Having originally made his mark as the brains behind the indie-rock outfit Driip over the last few years, singer, songwriter and producer Ryan J. Clary is now ready to start a new life under his latest alias The Good In People.
Having spent the majority of his life creating original music and chasing the dream of recording a full length studio album, The Good In People is his first chance to finally realise his full potential. While the full-length is still under construction, he has been documenting his journey with a series of new 'Making Of' videos that look to give his audience an inside look into his process.
So with his new material underway, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums. I used to pull out all of family’s pots and pans when I was really young and make my own drum kit. My parents bought me my first set when I was 6.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
There are so many. The music I make is a melting pot of all of my inspirations over the years. *NSYNC, BSB, Elton John, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem, Guns N Roses, Dr Dre. The list goes on. Music is a beautiful thing and every genre has something really great to offer.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I joined my first band in high school and we were heavily influenced by Guns N Roses and Motley Crue. We’d drive around blasting 80’s rock, smoking cigarettes, just kind of lived in our own little world. We played all these school sanctioned gigs and even got kicked off stage one time by the state senator. We loved playing really loud. But I’ve always lived a wide range of music, pop, hip hop and alt rock have always been my favourites.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I cannot remember but I used to love singing and air guitaring along with Raffi and Barney. I’ve just always felt a strong connection to music. But I think the first time I was like “that’s what I want to do” is when I got into *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. I’d put on concerts for my family all the time just singing and dancing to there music.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Hmm I’m not really sure. I guess whatever I had been vibing to lately. Probably something upbeat to start the day off.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Most of them. I tend to write about love and what’s on my mind. Which leads me to writing about my girlfriend often.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I’ve had a lot of truly great memories. I’ve shared stages with some incredible musicians and played in front of many loving crowds. Right before COVID we opened up for a band called the Family Crest and it was a blast. One of the biggest crowds I’ve played in front of yet, and we had a great time. We also got kicked off of stage in New York last fall haha. We were having a great time, crowd was digging it and then the sound guy gave us the light. I decided to just keep on playing and the sound guy ran to the front of the stage and shut it down. The crowd chanted for more, even the band on next wanted us to keep going. I’ve always had a memorable experience when playing in New York.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Well I love art and being creative, but I also love helping people who are less fortunate. When I’m not making music I’m a Peer Specialist. I use my own lived experience to help people struggling with their mental health and/or substance abuse. It’s the only other thing I could see myself doing for a living besides playing music.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I think I kind of answered this in the last question. But acting has always been something that I wished I had pursued more. I’ve done a couple little acting things for fun with friends and it gave me that same rush or high that music does.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Do it for the right reasons. I truly love music and love playing music. Trying to make a career out of it is not an easy thing. Just love and appreciate every minute of the journey no matter the result, and you’ll be good. And BE NICE!!!
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The Good In People will release their first album later this year, and you can watch the first 'Making Of' episode in the player below.