Interview - Ryan Young

 

You've been gigging around Sheffield for quite a while now, do you still enjoy it as much as you did when you first started out?

 

I do enjoy Sheffield, but I find myself spending more time out of Sheffield the more I've been gigging. I feel like that's a good thing most of the time. I love travelling and seeing other places, and I've always had the idea of getting away from Sheffield and seeing to the bigger stages in music. I still enjoy the odd gig here though!

 

When was it that you did first start playing in Sheffield, and what do you remember of the gig?

 

I first played when I was 13/14 at the Boardwalk, I think. I don't remember much of the gig apart from, as you can expect, my friends and family coming - it was a real show of support. But, we were young and thought we would be selling out Wembley 'this time next year Rodney' kind of thing went down. My first solo gig was this time last year, around march actually, I really can't remember anything of that gig, I was older and found refuge within alcohol.

 

Are you noticing a core group of fans coming to see you at gigs?

 

I have been noticing so much more of a support base coming to see me wherever I go, and it is overwhelming. Sometimes when I go on stage I can see people singing my songs back to me and shouting my name even when I'm setting up my guitars. It's really a difference to when I first started. Quite something to make a name for yourself.

 

You spent a bit of time in Australia, how do you feel that has shaped you become a musician?

 

I did yeah, it pretty much made me the lad I am today and i would not have been playing music as a solo artist if I didn't go. It was definitely the best move I made to get away for a while. I wrote my first few songs sat on the beach with a pint. I'll never forget that trip, and I'll never underestimate the power of travel and what sense of regeneration it can give you.

 

As a solo artist, do you feel you need to have extra confidence when you walk on stage to play?

 

Definitely, I do. I mean, I've experienced both sides of it, with being in a band, and you get the sense of you can rely on band members through good and bad. If you get criticism in a band, at least it's not just "oh shit I'm doing something wrong," it's a collective. Now as a solo artist, the amount of pressure to release a song is huge because once it's out it's all me. Sticking your heart out on the line if you would. Same principle when you walk out on stage. So every time I do, I tell myself I'm the bravest before I go out. That way, I'm already proud of myself by the time I've come off, for going on. Fans usually appreciate that, which is key.

 

Hypothetically, if you were to add an all-star band to your act, who would you have on drums, guitar, and bass?

 

Well one day, I tell you mate, it won't be hypothetical! I'll persuade these geezers to be in my team! But, I'd say on drums I'd like Matt Helders. His talent and technique is flawless. He's so unique and continues to drive moulds and trends in drumming on each song. Plus, you get those heart melting falsetto whines that I love! My bassist...well I'd stick Joe Carnall on I guess. As a young, aspiring musician how amazing would it be to play onstage with one of Milburn?! Bearing in mind I'd only have these two musicians, if I was allowed I would tie a headband round my noggin' and ''pretend'' to be Hendrix or Mark Knopfler.