We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Manalili recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
Being a first generation Asian-American, when I first told my parents that I wanted to pursue music, I expected them to laugh and think I was crazy. I know a lot of Asian-Americans who were expected to join the military, or become a nurse but, with my parents it was always a “as long as you’re happy” deal with them.
They have been my biggest supporters since I started taking music more seriously, and truly believe in me.
They have me the push to start, and the fuel to keep going.
Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into songwriting at a young age. Well I think it was more so “poetry” since I didn’t pick up the guitar until I was a teenager. I would write about anything and everything whenever I wasn’t out with my friends.
I never really told my friends that I wanted to pursue music until the later years in High School.
I started doing shows, and even started a band with a few buddies.
When I was in college, I took a long break from music to deal with financial issues with my family, and sort of become their cushion if they ever needed me to be.
My dad working two jobs, and mom beating cancer, I wanted to help them as much as I could and wasn’t making much money from music.
But now i’m back and more than ready to get the ball rolling. I’m just getting started!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I learned a “do it yourself” mentality when I started doing music again after my break.
I would keep all my songs to myself and wanted to release them but didn’t know how to or even where to start.
I realized that sometimes its ok to ask questions, and its ok to learn from other people.
I have so many talented people in my circle who are all successful musicians/artists, and if they are willing to help, why not?
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve wanted to give up so many times. It gets hard in this industry since it’s such a competitive field and to be honest with you, there are days where I still feel this way. But, when I look back on what I’ve done these past few years I’m a lot further than where I was, the journey is everything.
No destinations, enjoy the ride.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/ryanmanalili
- Twitter: twitter.com/ryanmanalili
- Youtube: youtube.com/ryanmanalili
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdb9LU4w/
Image Credits
Seagge Abella IG: @seaggeabella Patrick Doherty IG: @filmdaddy47 Regina Noval IG: @reggiesetgo