We were lucky to catch up with Izzy Ryder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Izzy , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m very secure in my role as a song-writer in the world. I believe that our purpose is to do whatever can make the most people happy. I’ve tried again and again to be of utmost use in a traditional work setting. On construction sites, in bars and in restaurants. I haven’t been able to reach the pinnacle of positive human connection like I have from the stage. Being an artist entails many of the same character -building journeys that regular jobs entail.  Maintaining schedules, meeting demands, improving your skill-set, pleasing customers/audiences, ensuring profitable returns. I’m in no way immune to the typical struggles of the common working man, and  having been one I would say that working for somebody else can often be the path of least resistance. The frustrations and fears of inadequacy still linger as a creative, just behind the curtains of a “shiny” Instagram profile.

Izzy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At age 14, I began performing as a one woman band around the North Texas area, with a kick drum and a foot tambourine. I often wrote songs on the spot in front of an audience for the thrill of it. Throughout the past 10 years, I’ve been fortunate to be mentored and supported by some incredible artists in the industry that has given me the courage to continue in this field.
About the songs: they are in summary letters to myself and those alike. They’re about the stubborn difficulties I’ve had with understanding and accepting healthy love, whether towards myself or towards those whose flaws I’ve let wound me. They are divine impulses describing the angst of a tongue-tied introvert; always finding themselves looking inward and struggling to accept the life notion of “it is what it is”.
I guess the songs are about normal living, with a percussive element.

I’m currently working on the release of my debut record of 11 songs. Recorded with the Disarmers and producer River Shook from Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did on this album. I can’t wait for it to be out.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

That I had to be 100% self-sufficient. I was always fearful of inviting others into my creative space because I didn’t want to rely on anybody who would inevitably let me down. I tried to put together a band in my teens and found that my mates would regularly miss rehearsals, show up intoxicated, and would have no interest in mutual discourse.
However, I’m a little older now and have tried again with different folk. I found that comradery with people who have a similar trajectory, passion and respect for the craft as you do can be an incredibly rejuvenating human experience. Growing alongside like-minded individuals is not only the key to creative longevity but can also help with a sense of belonging.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

When I was 17, John Paul White told me to attempt to succeed in every career field. Only if I was unable to make any of them work, only then should I pursue music.
Many believe that the industry is oversaturated. That we need more electricians, mechanics and plumbers. Although it is true we need more tradesmen, many who are working musicians aren’t just doing it because it’s a “ticket out”. May do it because they’ve already sought every other avenue and found they were of best use creating a sense of escape for those electricians, mechanics and plumbers. And because it’s fun. We should all do what makes us happy. Who cares what anybody else says.

Contact Info:

• Website: izzyjaye.bandzoogle.com
• Instagram: @justizzyryder
• Other: Booking: [email protected]