guitar solo every time I pick up the guitar.”
Jason Ayres
“I used to be a straight up and down pop singer and writer to fit inside that box. But after discovering Ryan and after a few tours with his albums on repeat (like ‘Ashes and Fire’ and ‘Gold’) I felt more at ease with letting my writing go wherever it wanted to go. And it’s taken me to a folky, country place with hints of my past. And I love it here. Thanks Ryan.”
Favourite song: This changes daily… But today I have ‘Am I Safe’ on vinyl blasting through the house.
Upcoming Shows
Sunday, 19th July 2015
Forum Theatre, Melbourne (18+)
Tickets: Ticketmaster | 136 100
Tuesday, 21st July 2015
Sydney Opera House
Tickets: Sydney Opera House
Thursday, 23rd July 2015
Enmore Theatre, Sydney (AA)
Tickets: Ticketek
