Influenced by artists ranging from Drake to Celine Dion, Southern California based singer-songwriter Ryan Ellis’ latest entry, “Better Days,” has already gone viral since its official debut last month. The Grammy nominated married father of three, who has previously served in the U.S. Navy and toured Afghanistan, describes the highly infectious - not to mention super inspirational - tune as a “hopeful prayer.”
Muzikscribe: Let’s hop right into this latest single, “Better Days” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Ryan Ellis: Thank you, guys, for having me! Such an honor. “Better Days” comes from a place of vulnerability. I think I said out loud one morning, “GOD CALLED ABOUT MY PRIDE, I THINK I MISSED THE MESSAGE,” and it just sparked the whole song. I wanted to be real raw, a song that showed people like, “hey, I’m a Christian artist, but I don’t know everything and don’t have it all together I just know we’re going to see some better days.” The song development felt more like a prayer if anything.
Muzikscribe: How then does “Better Days” either differ and / or compare to previous Ryan Ellis entries?
Ryan Ellis: I feel like this song feels more vulnerable and hopeful, and at the same time…I think that’s hard to do sometimes; either a song is super hopeful and encouraging or super emo vibes. Wanted to keep everyone in all the feels. I feel like that’s what faith feels like.
Muzikscribe: What particular string of events actually led to your current signing to / with Provident Label Group / Sony Music?
Ryan Ellis: I started off as a songwriter. I wrote for some amazing artists and work a lot behind the scenes. And, really love it! But I had a batch of songs that I really believed in, and I just thought, “you know, you’ll never know unless you know!” And I decided to try stepping into the artist role. Met some amazing people at Provident, and it just felt like the right decision.
Muzikscribe: As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?
Ryan Ellis: I try and draw from what I feel I need to hear. Sometimes the inspiration comes from a collective revelation in the room. It can be a word or even a phrase someone might say that could spark the first line of the song. Just being open and staying present has always been my best way of writing.
Muzikscribe: Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Ryan Ellis?
Ryan Ellis: My Mother was a huge part in my love for music. We would sing all the classics together growing up. Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, ABBA, Journey, musicals like Rent and West Side Story. We would write funny songs and I would show her my poems. She really helped me foster and grow my music. Wouldn’t love music the way I do without my mom.
Muzikscribe: Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Ryan Ellis: I grew up in San Diego, California. I’m a ‘90’s kid so I grew up listening and falling in love with a wide variety of artists. From Musiq Soulchild, David Gray to (A) Tribe Called Quest and John Mayer. I honestly am inspired and influenced by every genre.
Muzikscribe: Having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
Ryan Ellis: This must be the hardest one for me.
…I would say Christian Pop Soul R&B vibes. Is that a genre?
Muzikscribe: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Ryan Ellis: I want people to know that there is hope. That God is always for you. And, that they are not alone.
Muzikscribe: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Ryan Ellis: Love to collab with Ye, Timbaland, Dr. Dre, JB, Pharrell, Timberlake, Jon Bellion, Tori Kelly. List is long… Lol …inspired by all of them.
Muzikscribe: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Ryan Ellis: Something ‘bout Madison Square Garden.
Muzikscribe: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
Ryan Ellis: I think more than ever, if you’re an artist or a creative it’s YOUR time! If you want to release, just record in your garage and post it up. There are so many resources and ways to promote your music independently that weren’t around before. There’s a lot that still needs to change, but I have hope; don’t let that stop your grind and passion!
Muzikscribe: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Ryan Ellis: Love and Consistency and Purpose. Finding those things, you can do anything.
Muzikscribe: Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Ryan Ellis: I’d love to write some movies or like a Netflix special. Maybe even Broadway, that would be fire!
Muzikscribe: To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Ryan Ellis: For me, getting nominated for a Grammy for Best Christian Contemporary Song. That was just an amazing experience altogether; going to the award show, seeing people I’ve looked up to for years all in one spot ! Such an honor to be considered.
Muzikscribe: What’s an average day like for you?
Ryan Ellis: Hmm…it’s been hard for me to get a good routine down. My world revolves around my 3 kids right now. So, whenever I get time cut out from that, I’m usually in the studio or making content. Been grinding on this next project.
Muzikscribe: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
Ryan Ellis: I love when I get to interact with fans. When they come up and tell me they’ve been listening or a story of how a song helped them, I love it. I’m in it with them …I remember so many times meeting people that had an impact on me and it wasn’t the best experience. So, I try my best to be present and thankful because I know what a blessing it is to have that interaction.
Muzikscribe: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Ryan Ellis: Waiting for music to come out, lol! I love the whole process, the relationships, the writing, that moment when lightning strikes and everyone in the room feels it…but then you got to submit it and wait for the label and all the marketing teams and all that stuff. I wish I could just cut it and release...but honestly, marketing is everything. I’m still learning and thankful for a solid marketing team, but I guess I’m just impatient. Lol!
Muzikscribe: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Ryan Ellis: Don’t…lol…see the footprints…see the passion, the drive, and carve your own path...you have a voice and a uniqueness that will only be really recognized if it’s forged in the fire and made authentically by you. I would say be kind to everyone, but be relentless. You just have to go after it!
Muzikscribe: As for the immediate, what's next for you, Ryan?
Ryan Ellis: Next steps are to get this next radio single out! After that, sharing the vision for the whole album and spending as much time with my family and loved ones while doing it.
