Meet Brett Ryder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Ryder.

Hi Brett, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started playing bass when I was just nine years old. The instrument was bigger than me at the time. I loved the funk that bass brings to the music. Soon I started playing guitar and singing and I have been non-stop ever since. I have performed on stages all across Georgia and have been playing festivals, events, and gigs solidly over the last few years.

Although I play a lot of rock, grunge, alternative and pop covers, I also write and produce my own music. My first two singles are called I Love Myself and Come Along.  My third single is entitled Summer Breeze and it will be available mid May.   All of my songs are available everywhere you stream music.  My lyrics delve into themes of humanity, personal growth, and enjoying life. There is often a positive message behind my words.

I draw inspiration from the likes of Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, Mac Miller, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, and Anderson Paak. Although these great musicians all might be from different genres, they all have influence to my sound. I have performed at major festivals, including the Duluth Fall Festival and Suwanee Fest, as well as played at many different restaurants and bars and dozens of charity events.

Additionally, I have had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Atlanta Open and being chosen as a 2024 Spokesperson and Ambassador for Be The Voice – an organization that promotes inclusion and kindness in our schools.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing is ever smooth, it’s all in how you navigate it. I find that because I’m still young, bookers and agents all sort of stick to giving their long-time friends and circle the good opportunities and jobs, and I was left just “filling in” for when someone inevitably canceled. So, I got resourceful and started making connections and hustling to find all of my own gigs and that has kept me very busy!

I have also been producing and recording my original music and that always has its challenges, for instance, I recently got the flu and was out of commission and unable to sing for almost a month which pushed back my release date for my newest single – Come Along – by a few weeks. I have learned there are some things that you cannot control. I’ve also had to balance school and my career since I was in 9th grade, so that was another hurdle along the way. I just go with the flow and continue pushing forward no matter the obstacle that I encounter.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I sing all vocals and play all instruments and sounds on my tracks. I specialize in creating music that is crafted for live performances, songs that can be played acoustically or with a band, but without a backing track.  I strive for an authentic connection with my audience and on stage is where I feel most alive. Ryder Records is my label under which my songs are published and it was one of my goals to create a publishing company before I graduated high school – which is happening this May and which (as a side note) I was just honored with being selected as Valedictorian.  I am also an artist who sells my original works and I design my own album covers. I think what sets me apart from everyone else is that I do everything myself – songwriting, recording, publishing, and marketing. I do work with a talented producer named Micheal Cummings though to help tie all my thoughts seamlessly together and produce a great beat.  Meanwhile, I’m doing this all while still in high school and taking college classes at the same time. My drive, determination, and grit are my points of differentiation.

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?
Everyone is concerned about AI (Artificial Intelligence) taking over the music industry, but I’m not – there is no substitute for live music and authenticity. The energy that comes from playing and listening to live music is not easily duplicated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brettryder.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/brettrydermusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/brettrydermusic
• Twitter: www.x.com/brettrydermusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrettRyder
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brettrydermusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/brettrydermusic