We recently connected with Ryan Alexander Foster and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ryan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Most recently, I performed at the Swissotel Chicago in collaboration with Sofar Sounds. It was a quick set in an intimate setting of surprise performers. During the opening of my set, we had high energy, and soonafter I realized my sustain pedal for my keyboard died. Clearly I’m not one to hide my emotions, because I confessed to the crowd at the end of the song. The set was still a great vibe with one of my favorite drummers, David Blair II.

As I’m selling hoodies at the merch table, a couple walks up to me and as says,

“Hey Ryan, I’m really sorry to hear about your sustain pedal. I want to buy you another one, and that can be my donation to you. I also want to two buy tickets to your next show.” He then points and says, “My lady here was my Super Bae and now she’s my fiancee, and we really connect with that song because we used to be long distanced.”

Love the show testimonies like that because it’s a reminder of why we must be vulnerable and honest in our music. The couple came to my Promontory B-Day Bash, and gifted me a sustain pedal which I later used for the show that night. Couldn’t say thank you enough!

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’m your modern day renaissance man, actively playing drums and piano. I’m also an independent artist with my own production company, that produces for commercials, movies, PSA’s, private events, and more. To say the least, I’m following the path that has been paved. It’s a dream that I’m living, as I’ve been able to travel for performances from Chicago to LA, New York, Canada, Mexico, and surrounding cities. Grateful to carry the energy of my city to all these places and represent for all my supporters. This year I’ve been able to produce multiple events at Promontory Chicago and Soho House Chicago, featuring surprise guest artists, an EP release party, music video release event, and a live seven piece band. I was most proud of becoming an officially registered LLC company, It’s RA Productions LLC. If you need to book for live events, private events, and weddings please book at ItsRA222.com.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I believe one of the biggest resources that we negate are the people around us. If you know how to use it, networking can be a powerful tool. Understanding the importance of relationship building is how we are able to operate more as a unit versus someone putting all the pressure on themselves. Building a team of thinkers, creators, and visionaries will only strengthen everyone involved. The mindset to do it by yourself is self destructive, because at some point we will all need a helping hand. Be kind to people. Be transparent about your intentions. Be genuine with people.

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

Creatives have a rule to reach 10,000 hours in a respective craft. Once completed you will become a master at it. I remember being told this around 13, and thinking, “Would I be crazy to attempt to reach 10,000 hours in multiple fields?” No, not crazy at all. Sometimes even I forget that I’m on this marathon type of timeline for rapping, singing, producing, songwriting, booking, promoting, ect. What I remember most of all about that moment, is how I commited I was. I guestimated how long it’d take, shrugged, and got right to work. I encourage anyone to do more than one thing. Knowledge is becoming easier and easier to attain, and if we really invest more time in other areas you can generate more income for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: itsra222.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.alexander222/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryan.Alexander222/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATFPUKp9loiTCTDr1eO3WA?view_as=subscriber
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wsRQ7pQwY9wictrmMGmL1?si=46yYfC6PQzuaPGIrHz1kZg https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-alexander/1192903080

Image Credits
@KieferoFlix @SiaBePhotography @FrazerHarrison