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Interview: Andy Ryan

First of all, thanks for setting aside some time for this exclusive Rafans interview. And congrats on the new label!

Thanks alot man! Always got some time for you Sam!

How was Locobazooka?

Locobazooka was great! It was a long day of music. I ran into a lot of old friends there as well. It was also my first time seeing one of my favorite bands, alice in chains. They absolutely blew me away! great day

That must have been amazing. Not only getting to see one of your favorites, but to share the bill with them as well must have been a dream come true. Did you get to hang out with anyone backstage?

Unfortunately no. It was a pretty crazy day for me, I was just happy to watch from out front.

For a while there, it was a little quiet in the Ra camp. How'd you spend the break? Did you get a chance to rest up?

Did I ever! Most of my time was spent practicing and doing yard work by the pool.

I hear that! Now that things have picked up, are you excited to get out of the yard and get back on the road and then start recording?

You know it!!!! Can't wait for a nice long run.

Any particular venue you're looking forward to playing when you're out on the road?

I always look forward to playing new venues. Also can't wait to get to pa and see my buddy Sam again!

I'm gonna hold you to that one! I got spoiled with 3 shows last fall, but I'm due for another one, haha. Do you have a favorite song to play live?

I love playing rectifier live! I don't know why, I just do. I have a feeling that don't turn away will become my most favorite pretty soon though.

Don't Turn Away is amazing! It's also your first official recording with the band. How excited are you for the fans to hear it?

I was very worried about what the fans would think at first. My drumming is a lot different than what the fans are used to. Now that I've heard some of the early feedback, I'm not so worried. I'm grateful to be able to record with such great musicians.

I think you brought a lot of intensity to the track. It's got to be kind of a release for you. Now we get to see what Andy Ryan is really about.

Why thank you. It's an intense track, and we needed some intense motherfucking drums to go along with it. It was definitely a release for me. I try to push it to the limit every time I play, and I'm glad that it really came through on the track - 'cause that's really what I'm all about.

For newer fans or fans who might not know, how did you land the Ra gig?

It was one of those infamous "who you know" situations. My friend rob (hypersolid) knew Ben. They happened to run into each other when Ra was looking for a replacement. My friend Rob said I was the guy for the job, and the rest is history.

Well, Rob was right! Was there any initiation process? Did Sahaj ever make you shave his head?

Unfortunately, I can't speak of any of that.

Haha, ok, we can leave it at that. BUT on the subject of Sahaj's head... fashion statement? or beating nature at it's own game?

I think it's a little of both. also, it's pretty easily maintained on the road.

You've been playing drums for 15 years now, what/who got you into drumming?

John Bonham, and my brother.

You've mentioned Junkchief as a prior band, but the one I want to hear about is the wedding band gig. Ever have any Steve Buscemi moments? You never had to sing "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", did you?

It was actually a great gig! I didn't have to sing. All I had to do was show up and have fun. I did meet some pretty interesting people at the weddings, though. most of them were completely plastered out of their heads!

How long were you in Junkchief?

I was in junkchief for about 5 yrs.

Have you been in any other bands? Any recordings out there for the enthusiasts to look for?

I've been in many bands, nothing really out there though.

Over the past year and a half you've shared the stage with a lot of different bands. Do you have a favorite band to tour with?

I had a lot of fun touring with breaking point. Those guys are the best!

If you could book 4 bands (past or present) to play with Ra, who would they be?

Tool, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Mudvayne

Have you had any embarrassing moments while performing on stage?

Just dropping sticks and so-forth. One time, Ii had a limited supply of sticks. I ended up breaking them all in one night. We had to hold up the show, and have a tech run to the trailer and get some crappy spares. Yea, that was embarrassing!

Well, at least it means you were kicking some ass up there! What's been your favorite Ra moment so far?

My favorite ra moment? That's a tough one. Probably flying out to seattle to do a show(my first fly date). We opened for a national act whose name I will omit. It was also a show for some calendar girl search. I just had a great time being somewhere new, kicking ass, and having a ball. The fans were great, the radio station was great, and it was all around a good trip.

Ra has always been very in touch with the fans, what's your experience been like so far, meeting fans at shows, on the old Raband boards, Rafans, Myspace, etc.?

Everyone has been soooo great to me. Ra fans are truly some of the nicest most caring people I've ever met. It was something I never expected. I don't consider them fans - I consider them friends.

There aren't many bands that have that kind of relationship with their fans. I hope you know how much we enjoy and appreciate it!

Ehh, it ain't nothin.

When you're not touring/playing how do you like to spend your free time?

I love to drive, hang out with my girl, hang by the pool, and always, always practicing!

Any favorite travel destinations?

Arizona is the best!

You're also a fan of art. Do you do any of your own? Or just a fan?

Just an enthusiast.

Anyone we should check out?

Alex Grey

Ok, last question and then I'll let you go... Corey Haim or Corey Feldman?

Neither, Corey Taylor!

That is.... CORRECT! Anything you want to say to your friends before we go?

Big ups to Brooklyn baby! also... look out for ra "raw" oct. 24th!

Well Andy, thank you very much for taking time out for this interview, I had a great time. On behalf of everyone on Rafans, thank you for the amazing music and shows. And best of luck to you and the band as you start this next chapter. We look forward to everything that is to come!

Thank you Sam, it's always a pleasure. See you soon man!