We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I strive to relate to people through my own experiences. To connect with the masses as a cautionary tale and an advocate for hope and change within yourself. From love to health crises, I do my best to document my journeys and ask the tough questions. I hope when I’m gone, people will take the core of my art and strive to do better, be kinder, and deal with reality without blinders.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Dealing with undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder for my entire life, a therapist finally convinced me to write in melody and rhyme as an outlet and form of coping and self therapy. Learning instruments came with learning specific chords to bring those writings to life. I joined bands here and there all the while keeping my public singing journal alive. I finally decided to take my solo work to the next level and have been traveling the country singing my story to whoever would listen. I create catchy melodies to gather audiences attention, but the lyrics are where the real treasure hunters prevail.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In June 2021 I was diagnosed with an incurable blood & bone cancer called Multiple Myeloma. That along with a hip bone disorder and a proper Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis, I continue to fight daily to share my story and write about my experiences. I live in chronic bone pain and mental torment, but trudge through to do what I love and spread my messages.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
I made an EP about my experience with veganism and animal rights and put all the proceeds into donations for various animal sanctuaries in the Kansas City, MO area where I’m from. Marketing wise it was a huge challenge. Convincing people to face their own culinary decisions was no easy task and I went extreme with the EP, recording actual slaughterhouse audio and using it in the music. Marketing songs about how we treat sentient beings to non vegans was a bit easier when presented in folk music form. All in all the word spread and I was able to make some money for innocent animals rescued from death row.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/foxlin
- Instagram: @foxlinband